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Phd Software Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Alcon

Principal, Software Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$143K - $192K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer, Medical Device Systems is responsible for maintaining, enhancing ... S.+2 yrs.; PhD+0 yrs.) * The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in ...

Slope

Software Engineer, Perception

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

MS or PhD in Machine Learning, Robotics or Computer Science, with emphasis on Computer Vision. * BS in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or related field. * 2+ years ...

FieldAI

Staff Software Engineer - Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or MS degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry or applied research * Proven expertise in software ...

FieldAI

Staff Software Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or MS degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry or applied research * Proven expertise in software ...

FieldAI

Staff Software Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or MS degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry or applied research * Proven expertise in software ...

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Phd Software Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$68.2K

$158.4K

$220.6K

How much do phd software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd software engineer in Irvine, CA is $158,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,800.00 and $185,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD software engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer is a professional who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree specializing in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, and works in designing, developing, and optimizing software systems. They often engage in advanced research, develop innovative algorithms, and solve complex technical problems. Their expertise is typically utilized in roles that require deep technical knowledge, research skills, and the ability to push the boundaries of current technology. PhD Software Engineers are commonly found in academia, research institutions, and leading technology companies.

What does a PhD software engineer do?

As a PhD Software Engineer, you are often entrusted with tackling complex problems and leading research-driven projects that require advanced analytical and technical skills. Your daily work may involve designing novel algorithms, conducting experiments, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as data scientists and product managers. Additionally, you might mentor junior engineers and help shape the technical direction of your team. This role leverages your research background to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical software solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD software engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer requires advanced programming expertise, strong analytical and research skills, and typically a doctorate in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with specialized programming languages, version control systems like Git, and experience with research-oriented software tools are common technical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help bridge the gap between research and practical application. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, translating complex theories into scalable solutions, and contributing to cutting-edge technology projects.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Phd Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Phd Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Phd Software Engineer job openings:

Phd Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Software Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,351 per year, or $76.1 per hour.

Mission Software Engineer, Vehicle Software, C++

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,845 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Air Dominance & Strike (AD&S) is responsible for autonomous robotics systems like the Fury unmanned fighter jet and the Barracuda family of advanced effects. The AD&S Vehicle Software team is responsible for the software running on these systems. Our software engineers collaborate with other engineering disciplines to develop software for vehicle control, networking, sensor integration, and telemetry. We are looking for engineers excited to build the foundational vehicle software stack that supports the wide range of AD&S initiatives, from early concept simulation to first flight to live operations to large scale fleet management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
  • 3+ years of production-grade C++ and/or Rust experience in a Linux development environment
  • Experience building software solutions involving significant amounts of data processing and analysis
  • Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and established code bases
  • A desire to work on critical software that has a real-world impact
  • Travel up to 30% of time to build, test, and deploy capabilities in the real world
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong background with focus in Physics, Mathematics, and/or Motion Planning to inform modeling & simulation (M&S) and physical systems
  • Developing and testing multi-agent autonomous systems and deploying in real-world environments.
  • Feature and algorithm development with an understanding of behavior trees.
  • Developing software/hardware for flight systems and safety critical functionality.
  • Distributed communication networks and message standards
  • Knowledge of military systems and operational tactics

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

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