2

Entry Level Computer Programmer Jobs in Lake Forest, CA

Field Service Engineer

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

We welcome both experienced professionals and entry-level candidates. The primary responsibilities ... and CAD drawings · Ability to work well in a team · Problem-solving skills with attention to ...

Supply Chain Execution Senior Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$77K - $202K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Physics ... PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the ...

Train and mentor junior and entry level engineers. * Coordinate work of the electrical design team ... Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software ...

Train and mentor junior and entry level engineers. * Coordinate work of the electrical design team ... Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software ...

Manufacturing Quality Auditor (Entry Level)

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$21.09 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Communicate recurring quality issues to supervisors and quality engineers to facilitate resolution ... Basic computer skills, including data entry and typing. * Strong attention to detail, with the ...

We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers. * CAD Expertise: Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical CAD platforms.

We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers. * CAD Expertise: Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical CAD platforms.

Software Quality Engineer I - Hybrid

Irvine, CA · On-site

$69K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related technical field required. * Entry-level or early-career experience (typically 0-2 years ...

Software Quality Engineer I - Hybrid

Irvine, CA · On-site

$69K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related technical field required. * Entry-level or early-career experience (typically 0-2 years ...

Be Seen First

Design Engineer / Project Engineer

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... computer models for multiple projects. Will be involved with internal training, internal and ... This is an entry level position leading to an advanced role. The candidate will be expected to gain ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Computer Programmer information

See Lake Forest, CA salary details

$35K

$68.9K

$101.3K

How much do entry level computer programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level computer programmer in Lake Forest, CA is $68,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $84,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Computer Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Computer ProgrammerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Computer Science or related fieldBachelor's degree often preferred; certifications like Java or Python are common
Work EnvironmentOffice or remote; coding in teams or individuallySimilar; often collaborative, project-based work
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles in tech, finance, healthcare, and moreBroader; includes designing, developing, testing software
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level Computer Programmers typically focus on writing and testing code under supervision, while Software Developers are involved in designing and building software solutions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but Software Developers often have broader responsibilities and higher expectations for project involvement.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level computer programmers during their first year on the job?

Entry level computer programmers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new development tools, understanding complex codebases, and managing project deadlines. It's common to feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar programming languages or frameworks, but most teams offer mentorship and training to help with the transition. Collaboration with senior developers and participating in code reviews are valuable opportunities to learn best practices and improve coding skills. Over time, persistence and proactive communication can help overcome these initial hurdles and contribute to professional growth.

What is an entry level computer programmer?

Entry Level Computer Programmers are professionals who write, test, and maintain computer code under supervision, usually at the start of their careers. They typically work with more experienced developers to learn best practices and develop their coding skills. Their responsibilities may include debugging programs, writing simple scripts, and assisting in software development projects. Entry level programmers often have a degree in computer science or a related field and are proficient in one or more programming languages. This role serves as a foundation for advancing to more complex software engineering positions.

What does an entry level computer programmer do?

The job of an entry-level computer programmer is to write code, troubleshoot design issues, and debug software. They typically work as part of a software development team or under direct supervision. An entry-level computer programmer may sit in on development meetings and perform other administrative tasks as needed. The qualifications you need to become an entry-level computer programmer typically include a bachelor's degree and a working knowledge of one or more programming languages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level computer programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Computer Programmer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), problem-solving abilities, and at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with integrated development environments (IDEs), version control systems like Git, and debugging tools is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn help individuals excel in collaborative and dynamic environments. These skills and qualities are important for delivering reliable code, adapting to evolving project needs, and contributing effectively to software development teams.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Computer Programmer jobs in Lake Forest, CA?

For Entry Level Computer Programmer jobs in Lake Forest, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Lake Forest, CA are hiring for Entry Level Computer Programmer jobs?

Cities near Lake Forest, CA with the most Entry Level Computer Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Computer Programmer job openings in Lake Forest, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,921 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Embedded Systems Engineer, Robotics Hardware

FieldAI

Irvine, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

FieldAI’s Irvine team is where embodied AI meets real robots, real sensors, and real field deployments. Based in the heart of Southern California’s robotics ecosystem, we build risk-aware, reliable, field-ready AI systems that solve the hardest problems in robotics and unlock the full potential of embodied intelligence. If you want your work to ship, get tested on hardware, and improve through real deployments, Irvine is the place. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-only architectures, combining rigorous engineering with learning systems proven in globally deployed solutions that deliver results today and get better every time our robots run in the field.

Hardware Team:
The Hardware Team at Field AI develops perception and compute payloads that power autonomous robotics systems in complex real-world environments. Our work spans the full hardware stack designing and integrating sensing systems (LiDAR, camera, TOF, IMU, GPS), embedded compute (CPUs, GPUs, microcontrollers, Linux, ROS), electrical systems (power distribution, communication), and mechanical components (structures, thermal regulation, ingress protection). The team focuses on both development (research, design, prototyping, testing) and operations (production, testing, QA, debugging). We’re a small, fast-moving team, and we care deeply about improving: 1) core capabilities, 2) system reliability, 3) system scalability. As a growing team we are also building operational systems and procedures from the ground up.
 
