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Dod Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Contribute to waveform development and DoD communications system enhancements. * Provide technical ... Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering ...

Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance* Principal/ Sr. Principal Software Engineer (LabVIEW/Test Stand) Our customer is currently seeking LabVIEW and TestStand Software Engineers to join their ...

Senior Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

SW Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance ... DoD joint domain strategy and standards. * Support software sustainment, enhancement, and ...

New

Senior Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $172K/yr

SW Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance ... DoD joint domain strategy and standards. * Support software sustainment, enhancement, and ...

New

Software Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Description Leidos Defense is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop and support the ... Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Experience ...

Software Engineer

National City, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Description Leidos Defense is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop and support the ... Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Experience ...

... DoD) training and mission systems environment. IMPACT: Works independently to achieve day-to-day ... Collaborate with software developers, system engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and training ...

... DoD) training and mission systems environment. IMPACT: Works independently to achieve day-to-day ... Collaborate with software developers, system engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and training ...

Software Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Description Leidos Defense is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop and support the ... Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Experience ...

Software Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Description Leidos Defense is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop and support the ... Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Experience ...

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Description Leidos Defense is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop and support the ... Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Experience ...

Software Engineer

Cardiff By The Sea, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Description Leidos Defense is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop and support the ... Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Experience ...

Software Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Description Leidos Defense is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop and support the ... Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Experience ...

Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance* Principal/ Sr. Principal Software Engineer (LabVIEW/Test Stand) Our customer is currently seeking LabVIEW and TestStand Software Engineers to join their ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dod Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do dod software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for dod software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DoD Software Engineer job?

A DoD Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems for the U.S. Department of Defense. They work on defense-related projects, including cybersecurity, weapons systems, and mission-critical applications. These engineers must often meet strict security and compliance standards, such as obtaining a security clearance. The role requires proficiency in programming languages, software development methodologies, and sometimes embedded systems. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of defense regulations are also essential.

What types of projects and daily responsibilities can I expect as a DoD Software Engineer?

As a DoD Software Engineer, you will typically work on projects involving secure, mission-critical systems, such as developing or maintaining defense applications, network security tools, or custom software for various military and governmental needs. Your daily tasks may include designing, coding, testing, and documenting software, as well as participating in code reviews and collaborating closely with cybersecurity specialists, systems engineers, and project managers. You’ll also be responsible for adhering to strict security and compliance requirements, ensuring that all software meets Department of Defense standards. This role provides opportunities to work on innovative technologies and complex challenges that have a direct impact on national defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Dod Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DoD Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages (such as Java, C++, or Python), and experience with secure software development, often backed by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with development tools, secure coding practices, and industry-standard frameworks, as well as certifications like Security+ or CISSP, are often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams are highly valued. These skills ensure the secure, efficient, and collaborative creation of software crucial to defense operations and national security.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dod Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Dod Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Dod Software Engineer jobs in California? For Dod Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dod Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Dod Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Dod Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Dod Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Dod Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Technical Task Lead - DoD SATCOM Software Systems

Technical Task Lead - DoD SATCOM Software Systems

KBR

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Technical Task Lead - DoD SATCOM Software Systems

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!


KBR is seeking a proactive and technically fluent Technical Program Manager (TPM) with experience in DoD Agile software acquisition, particularly in satellite communications (SATCOM) systems. This TPM will lead cross-vendor coordination and capability integration efforts for managing SATCOM Systems. You will partner closely with DoD stakeholders, technical leads, and contractor development teams to scope new capabilities, allocate workstreams, and ensure that software products meet mission objectives and enterprise architecture standards.

This role supports the Space Force's Space Systems Command through the MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) contract.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Capability Discovery & Product Scoping

  • Lead early-stage product discovery efforts to identify operational gaps in SATCOM management and monitoring systems.
  • Work with stakeholders and users to define capability needs and high-level functional requirements.
  • Inform initial vendor allocation decisions and technical feasibility assessments for new product lines.

2. Program Management & Cross-Vendor Coordination

  • Oversee the execution of multiple concurrent software products across heterogeneous Agile development teams (prime and subcontractor vendors).
  • Ensure work is prioritized based on mission-critical objectives and aligned with the overall enterprise SATCOM roadmap.
  • Track product delivery milestones, identify risks, and facilitate issue resolution across vendor teams.

3. Cross-Functional Technical Alignment

  • Coordinate across platform, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and software architecture teams to integrate SATCOM management capabilities.
  • Ensure compliance with DoD operational standards, security requirements, and the Software Acquisition Pathway.
  • Facilitate architecture and platform alignment reviews to mitigate integration risks.

4. Agile Execution Oversight

  • Support Agile planning and delivery across vendor-led development teams, including backlog alignment, sprint execution tracking, and product increment reviews.
  • Guide teams in refining technical stories to reflect mission use cases, performance metrics and end-user needs.
  • Champion transparency across cross-functional teams by managing dependencies and maintaining alignment on product goals.

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

  • Act as the program-level point of contact for DoD stakeholders, including operators, planners, and leadership.
  • Communicate technical progress and product value in terms that resonate with diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Host integrated demos and feedback loops to align product development with operational expectations.

6. Continuous Improvement & Innovation

  • Evaluate new opportunities for integrating analytics, visualization, and data fusion tools to improve SATCOM management capabilities.
  • Promote an Agile, feedback-driven development culture with an emphasis on continuous improvement and user-centric design.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects:KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment:Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work:Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Work Environment:

  • Location: On-site
  • Travel Requirements: None
  • Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications:

  • Ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, or related field
  • 8+ years of experience in technical management, product management, or systems engineering in a DoD environment
  • Experience and proven success managing software development programs across multiple contractors or vendor teams
  • Deep understanding of Agile frameworks (e.g., Scrum, SAFe) and the DoD Software Acquisition Pathway
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical issues into mission impact
  • Experience driving cross-functional collaboration between developers, platform engineers, and operational users
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products, such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Possess strong oral and written communication and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, or related field
  • Familiarity with MILSATCOM and COMSATCOM systems, EMI concepts, and RF spectrum management
  • Experience with EMI detection and geolocation tools, SATCOM status dashboards, or real-time operational monitoring platforms
  • Working knowledge of software testing, KPIs, and data analytics relevant to comms systems
  • Understanding of DoD DevSecOps environments, architecture compliance, and cybersecurity integration
  • Program management or systems engineering certifications, such as PMP, INCOSE CSEP or ESEP
  • Active Secret or higher clearance

About the MSEIT Program:
The MSEIT contract supports the Space Force's acquisition of next-generation SATCOM capabilities, delivering secure, resilient communications to warfighters worldwide. The TPM will play a key role in ensuring integrated, mission-ready software capabilities through agile program execution and technical leadership.

Basic Compensation: $135,600 to $169,400 in El Segundo, CA

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Ready to Make a Difference?If you'reexcited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998