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Associate Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The SAAM group is seeking a Software Engineer to join high-performing teams transforming advanced concepts and algorithms into software implementations for prototypes and operational systems. You ...

The SAAM group is seeking a Software Engineer to join high-performing teams transforming advanced concepts and algorithms into software implementations for prototypes and operational systems. You ...

Software Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

Associate Software Engineer ($40-$44 per hour) Join a high-velocity agile team where you'll ship production features, influence design decisions, and help power scalable SaaS products used across the ...

Associate Software Engineer

Cypress, CA · Remote

$60K - $107K/yr

Collaborating with Developers, SME, Application/Product owners, QAs, and Tech. Leads to provide automated infrastructure services in UAT regions * Follow structured methodologies in fulfilling ...

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$97

How much do associate software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate software engineer in California is $41.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.14 and $44.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Software Engineers when transitioning from academic projects to real-world development teams?

Associate Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to larger, more complex codebases and learning to work within established development workflows. Unlike academic projects, real-world development involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, adhering to coding standards, and following agile processes. Additionally, balancing learning new technologies with delivering features on tight deadlines can be demanding. However, support from mentors and structured onboarding programs usually helps smooth this transition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Software Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, algorithms, and data structures, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages like Java, Python, or C++, as well as experience using version control systems like Git, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering reliable software solutions, collaborating within development teams, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies.

What Is an Associate Software Engineer Job Description?

An associate software engineer works with a team of engineering professionals and developers to improve existing software or design new applications. As an associate software engineer, your job duties include coding software, coordinating with hardware engineers to ensure that different types of technology can run the software, and helping the QA team to test software before release. Typical qualifications for the career include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field and relevant technical experience with software applications. You also need excellent communication, coding, and analytical problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a team.

What is an Associate Software Engineer?

An Associate Software Engineer is an entry-level professional who assists in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers and are responsible for writing code, fixing bugs, and participating in team meetings. This role often serves as a stepping stone for recent graduates or those new to the software development field, helping them gain practical experience and develop technical skills. Associate Software Engineers usually work with a variety of programming languages and tools depending on the company and project requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,687 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Associate Software Engineer

Associate Software Engineer

STR

San Diego, CA

$93K - $115K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

About the Team:

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security. We have a particular focus on airborne/surface/space-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. We work on full system prototypes, experiment campaigns, and next generation technology components. Specific technical areas include RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, tracking/fusion, autonomous systems, as well as real-time embedded processor implementation.

The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division uses modeling and simulation (M&S) to analyze system capabilities, develop enabling algorithms, and take these integrated systems through test. We focus on the capabilities and limitations of ground, air, surface, and space sensing and counter-sensing platforms and the resource management of these assets to assure the survivability of US air and space assets. SAAM also leverages the emerging use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence in uncrewed systems and techniques to collect, fuse, and understand sensor data across full systems of systems to assure mission success. SAAM is developing software and hardware tools and datasets to support these analyses, including algorithms, processing chains, and scenarios to inform and deploy onto both prototype demonstration systems & operational systems. Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs.

The Role:

The SAAM group is seeking a Software Engineer to join high-performing teams transforming advanced concepts and algorithms into software implementations for prototypes and operational systems. You will work with scientists and engineers to design and implement algorithmic solutions to challenging national security problems. You will be responsible for enhancing the software architecture required to implement advanced algorithms in real-time hardware. You will also contribute to the development of engineer-facing tools and processes to facilitate long-term software development.

What you will do:

  • Collaboration: work as part of a small, focused team to implement and test real-time applications featuring open architecture software principles
  • System Development: leverage mature hardware systems and develop code to integrate them together, collaborating with SMEs across STR to leverage advanced algorithms where needed
  • System Test: work closely with test leads in the SAAM group to leverage testing capabilities across M&S and live test, leveraging Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) infrastructure
  • Customer Engagement: support and brief customers throughout the program lifecycle

Who you are:

  • Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to excel under limited guidance
  • Strong object-oriented programming skills in modern C++
  • Proficient in test-driven development and CI/CD practices
  • Experience with cross-platform development (Windows, Linux, iOS) and version control workflows
  • Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python
  • BS with 2+ years experience or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government

Even Better:

  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
  • 2+ years of experience with open architecture systems such as OMS/UCI and A-GRA
  • Experience with radar or EO/IR systems
  • Familiarity with real-time algorithm optimization, especially for radar or remote sensing applications
  • Experience with software quality tools (static/dynamic analysis, automated testing frameworks)

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $93,000 - $115,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.