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Military Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Concord, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

... military construction engineer) * 5 years managing construction projects or working as a resident engineer for a public agency * Possess a valid driver's license and clear DMV record * Must have the ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Goleta, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

... military construction engineer) * 5 years managing construction projects or working as a resident engineer for a public agency * Possess a valid driver's license and clear DMV record * Must have the ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

... military construction engineer) * 5 years managing construction projects or working as a resident engineer for a public agency * Possess a valid driver's license and clear DMV record * Must have the ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

... military construction engineer) * 5 years managing construction projects or working as a resident engineer for a public agency * Possess a valid driver's license and clear DMV record * Must have the ...

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All JobsMilitary Programming JobsMilitary Programming Jobs in California

Military Programming information

See California salary details

$43.9K

$69.9K

$97.7K

How much do military programming jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for military programming in California is $69,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,300.00 and $87,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in military programming?

Excelling in Military Programming requires strong skills in computer science, software development, and secure coding practices, often coupled with a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java, as well as experience using military systems, embedded platforms, and Department of Defense (DoD) protocols, is typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability are important soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate, reliable software solutions that meet stringent security and mission-critical standards within military environments.

What is military programming?

A Military Programming job involves developing, maintaining, and securing software systems for defense and military applications. These roles often require expertise in programming languages, cybersecurity, and embedded systems to support missions such as intelligence, surveillance, or weapons control. Professionals in this field work closely with defense agencies to ensure software reliability, efficiency, and security. Many positions require security clearances and knowledge of military protocols.

What are the typical responsibilities of a military programmer?

Military Programmers are responsible for developing, maintaining, and testing software systems used in defense operations, which can include simulation programs, embedded systems, communications tools, or cybersecurity applications. On a typical day, you might collaborate with engineers, analysts, and security specialists to translate mission requirements into robust, reliable code, often working in secure, team-oriented environments. You will also be expected to follow strict security protocols and documentation standards, with frequent code reviews and updates to address new threats or needs. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of critical defense technology.

What do military programmers do in the military?

Military programmers develop, test, and maintain software systems used for defense operations, communication, and cybersecurity. They often work with specialized programming languages, secure coding practices, and military hardware or networks to ensure operational effectiveness and security.

Are there coding jobs in the military?

Yes, the military offers coding jobs such as cybersecurity specialists, software developers, and systems programmers. These roles often require knowledge of programming languages, security protocols, and may involve working with specialized military technology and systems.
What are popular job titles related to Military Programming jobs in California? For Military Programming jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Military Programming jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Military Programming jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Military Programming jobs? Cities in California with the most Military Programming job openings:
Military Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Military Programming job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,929 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Emerging Technology Program Manager- Space Propulsion Hypersonics SME

Riverside Research

Mountain View, CA

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking to add a tech-savvy leader to our team of subject matter experts, technical project/program managers, and scientists supporting DIU’s Emerging Technology Portfolio. The individual will provide program leadership in the development of next-generation technologies including: alternative position, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies and solutions, propulsion and space, hypersonics, optics and photonics. Prior business, programmatic, or technical leadership in commercial technology sector is desired. The position will collaborate with teams of commercial and military programmers, scientists, engineers, and other stakeholders, and is based in Mountain View, CA (alternate locations: Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Washington DC).

Responsibilities

  • Perform technical project management support for multiple prototype projects, from early curation, market research, and technology evaluation through DIU’s acquisition process, and post-award prototype, test, and delivery to customer environment.
  • Collaborate with and lead government partners, commercial teams, and other DIU support staff through the prototype development lifecycle
  • Develop program goals, milestones and plans for implementation collaboratively with DoD entities, customers, and program offices
  • Perform independent reviews, detailed technical assessments, performance analysis of commercial solutions and their specific applicationsas part of commercial market research and evaluation of partner proposals during competitive acquisitions
  • Review prototype proposals, technical and programmatic reports, acquisition documents, and related project documentation, keeping CRM and project databases up to date
  • Participate in milestone reviews, ground testing, flight tests, and simulations, as well as reviews of post-test reports and performance data
  • Build relationships with critical segments of commercial and non-traditional vendor hot-spots, to include tech entrepreneurs, startups, venture capitalists, and academics
  • Prepare white papers, technical papers, briefing and meeting materials
  • Respond to official requests for information and other tasks from government partners and stakeholders
  • Participate in key intra- and inter-agency meetings
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

  • 12 years experience with a Master’s Degree in a technical/engineering field (e.g. aerospace engineering, mathematics, computer science) or business (e.g. MBA). OR15 years of experience in project or program management supporting research and development programs and national security missions with a Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following next-generation technologies: alternative position, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies and solutions, propulsion and space, hypersonics, optics and photonics.
  • Prior experience supporting and leading government and commercial vendor collaborative teams to rapidly iterate and deliver project tasks and milestones
  • Prior military experience that allows the candidate to curate problems and define requirements with military end users

Desired:

  • Experience with space and propulsion systems
  • Experience with DoD and USG acquisition of advanced technologies and RDT&E
  • Experience developing autonomous navigation systems in GPS-denied environments and innovative space-based sensing payloads and platforms for PNT.
  • An understanding of the current state-of-the-art in emerging technologies for PNT using magnetic, inertial, and other non-traditional sensing technologies.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and client-handling skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a cross-function team under tight deadlines and high pressure environments
  • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance in a reasonable amount of time and ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI

Global Comp

$180,000- $220,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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