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Associate Software Engineer Jobs in Salinas, CA (NOW HIRING)

R&D Software Integration Engineer

Hollister, CA

$167K - $208K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for a Software Engineer to join our R&D team. The R&D team is responsible for rapid evaluation of autonomy systems in a flight environment, and the development of future technologies ...

R&D Software Integration Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$167K - $208K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for a Software Engineer to join our R&D team. The R&D team is responsible for rapid evaluation of autonomy systems in a flight environment, and the development of future technologies ...

Software Developer III

Monterey, CA · On-site

$83K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Overview Software Developer III will support business objectives by delivering work on complex bug fixes, medium to complex enhancements and small projects. Requirements * 2+ years of software ...

Enterprise Developer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$6.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Software Developer II Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week FLSA: Exempt Anticipated Hiring Salary ... PURPOSE : Under the general supervision of the Associate Director of Enterprise Application ...

Enterprise Developer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$6.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Software Developer II Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week FLSA: Exempt Anticipated Hiring Salary ... PURPOSE : Under the general supervision of the Associate Director of Enterprise Application ...

Enterprise Developer

Monterey, CA

$6.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Software Developer II Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week FLSA: Exempt Anticipated Hiring Salary ... PURPOSE : Under the general supervision of the Associate Director of Enterprise Application ...

Cloud Engineer

Seaside, CA

$61.50 - $82.25/hr

Collaborate with software engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and system administrators to ensure ... Cloud certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate, Azure Administrator ...

Audio Visual Engineer

Salinas, CA · On-site

$38.42 - $48.03/hr

... software updates. * Manages video conferencing solutions to ensure proper functioning of video ... Associate's degree preferred. Licensure: None. Experience : Minimum of five (5) years' experience ...

... software updates. * Manages video conferencing solutions to ensure proper functioning of video ... Associate's degree preferred. Licensure: None. Experience : Minimum of five (5) years' experience ...

Automation Engineer

Salinas, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Using your technical expertise to provide support with troubleshooting and modifying software ... Associate's degree with a focus in Electronic Technology (or similar) * Bachelor's degree in a STEM ...

... software. - Excellent organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications: - Ability to adapt and ... With engineering and manufacturing capability in Arizona and California, our associates work ...

The QA Automation Engineer serves an important role in the Company by creating automated scripts to ... Associate Degree or equivalent experience (five or more years) in Quality Assurance - automated ...

The QA Automation Engineer serves an important role in the Company by creating automated scripts to ... Associate Degree or equivalent experience (five or more years) in Quality Assurance - automated ...

System Engineer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate Required to Start Qualifications: * I AT Level II ... Services include Software Development, Systems Integration, Data Management, Project Management ...

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Associate Software Engineer information

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How much do associate software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate software engineer in Salinas, CA is $45.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.79 and $48.03 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.

Is 25 too late to become a software engineer?

The associate software engineer role is open to individuals of various ages, and starting a career at 25 is common. Many successful software engineers begin in their mid-20s or later, often after gaining skills through coding bootcamps, online courses, or degree programs. Age is generally not a barrier if you develop relevant skills and gain practical experience.

What is an associate software engineer?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Salinas, CA?

The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Salinas, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Software Engineer jobs in Salinas, CA?

For Associate Software Engineer jobs in Salinas, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Salinas, CA are hiring for Associate Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Salinas, CA with the most Associate Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Software Engineer job openings in Salinas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,372 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Software Developer - Journeyman / Operations Research Software Engineer

