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Government Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Description Nava partners with government to deliver mission-critical software that helps ... This work includes determining how to modernize legacy systems, implement DevOps best practices ...

Company Description Nava partners with government to deliver mission-critical software that helps ... This work includes determining how to modernize legacy systems, implement DevOps best practices ...

The Software Engineer will support the Reverse Engineering, Science, and Technology for ... Ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances. Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Software Engineer The Opportunity: As a full-stack developer, you can resolve a problem with a ... The team uses Government Furnished DevSecOps tool suites such as Atlassian products, including Jira ...

Government contract proposal with the Department of Navy Duration: 5-year government contract ... Software Engineers research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized ...

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Experience supporting DoD, Navy, or federal government programs. * Experience with cloud technologies such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. * Experience developing software for engineering, simulation ...

Software Engineer III

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$125K - $175K/yr

Current active Secret Clearance Required Qualifications and Skills * 10+ years of software engineering or systems engineering experience, preferably within a DoD or government environment

Software Engineer III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Current active Secret Clearance Required Qualifications and Skills * 10+ years of software engineering or systems engineering experience, preferably within a DoD or government environment

We are seeking a talented software engineer with a strong computer science background to assist in ... You will be part of a distributed development team working primarily on-site in a government lab ...

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Showing results 1-20

Government Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do government software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for government software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Government Software Engineers?

Government Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain software systems used by government agencies. They work on projects that support public services, national security, data management, and various digital platforms for citizens and government operations. These engineers often address unique security, compliance, and scalability requirements due to the sensitive nature of government data. Their work is crucial in ensuring the efficient and secure functioning of government technology infrastructure.

What is the difference between Government Software Engineer vs Civil Software Developer?

AspectGovernment Software EngineerCivil Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, security clearances often requiredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or related
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, secure facilities, regulated environmentsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban planning
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local government agenciesConstruction firms, civil engineering companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Government Software Engineers focus on developing software for government agencies, often requiring security clearances and working within regulated environments. Civil Software Developers work on infrastructure and civil projects, emphasizing software for construction and urban planning. While both roles involve software development, their industries, work settings, and credentials differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by government software engineers when working on public sector projects?

Government software engineers often encounter unique challenges such as navigating strict security protocols, complying with regulatory standards, and working with legacy systems that may require modernization. These projects typically involve extensive documentation and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including policy makers and end users, to ensure solutions meet public needs. Additionally, timelines can be influenced by procurement processes and budget constraints, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Government Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, knowledge of secure software development practices, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with government-approved frameworks, security clearance processes, and tools like Git, Java, Python, and cloud platforms is often required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving, and the ability to work collaboratively while adhering to strict regulations are vital soft skills. These capabilities ensure that software solutions are reliable, secure, and compliant with government standards, supporting critical public sector missions.
What job categories do people searching Government Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Government Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Government Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Government Software Engineer job openings:
Staff Cyber Software Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: PolygraphTRAVEL: 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.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Staff Cyber Software Engineer. Places of performance for this position are Annapolis Junction MD, San Antonio TX, Aurora CO, and Carey, NC.

What You'll Get to Do:

  • Provides custom software design and development of CNO tools and techniques.
  • Designs and develops end-to-end data flow and tasking into CNO tools developed.
  • Provides/authors documentation, participate in design, code, and software readiness reviews in accordance with the Government's software development procedures and processes.
  • The Level 3 CNO Analyst/Programmer shall possess the following capabilities: Program in Assembly, C, C++, Java, Perl, or Python. Develop Windows applications using Visual Studio or .NET environments; UNIX applications using make files or comparable build environments; or, Embedded or mobile platform development using proprietary, GOTS, or open-source build environments.
  • Provide/author documentation, participate in design, code, and software readiness reviews as prescribed by the Government's software development procedures and processes.
  • Design and develop end-to-end data flow and tasking for CNO tools developed. Provide/author documentation, design, code, and software readiness reviews as prescribed by the Government's software development procedures and processes.
  • Provide/author and participate in technical presentations on assigned projects.
  • Actively participate and direct the design and development of end-to-end data flow and tasking for CNO tools developed.
  • Actively participate and lead/direct the development of new CNO solutions that meet the demands of customers. Bachelor's degree and experience must be in computer science, information systems, or network engineering.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and experience must be in computer science, information systems, or network engineering with 12 years of experience, Masters degree with 10 years of experience, PhD with 8 years of experience.
  • Experience in programming with CNO Tools and techniques.
  • Experience using network sockets programming, including developing packet-level programs, expert packet-level understanding of IP, TCP, and application-level protocols.
  • Software development experience in one or more of the following: 1. Windows application using Visual Studio or.NET environments, or 2. Unix/Linux applications using make files or comparable build environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience analyzing user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements
  • Software analysis or reverse engineering
  • CNO development concepts
  • Unit testing frameworks and practices

This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including: Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Primary Level Salary Range: $185,900.00 - $292,100.00The 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