Embedded Compute Role:
As an Embedded Compute Engineer on the Hardware Team at Field AI, you will contribute to the architecture, configuration, and validation of the compute systems that serve as the backbone for our robotic platforms. Your work will span low-level firmware, Linux-based configuration, and system performance analysis across ARM and x86 SBC platforms. From firmware on microcontrollers to ROS data streams on SBCs, you’ll ensure the entire compute stack is optimized, reliable, and robust under field conditions. You will collaborate closely with the sensor, electrical, and autonomy teams to build tightly integrated solutions ready for deployment in challenging field environments. Additionally, while your focus will be on computing systems you will likely contribute across all hardware domains.
 
What You Will Get To Do
 
1. Compute System Design
  • Compute Architecture: Architect and configure embedded compute platforms (ARM/x86, SBCs) for robotic applications including evaluation, testing and selection.
  • Firmware & Software: Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware (ROS), and I/O interfaces.
  • Systems Integration: Integrate compute with sensing and robotic systems. Analyze thermal, power, and bandwidth constraints to meet deployment and runtime requirements.
 
2. Compute System Implementation
  • Communications: Bring up sensors and peripherals using a range of protocols (USB, Ethernet, GMSL, I²C, SPI, CAN).
  • Data Pipelines: Build and maintain drivers, ROS nodes, and data acquisition pipelines for new hardware components.
  • Systems Configuration: Create configuration files, launch scripts, and firmware update workflows.
  • Testing: Conduct system-level tests such as thermal profiling, latency measurement, and power draw analysis.
  • Documentation & Budgets: Maintain flashing procedures, I/O maps, and debug kits. Manage compute and I/O budgets.
 
3. Compute System Production & Servicing
  • Build: Work with vendors to procure compute hardware. Develop QA checks for incoming units. Support payload integration and scaling.
  • Debug: Support root-cause analysis for boot, connectivity, and throughput issues.
  • Diagnostics Monitoring: Implement watchdogs, health checks, and other evaluation tools.  Monitor compute system performance across CPU, GPU, memory, I/O, and networking.
 
What You Have
 
  • Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers.
  • Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, x86 NUCs, custom SBCs).
  • Linux: Proficiency with Linux system configuration, scripting, and headless deployment tools.
  • Firmware: Strong skills in firmware development for microcontrollers, including bare-metal and RTOS environments.
  • Programming: Proficient in C++ and Python for embedded and application-level development.
  • Communication Protocols: Experience with USB, Ethernet, I²C, SPI, CAN, GMSL, and similar interfaces.
  • ROS Ecosystem: Familiarity with ROS, device drivers, TF, and data streaming/publishing.
  • Debugging: Comfort with hardware/software debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logs, power monitors, analyzers).
  • Systems Thinking: Ability to diagnose and optimize across compute, thermal, timing, and I/O layers.
 
What Will Set You Apart
 
  • Scaling: Experience taking systems from prototype to large scale production.
  • Field Environments: Experience developing systems for harsh field environments.
  • Deployed Robotics: Experience working on robotics deployed in real world settings such as autonomous vehicles, drones, or ruggedized robots.
  • Systems Level Robotics: Fluency across software, electrical, and mechanical systems.
  • Autonomy Software: Knowledge of autonomy stacks used in robotics. As well as how compute performance impacts autonomy algorithms.
Our salary range is generous and we consider each individual’s background and experience when determining final compensation. Base pay may vary based on role scope, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the Irvine, California market.
 
Why Join FieldAI in Irvine?
In Irvine, you will work where the robots are. Our local team builds and tests systems on real hardware with real sensors, then ships them to operate in unstructured, previously unknown environments around the world. We are solving one of robotics’ hardest challenges: reliable deployment outside the lab. Our Field Foundational Models™ raise the bar for perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, with an emphasis on explainability and safety for real-world use.
You will collaborate with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. We bring deep experience from organizations such as DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, along with a track record of field deployments and strong performance in DARPA challenge segments.
 
Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
We are looking for builders who want their work to leave the whiteboard and show up on robots. If you enjoy tackling tough, uncharted questions and working across disciplines, you will find your people here. Our teams span AI, software, robotics engineering, product, field deployment, and technical communication, all focused on shipping systems that perform in the real world.
 
Our headquarters is in Irvine, and we partner closely with teams there as well as colleagues across the US and around the world. Join us in Southern California and help define what dependable, field-ready autonomy looks like.
 
We value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We evaluate candidates and employees based on merit, qualifications, and performance, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.