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Entry Level Associate Software Engineer Jobs in California

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Entry Level Associate Software Engineer information

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$21.7K

$44.5K

$64.1K

How much do entry level associate software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level associate software engineer in California is $44,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $49,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Associate Software Engineer, you need a solid grasp of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), computer science fundamentals, and typically a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic debugging tools, and IDEs, as well as any relevant internships or coding certifications, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, adaptability, and clear communication skills are essential to stand out. These qualifications enable you to effectively contribute code, learn in a team environment, and grow quickly in a fast-paced industry.

What does a typical day look like for an Entry Level Associate Software Engineer?

A typical day for an Entry Level Associate Software Engineer often starts with a team stand-up meeting to discuss progress and upcoming tasks. You'll spend much of your time writing and testing code, fixing bugs, and collaborating with more senior engineers or cross-functional teams on projects. Expect to participate in code reviews, attend learning sessions or trainings, and sometimes work on documentation or tickets assigned from agile sprints. The role usually offers a supportive environment where asking questions and learning from teammates is encouraged. This hands-on, interactive mix of responsibilities helps you quickly build both technical and soft skills essential for career advancement.

What is an Entry Level Associate Software Engineer job?

An Entry Level Associate Software Engineer is a junior role in software development where individuals assist in designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers to develop solutions based on project requirements. Responsibilities may include debugging code, writing documentation, and participating in team meetings. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited professional experience looking to grow their technical skills. Strong problem-solving abilities and knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, or C++ are commonly required.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs in California? For Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Associate Software Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Associate Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,456 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
2026 Associate Software Engineer/Software Engineer

2026 Associate Software Engineer/Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$73K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman is seeking an Associate Engineer Software / Engineer Software. This position will be located at our Aeronautics sector in one of the following locations: San Diego, CA / Palmdale, CA / El Segundo, CA / Redondo Beach, CA / Oklahoma City, OK / or Grand Sky, ND.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Software Engineering directorate.

The selected candidate will design, develop, document, test and debug applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions. Other duties include:

  • Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software.

  • Determine computer user needs.

  • Analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls.

  • Prepare operating instructions.

  • Design and develop compilers and assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems.

  • Ensures software standards are met.

This requisition may be filled at either an Associate Engineer Software (T01) or Engineer Software (T02)

Basic Qualifications for an Associate Engineer Software (T01)

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026.

  • Be majoring in or having majored in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar STEM degree.

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite). Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access may be required to start.

Basic Qualifications for an Engineer Software (T02)

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Mater's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026 or is completing or has completed their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of Software Experience by August 2026.

  • Be majoring in or having majored in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar STEM degree.

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite). Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access may be required to start.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.25/4.0 or higher

  • Previous internship/co-op or other work experience, leadership & teamwork capabilities, interpersonal communication skills, and activities (professional/community/extracurricular).

Pay Range

  • Associate Engineer Software: $60,600.00 - $111,000.00

  • Engineer Software: $73,100.00 - $ 134,200.00

Campusjobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $60,600.00 - $111,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $73,100.00 - $134,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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