1

Associate Programmer Jobs in Encinitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

Associate Engineering Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$38.50 - $48.50/hr

Rick Engineering Company (RICK) is seeking a confident and motivated Associate Engineering Designer to join our Land Development Group for our San Diego, California office. If you are looking for a ...

Mid-Level Programmer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Associate's Degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering * Certified completion of advanced level PLC and SCADA software training * 3+ years of experience in the water and wastewater SCADA ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Programmer information

See Encinitas, CA salary details

$18

$25

$39

How much do associate programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate programmer in Encinitas, CA is $25.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $33.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate programmer do?

An Associate Programmer is an entry-level software developer who assists in designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications. They typically work under the guidance of senior programmers or project managers, contributing to smaller modules or specific tasks within a larger project. Associate Programmers are responsible for writing clean code, fixing bugs, and learning industry best practices. This role often serves as a foundation for gaining experience and advancing to more senior programming positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Programmer, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, coding languages such as Java, Python, or C#, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and basic software development methodologies is important. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help set you apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for delivering reliable code, collaborating efficiently, and adapting to evolving project requirements.

What are some common challenges an associate programmer might face when working on a team project?

As an Associate Programmer, one common challenge is adapting to different coding styles and standards used by various team members. Effective communication is essential to understand project requirements and ensure smooth collaboration with designers, senior developers, and testers. Additionally, balancing multiple tasks or learning new technologies quickly can be demanding, but these experiences provide valuable opportunities for skill development and growth within the team.

What is the difference between Associate Programmer vs Junior Software Developer?

AspectAssociate ProgrammerJunior Software Developer
Required CredentialsTypically an associate's degree or relevant certificationsSimilar, often an entry-level degree or certification
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects in tech companiesEntry-level, often in software development teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in IT and software firms for entry rolesWidely used in tech industry for early-career roles
Comparison Search IntentYesYes

The main difference between an Associate Programmer and a Junior Software Developer lies in job titles used by employers. Both roles are entry-level, require similar educational backgrounds, and work in similar environments within the tech industry. The title 'Associate Programmer' is often used in corporate or structured environments, while 'Junior Software Developer' is more common in startups and tech firms. Both roles serve as stepping stones for a career in software development.

What can I do with an associate programmer's in computer programming?

An associate programmer typically performs tasks such as writing, testing, and debugging code under supervision, often using programming languages like Java, Python, or C++. This role provides foundational experience for roles like software developer or junior programmer and may involve working with development tools, version control systems, and collaborative environments. It often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced programming positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in Encinitas, CA?

The most popular types of Programmer jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What cities near Encinitas, CA are hiring for Associate Programmer jobs?

Cities near Encinitas, CA with the most Associate Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Programmer job openings in Encinitas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,272 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

2027 Associate Engineer GNC / Engineer GNC - CA

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman's MQ-4C Triton Program is seeking an Associate Engineer Guidance Navigation Control / Engineer Aeronautical to support the VMS team in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Vehicle Engineering group. In Vehicle Engineering, we develop manned and unmanned aircraft platforms for all programs in the Aeronautics Systems Sector.

The selected candidate will perform various Guidance & Control (G&C) tasks for the Triton Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) Program.

Essential Functions

The selected candidate will perform the following, including, but not limited to:

  • Non-linear 6DOF Simulation analysis (including stress testing, trade studies, mission analysis, etc).

  • Linear MATLAB analysis (gain/phase margin determination, gain/filter determination, etc).

  • Embedded flight control software designing, coding and testing.

  • Support flight testing (pre-flight predictions, real-time support, post flight analysis, parameter identification, etc).

  • Maintain or develop current state-of-the-art tools for the department by keeping abreast of new or improved G&C methods or processes.

  • Support proposal preparation efforts and new project activities, including technical, cost, and schedule.

This requisition may be filled at either an Associate Engineer GNC (level 1) or Engineer GNC (level 2).

Basic Qualifications for an Associate Engineer GNC (level 1)

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026.

  • Be majoring in or having majored in: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a similar STEM degree.

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite). Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access may be required to start.

Basic Qualifications for an Engineer GNC (level 2)

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Master's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026 or is completing their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of Aeronautical engineering experience (or similar engineering experience) by August 2026.

  • Be majoring in or having majored in: Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a similar STEM degree.

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite). Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access may be required to start.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.25/4.0 or higher

  • Previous internship/co-op or other work experience, leadership & teamwork capabilities, interpersonal communication skills, and activities (professional/community/extracurricular).

  • Experience in Matlab and Simulink

  • Knowledge of C/C++ and Python

  • Knowledge of flight sciences, control law development, or control system analysis.

  • Excellent communication, analysis and problem-solving skills

Pay Range CA

  • Associate Engineer GNC (T01): $76,200 - $114,400

  • Engineer GNC (T02): $91,800 - $137,600

Campusjobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $62,300.00 - $114,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $75,100.00 - $137,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939