Contractual Freelance Python Programmer Jobs in Poway, CA

The USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) is an Army-affiliated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) that conducts groundbreaking work at the intersection of computer science, engineering, and human interaction. ICT brings together experts in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, simulation, immersive media, and human performance to advance the state of the art in training, education, health, and national security. Researchers and engineers at ICT collaborate across disciplines to design, develop, and evaluate cutting-edge technologies with real-world impact, often in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies.
About the Role
The Software Engineer / Developer will design, build, and maintain advanced software systems in support of DoD-related research and development efforts. This role requires strong technical execution, collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to translate research concepts into scalable, real-world applications.
You will work closely with researchers, engineers, and government stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions across areas such as simulation, immersive technologies, and interactive systems.
This position may involve work on projects that require access to classified information.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software systems and applications supporting research and development initiatives.
• Write clean, maintainable, and production-ready code; participate in code reviews to ensure quality and integrity.
• Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and external partners to implement technical solutions for complex problems.
• Contribute to system architecture, integration, and full software development lifecycle (SDLC) activities.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, and performance tests; troubleshoot and debug issues across systems.
• Analyze system performance and optimize software for scalability, reliability, and security.
• Evaluate system flows, data usage, and workflows to identify improvements and resolve problem areas.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and best practices and apply them to ongoing projects.
• Support documentation, technical reporting, and presentations to stakeholders.
• Up to 20% travel may be required to support collaboration with government sponsors and project stakeholders.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Strong knowledge of current game engines and architectures, including Unity, Unreal, and full stack related architectures.
• Basic understanding of geospatial technologies, concepts, data, and applications (e.g., ESRI, QGIS, Cesium).
• Experience with one or more programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, C/C++, Java, or similar.
• Experience with web-based application development (e.g., frameworks such as Django, React, or similar).
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux environments.
• Experience with software testing practices, including unit, integration, and performance testing.
• Understanding of secure coding practices and scalable system design.
• Demonstrated ability to stay current with rapidly evolving technologies.
• Proven experience building and leading teams, fostering collaboration, and mentoring researchers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2-4+ years of experience in software development, programming, or related technical roles.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse teams and sponsors.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Must have a current or be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. For additional details, please refer to: https://www.state.gov/security-clearance-faqs/
• Preferred Locations: Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Orlando, FL.

Compensation
The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Why Work at ICT

• Work on impactful projects supporting real-world applications in defense and training.
• Collaborative, small-team environment with end-to-end ownership.
• Strong work-life balance.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 2 years with programming and documentation procedures, methods and operator instructions.
Minimum Skills: Experience conducting unit/performance tests, systems integration and user acceptance. Demonstrated experience with one or more relevant programming languages, able to gain needed contexts for domains. Comprehensive knowledge of architecture, design and development of software solutions. Excellent organization, planning, analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to provide technical expertise and creative solutions while aligned to organizational objectives and customer needs. Experience weighing economic costs and values objectively, supporting coworkers on a project basis, and contributing to discussions in a civil manner. Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to provide both detailed information as well as summaries to varied audiences. Substantial knowledge of security concepts, familiarity with secure code development techniques, and understanding of scalable and automated solutions. Ability to build strong, positive working relationships and rapport with heterogeneous groups of team members.
Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree In Computer Science Or Computer Engineering Or Electrical Engineering
Preferred Experience: 4 years in IT/programming.
Preferred Skills: Proficiency with Python, Javascript, C/C++, Java, Ruby and/or other advanced programming languages. Experience with Unix/Linux programming and/or administration. Experience in higher education.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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