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Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer Jobs in California

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$168K - $199K/yr

... software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and ... Position requires at least one semester of graduate-level coursework or some work experience in ...

New

Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

We are currently recruiting for a Software Engineer. What you will do in the position: * Work ... BA or BS (college graduate) - required. The posted pay range, $94,800 - 126,400 per year, is what ...

We're looking for a software engineer to join our team and solve impactful problems alongside experienced engineers. As an engineer on the Setup team, you'll contribute to feature development and bug ...

Fresh funding from top-tier investors like YC, Accel, and Founders Fund * Fast-growing team ... of experience software engineering, preferably at a seed, Series A, or Series B company * Well ...

We're looking for a software engineer to join our team and solve impactful problems alongside experienced engineers. As an engineer on the Setup team, you'll contribute to feature development and bug ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer information

What is the difference between Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer vs Junior Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Fresh Graduate Software EngineerJunior Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, internship experienceSimilar educational background, some work experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTeam-based, collaborative projects, training programsDevelopment teams, project-focused, mentorship often provided
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, IT departmentsSoftware firms, tech departments, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles for new graduatesClarifying junior-level developer positions

Both roles are entry-level positions for recent graduates with similar educational backgrounds. The term "Software Engineer" often emphasizes a broader scope of responsibilities, including design and architecture, while "Junior Software Developer" may focus more on coding and implementation. Employers may use these titles interchangeably, but understanding the nuances helps in job search and application strategies.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level fresh graduate software engineers during their first year on the job?

As a fresh graduate entering the software engineering field, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to large codebases, understanding agile development processes, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. It's common to feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar tools and technologies at first, but most teams provide mentorship and structured onboarding to help you ramp up. Over time, focusing on asking questions, seeking feedback, and proactively learning from peers will help you build confidence and grow your technical skills.

What is an entry level fresh graduate software engineer?

An Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer is a recent university graduate who has just started their career in software engineering. They typically have a degree in computer science or a related field, and they are responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining software under the guidance of more experienced engineers. Entry-level engineers often work on coding tasks, bug fixes, and assisting with software development projects to gain practical experience and grow their technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level fresh graduate software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), computer science fundamentals, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), integrated development environments (IDEs), and basic software development methodologies is expected. Strong problem-solving, willingness to learn, and effective communication help you integrate into teams and adapt to fast-evolving projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to codebases, collaborating with colleagues, and growing within dynamic engineering environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fresh Graduate Software Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fresh Graduate Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - Java

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Software Engineer - Java or Principal Software Engineer - Java to join our team on site in San Diego, CA or El Segundo, CA.

The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team construct. The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels. Candidate must be comfortable in a lab environment and be able to collaborate closely with system engineers, hardware designers, and integration/test engineers.

Roles and Responsibilities will include:

Work with a team of developers and integrators focused on delivering software products as part of an IFC.

Participate in the software development cycle including design, implementation and delivery of build/test/release.

Work with object oriented programming, design patterns, JMS, Web Services, XML and related technologies (i.e., XPath, XSLT, XSD)

Develop enterprise solutions for Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) in a SOA environment

Work in a process-oriented software development environment across the software lifecycle

Collaborate with team members on a regular basis.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.

This position may be filled as either a level 2 Software Engineer - Java or level 3 Principal Software Engineer - Java.

Basic Qualifications:

Level 2: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and entry level engineering experience;

Level 3: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience.

Direct experience developing Java applications

Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering

Experience in developing enterprise solutions for Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) in a SOA environment

Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, Ansible, Cucumber, microservices, Security+, Agile development, GUI applications, threading, object oriented programming, design patterns, JMS, and web technologies including Knockout, Web Services, XML and related technologies (i.e., XPath, XSLT, XSD)

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management

#yellow

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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