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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in California

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They make it possible to build, test, launch, and run constellations of satellites for a wide variety of missions. Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training ...

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They make it possible to build, test, launch, and run constellations of satellites for a wide variety of missions. Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training ...

Mach Industries

Software Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

About Mach Industries Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology ... The Role The Software Engineer will play a critical role in developing our autonomous defense ...

Mach Industries

Software Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

About Mach Industries Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology ... The Role The Software Engineer will play a critical role in developing our autonomous defense ...

Metron

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

We are seeking a talented software engineer with a strong computer science background to assist in ... Prior experience working with US Navy or other Department of Defense services/agencies * Active TS ...

BRM.ai

Entry Level Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... Entry Level Software Engineer Why we need you We're at a pivotal moment with a roadmap brimming with opportunity. We're looking for ambitious junior engineers and new graduates who are eager to ...

Mach Industries

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

About Mach Industries Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology ... The Role The Software Engineer will play a critical role in developing our autonomous defense ...

Procom Consultants Group

Software Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

... Contractor Payroll) Flextrack (Vendor Management System) Software Engineer On behalf of our client, Procom Services is searching for a Software Engineer for a contract opportunity in Folsom, CA.

Mach Industries

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

About Mach Industries Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology ... The Role The Software Engineer will play a critical role in developing our autonomous defense ...

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All JobsDefense Contractor Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

What does an entry level defense contractor software engineer do?

An Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer works on developing, testing, and maintaining software systems used in defense applications. This role often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create secure and reliable solutions for military or government clients. Responsibilities might include writing code, debugging software, and ensuring compliance with security and quality standards specific to the defense industry. Entry-level engineers often receive mentorship and training to help them understand specialized technologies and protocols required for defense projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level defense contractor software engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or software engineering, with proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and compliance with security standards such as DoD STIGs or obtaining a Security+ certification may be required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this environment. These skills and qualifications are vital to produce secure, reliable software that meets strict governmental regulations and supports critical defense operations.

What types of projects and technologies do entry level defense contractor software engineers typically work on?

As an entry-level software engineer in the defense contracting industry, you will often work on projects related to embedded systems, simulation software, cybersecurity applications, or mission-critical systems. Technologies commonly used include programming languages like C++, Java, or Python, as well as specialized tools for version control, testing, and secure software development. You’ll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineers, project managers, and, at times, hardware engineers. A key challenge is adhering to strict security protocols and regulatory standards, but you will gain valuable experience in secure coding practices and large-scale system integration. These projects provide a strong foundation for future advancement within the industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer vs Entry Level Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Defense Contractor Software EngineerEntry Level Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field; security clearance often preferredBachelor's in CS or related field; security clearance usually not required
Work EnvironmentGovernment contractors, defense agencies, secure facilitiesTech companies, startups, corporate offices
Industry UsagePrimarily defense, aerospace, government projectsBroad industry, including tech, finance, healthcare
Job FocusEmbedded systems, cybersecurity, defense-specific applicationsWeb, mobile, enterprise applications

While both roles involve software development, Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer typically requires security clearance and focuses on defense-related projects within government or military sectors. Entry Level Software Developer has a broader industry scope with less emphasis on security clearance, working on commercial applications across various industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

Muon Space

San Jose, CA • On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About the role
Software Engineers at Muon work on embedded software on satellites and test equipment, physics simulations, customer-facing APIs and services, user interfaces, scheduling algorithms, data pipelines, computer vision, signal processing, cloud systems and more. They make it possible to build, test, launch, and run constellations of satellites for a wide variety of missions.
Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to quickly develop into experts in their domains to accelerate Muon's Mission with high quality software and systems. They must be a high performer ready to work in an exciting, fast-paced environment that values continuous improvement, embraces taking risks, and crafts the right solutions to delight our customers.
This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.
Responsibilities
  • Take ownership of the code for a new software capability on ground or in space
  • Propose and iterate on the design for software components
  • Write tests and monitoring to validate correctness of one's own code
  • Conduct analysis to support both development and testing
  • Quickly learn new skills, technology and techniques
  • Communicate clearly and accurately
  • Complete work in a timely manner
Required Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, computational mathematics or a related field
  • Proficient in C++, Python, TypeScript or a similar high-level language
  • Coursework or relevant experience in operating systems, algorithms, data structures, physics and statistics
Desirable Qualifications
  • Expertise in embedded software, network protocols, hardware and software testing, FPGA programming, GPU programming or other relevant disciplines
  • Experience with satellites, robots, or other autonomous systems
  • Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. programming, robotics or rocket club, etc.)
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics
  • Experience with mathematical optimization, machine learning, signal processing or advanced algorithms
  • Experience with cloud environments and distributed systems
  • Advanced coursework or experience in physics, statistics, distributed systems, or embedded software
Salary
The salary range for this role is $142,000 - $169,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.
About Muon Space
Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.
Taking Care of Our Team
At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.
Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too. Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.

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