Freelance Junior Software Developer Jobs in California

About Us:

JSL Technologies, Inc. (JSL) is a certified Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) and Veteran-Owned government contractor delivering engineering, logistics, and program support services to the Department of Defense (DoD). With a team of more than 200 professionals, we focus on delivering practical, innovative, and cost-effective solutions that move missions forward.

Headquartered in Oxnard, California, JSL provides high-quality support to customers nationwide. Our organization is built on a culture of integrity, collaboration, and accountability, where talented professionals are empowered to perform at a high level and continuously improve. JSL offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Job Description:

JSL Technologies is seeking a motivated Software Developer to support the Tactical Air Range Integration Facility (TARIF) program — someone who wants more than just a job, but a long-term career. Our goal is to mentor, challenge, and grow you into a Subject Matter Expert (SME) over the next decade.

If you are a Junior developer, you will be paired with senior engineers, provided hands-on training, and fast-tracked toward becoming a self-sufficient Journeyman. If you are more experienced, we are fully prepared to hire at a higher labor category and adjust salary and compensation to align with your experience.

You will work in a collaborative, cross-functional team providing software engineering and lifecycle assistance for TARIF.

Core Roles & Responsibilities:

(Executed under mentorship at the Junior level; executed independently at the Journeyman level)

Software Design, Lifecycle, & Deployment

• Full Lifecycle Development: Research, design, implement, and test TARIF software applications and specialized utility programs. Identify areas for modification and write efficient, reliable code.

• Requirements & Analysis: Analyze user needs and develop software solutions by applying principles of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.

• Build & Fielding: Generate deployment scripts and supporting products to create build media for target systems. Support field installations and configurations.

• Maintenance & Debugging: Troubleshoot, debug, maintain, and improve existing software. Formally document and analyze software deficiency reports (DR) using bug-tracking systems.

• Database Management: Maintain and coordinate database development within application areas.

Cross-Functional Teamwork & Hardware Integration

• Collaboration: Work closely and cross-functionally with computer hardware engineers, system administrators, and network specialists to integrate complex hardware and software systems.

• Frontline Support: Interface directly with users of fielded systems to capture feedback, assist with technical support, and translate operational needs into software requirements.

• Project Execution: Manage multiple tasks concurrently, meeting critical deadlines through self-directed planning, tracking, and reporting.

Advanced Range Systems & Cybersecurity

• Real-Time Systems: Develop and modify software that provides real-time control of external devices (radar systems, target tracking, communication channels) and real-time graphical presentations of range operations.

• Simulations & Modeling: Support the delivery of simulations, software models, and prototypes for targets and multi-spectral threat systems (RF, UV, IR, EO) for Air Combat Training Systems (ACTS).

Secure Development: Ensure all products meet strict DoD cybersecurity standards. Utilize static code analysis and support vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to provide technical evidence of software security

Required Qualifications:

• Junior Level: 3 years of software development experience, with a BA/BS degree or an applicable basic certification. Performs duties under the oversight of senior staff with a high drive to learn and advance.
• Strong foundational or advanced proficiency writing source code in C++.
• Hands-on proficiency with Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
• Experience using Visual Studio and Qt Creator IDEs.
• A growth mindset and high desire to learn real-time systems, secure coding, and military range operations.
• Ability to perform major portions of large-scale projects or manage entire medium-scale projects spanning several phases of the software development lifecycle.
• Ability to obtain a valid U.S. Government Secret Clearance
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Desired Qualifications:

• Journeyman Level: 3–10 years of experience and an applicable basic certification; OR 3–5 years of experience and a BA/BS degree; OR an MA/MS degree with less than 3 years of experience. Performs all functional duties independently and provides technical guidance to the team.
• Experience with Ada and Pascal (highly beneficial for legacy systems).
• Prior exposure to real-time systems, secure coding practices, or military range operations.
• Familiarity with static code analysis tools and vulnerability/penetration testing support.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must have an active security clearance and/or the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements to obtain a DoD Government-granted security clearance. Individuals will be subject to a background investigation to include but not limited to, criminal history, employment and education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.

EEO:

JSL Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religion, creed, color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identification and expression, transgender status, transitioning employees, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, status as military, or as a veteran or as a qualified disabled veteran, ancestry, citizenship, national origin.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Please contact HR@jsltechinc.com if you need accommodation for the application process.