MKS2 Technologies

Monterey, CA • On-site

$143K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

MKS2 Technologies, LLC, an award-winning high growth small business, creates innovative and customer-centric technology solutions in the areas of Cyber Security, Instructional Design and Training, Software Engineering and IT Support Services to improve the security and well-being of our clients. Our commitment to excellence and our "Mission First" orientation has resulted in steady growth and an expanding client base across government agencies. We have employees nationwide and for the past three consecutive years were named one of the fastest growing Veteran-owned companies in the nation. Please take a moment to browse through our website and learn more about what it means to serve with MKS2.
Software Developer - Journeyman / Operations Research Software Engineer
Location: Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA / Remote from contractor facilities, as appropriate
Clearance Required: U.S. Citizenship Required
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $143,000-$160,000
Position Overview
MKS2 is seeking a highly skilled Software Developer - Journeyman / Operations Research Software Engineer to support modernization of the Naval Postgraduate School Replenishment at Sea Planner (RASP), a government-owned software platform used for real-world Navy logistics planning, budgeting, and operational decision support.
This position will develop, maintain, and enhance optimization code, web-based interfaces, Excel/VBA tools, and Microsoft Office 365-enabled capabilities that support Navy replenishment-at-sea operations, multi-tier logistics modeling, consolidation event planning, and operational scenario development.
The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in Python, Pyomo, mathematical optimization, Navy logistics operations, and software engineering best practices, with the ability to translate complex operational requirements into professionally tested and executable software solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance RASP software using Python, Pyomo, GAMS, and related open-source or optimization environments.
  • Evaluate and support integration of advanced optimization tools, including NVIDIA cuOpt, where appropriate.
  • Develop and deploy an Excel/VBA front-end to support local RASP installations.
  • Support transition of RASP capabilities into Microsoft Office 365 environments.
  • Design, develop, and deploy web-based RASP user interfaces within Naval Postgraduate School-hosted computing environments.
  • Enhance RASP to support multi-tier logistics modeling, consolidation events, operational planning workflows, and replenishment-at-sea decision support.
  • Maintain and update interfaces between RASP and other funded Navy programs that align with RASP objectives.
  • Translate logistics, optimization, and user-interface requirements into executable, documented, and professionally tested software solutions.
  • Produce fully documented code, comments, repositories, technical reports, test results, benchmark outputs, and open-source component documentation.
  • Validate benchmarked outputs, minimize processing lag, identify defects, and troubleshoot software performance issues.
  • Support user acceptance testing, stakeholder feedback, and iterative software improvements.
  • Develop operational scenarios and provide technical support to NPS faculty and student research efforts.
  • Ensure all work complies with CUI, OPSEC, and government intellectual-property requirements.
Required Qualifications
Education
  • Master of Science degree required.
  • Degree requirement may be waived for candidates with ten (10) years of at-sea replenishment experience and strong evidence of advanced mathematical modeling skills.
Experience
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience with Python, Pyomo, and other open-source software systems.
  • Minimum five (5) years supporting Department of the Navy logistics commands in replenishment-at-sea operations.
  • Experience supporting operational analysis, scheduling improvement recommendations, and participation in wargames, exercises, or operations.
  • Minimum five (5) years developing or supporting Python web-server environments.
  • Demonstrated experience translating logistics, optimization, and user-interface requirements into executable, professionally tested software solutions.
Citizenship / Clearance
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with GAMS, Python/Pyomo optimization models, and advanced optimization tools such as NVIDIA cuOpt.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and Office 365 interface development.
  • Experience developing web-based user interfaces and deploying software in hosted server environments.
  • Knowledge of mathematical optimization, multi-tier logistics modeling, and consolidation event planning.
  • Strong software documentation, code repository management, testing, benchmarking, troubleshooting, and operational scenario-development skills.
  • Experience supporting Navy logistics, operational research, maritime planning, or replenishment-at-sea mission areas.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong understanding of mathematical optimization, logistics modeling, and operational decision-support tools.
  • Proficiency developing Python-based software solutions in structured, professional software environments.
  • Ability to work with Pyomo, GAMS, and related optimization frameworks.
  • Strong understanding of Python web-server environments and hosted application deployment.
  • Ability to develop intuitive user interfaces for technical and operational users.
  • Advanced Excel, VBA, and Office 365 development skills.
  • Strong technical documentation, software testing, benchmarking, and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Ability to collaborate with government stakeholders, faculty, researchers, students, and technical teams.
  • Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate Navy logistics requirements into practical software capabilities.
  • Ability to work independently while supporting complex software modernization objectives.
Work Environment
  • Work may be performed at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA or remotely from contractor facilities, as appropriate.
  • Supports government-owned software modernization efforts and Navy logistics decision-support tools.
  • Requires close coordination with NPS faculty, student researchers, Navy stakeholders, and technical development teams.
  • Must comply with CUI, OPSEC, and applicable government intellectual-property requirements.
Why Join MKS2
At MKS2, we support critical defense missions by delivering innovative technology, operational analysis, and software modernization solutions. Our teams work alongside government partners to improve mission readiness, operational planning, and decision-support capabilities across the Department of Defense.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: MKS2 Technologies is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.