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Cots Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$136K - $183K/yr

... COTS) hardware) • Support deployed software capabilities in the hands of our U.S. and international customers • Work full-time on-site in our office in Los Angeles (Hawthorne), California ...

Use COTS/GOTS and custom tools and processes to scan, identify, contain, mitigate, and remediate vulnerabilities and intrusions * Assist in implementing required government policy, including NIST ...

New

Test Lead

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$44 - $60/hr

Minimum one (1) year experience in testing the Contractor's COTS/MOTS for a DMS solution. Possession of a *Bachelor's degree. (Need copy of Bachelor degree) Regards Sunil Damagalla West Advanced ...

Showing results 21-40

Cots information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$86.9K

$154.9K

How much do cots jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for cots in California is $86,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a COTS?

COTS stands for Commercial Off-The-Shelf products, which are ready-made software or hardware solutions that are available for purchase by the general public. Unlike custom-built systems, COTS products are designed to be easily integrated into existing environments with minimal customization. Organizations often use COTS solutions to save time and reduce costs associated with in-house development. They are widely used in various industries for their reliability, vendor support, and quick deployment capabilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work with COTS?

To thrive as a COTS Software Specialist, you need expertise in software integration, requirements analysis, and a solid understanding of IT systems, often supported by a degree in computer science or information technology. Familiarity with enterprise systems (like ERP, CRM), scripting languages, and certifications such as CompTIA or vendor-specific credentials are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help professionals excel in adapting COTS solutions to specific organizational needs. These skills ensure efficient deployment, customization, and support of commercial software, maximizing its value and minimizing business disruptions.

What challenges do professionals face when working with COTS, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with COTS solutions often encounter challenges related to integration with existing systems, limited customization options, and ensuring ongoing compatibility with future updates. Addressing these challenges typically involves thorough requirements analysis before selection, engaging in robust testing phases, and fostering close collaboration with both internal stakeholders and COTS vendors. Building strong vendor relationships and keeping up-to-date with product changes are also critical for effective long-term management of COTS products.

What is the difference between Cots vs CNC Operator?

AspectCotsCNC Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in manufacturingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification in CNC machining
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, assembly linesMachine shops, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageCommon in furniture, healthcare, and electronics industriesPrimarily in metalworking, aerospace, and automotive industries

While Cots (components or parts) are used across various industries, CNC Operators specifically work with computer-controlled machines to produce precise parts. Understanding the difference helps in job searches and industry comprehension.

What cities in California are hiring for Cots jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cots job openings:

Infographic showing various Cots job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,916 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

CHAOS Industries

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$136K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with advanced sensing and detection solutions. They are seeking a highly-skilled and motivated Principal Software Engineer to support R&D and product engineering, focusing on next-generation radar products and collaborating across multiple capabilities within their offerings.
Responsibilities:
• Research & Development (R&D) and Production software development for our next-generation radar products
• Support system integration of software on hardware (mostly commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware)
• Support deployed software capabilities in the hands of our U.S. and international customers
• Work full-time on-site in our office in Los Angeles (Hawthorne), California
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s or higher Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related degree
• 5+ years of experience in professional, object-oriented software development
• Extensive/advanced Python experience
• Experience with Agile lifecycle processes including Scrum, Continuous Integration, and Test-Driven Development Methodologies
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and collaborate on small teams
• Solid understanding and extensive experience in software development using Linux
• U.S. Person status is required as this position will require the ability to access U.S.-only data systems
Preferred:
• Experience with HW/SW I&T and V&V of high-TRL systems
• Experience with production-level SW development & deployment, including DevOps, DevSecOps, and/or Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) using modern FOSS/COTS toolsets.
• Experience with SW development tools enforcing SW-development best practices (e.g. linting, code coverage, code quality/security scanning, doc gen, etc.)
• Experience with Networks (software and hardware)
• Experience with CUDA/JAX
• Experience with Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) (e.g. Ettus)
• Experience developing near-real-time systems
• Experience with additional languages such as C++, Rust, NodeJS, Java, Go, etc.
• Experience with git
• Experience with Containers (e.g. Docker, Podman, etc.)
Company:
CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. Founded in 2022, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.