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Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in California

Leidos

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$87K - $157K/yr

... national defense using advanced signal processing, ocean remote sensing, and high-performance ... We're looking for a Software Engineer / Computer Scientist who thrives on solving hard problems and ...

YO AI Labs

Senior Software Engineer - Remote

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contract Location: Remote Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn ...

New

YO AI Labs

Senior Software Engineer - Remote

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$132K - $174K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contract Location: Remote Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn ...

New

Fuku

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

B achelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * P roven ... F lexible working hours and remote work options. * G enerous paid time off and holiday leave. * A ...

KBR

Principal Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$143K - $192K/yr

Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national ... Experience working across independently contracted software development teams * Experience with ...

SAIC

Senior Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $172K/yr

TS/SCI with Poly Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an experienced ... Contracting Officers, and external/partner organizations to ensure mission alignment and ...

GCX Healthcare Solutions

Software Engineer

Petaluma, CA · Remote

$125K - $150K/hr

Background working with inherited or contractor-built codebases * Experience in healthcare, medical ... remote management, and operational insights. You'll join a small, high-impact team (3-4 engineers ...

Anza

Software Engineer, Security

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$180K - $300K/yr

Design and implement security and defense-in-depth controls to prevent and limit vulnerabilities ... Proficient in English, sufficient for success in a remote and asynchronous work environment

NextDeavor Inc.

Mid Level Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · Remote

$100K - $115K/yr

Mid Level Software Engineer Full-time Remote Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified applicants. Become a Key Player as a Mid Level Software Engineer You will contribute to ...

Bluon

Collaborate with our local and remote developer team * Help document our app * Perform routine software maintenance Skills Knowledge and Expertise * Strong skills in React.js or similar modern ...

psudo

Remote : OK Job Role: As a software developer, you'll be the brain behind crafting, developing, testing, going live and maintaining the system. You are passionate in understanding the business ...

Gnostech LLC

Software Engineer III

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$125K - $175K/yr

Hybrid or remote work is not authorized Job Title * Software Engineer III Salary * $125,000 - $175,000 Shift * N/A Travel * Yes, may involve several Contiguous United States (CONUS)/Outside ...

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Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

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

To excel as a Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer, you typically need a strong background in computer science or engineering, proficiency in programming languages like C++ or Java, and active security clearance. Familiarity with secure coding practices, embedded systems, and tools such as Git, Jira, and specialized defense software development environments is crucial. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and self-motivation are standout soft skills for remote collaboration and meeting strict project requirements. These competencies ensure secure, reliable software delivery and effective teamwork in sensitive, mission-critical defense projects.

Does Lockheed Martin hire remote workers?

Lockheed Martin, including roles like Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer, primarily hires for on-site positions, but some roles may offer remote or hybrid work options depending on the project and department. Candidates should review specific job postings for remote work availability and requirements such as security clearances and specialized skills.

What is the difference between Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer vs Remote Cybersecurity Software Engineer?

AspectRemote Defense Contractor Software EngineerRemote Cybersecurity Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related, security clearances often preferredBachelor's in CS, Cybersecurity, or related; certifications like CISSP beneficial
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government projects, secure facilitiesTech companies, security firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsPrimarily cybersecurity and IT sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for security clearance and defense projectsCompared for network security and threat mitigation roles

The Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer typically works on defense and military projects requiring security clearances, while the Remote Cybersecurity Software Engineer focuses on protecting networks and systems from cyber threats. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their industries and project types differ significantly.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior defense contractor software engineers, especially those with expertise in cybersecurity, embedded systems, or specialized defense technologies, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-security or classified environments.

How does a Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer typically collaborate with team members and stakeholders given security and communication constraints?

Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineers often work with multidisciplinary teams, including developers, project managers, and cybersecurity specialists. Collaboration is facilitated through secure, government-approved communication platforms and version control systems that comply with strict security protocols. Regular virtual meetings and documentation are essential to ensure alignment on project requirements and updates. While remote work offers flexibility, engineers must be diligent in following procedures for handling sensitive information and may sometimes need to access secure facilities for classified work. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming the challenges of working in a highly regulated, remote environment.

What is a Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer?

A Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer is a software developer who works for a company contracted by government defense agencies to build, maintain, or secure software systems, but does their work from a remote location instead of a traditional office or on-site facility. These engineers often develop applications for military or national security use, which can include communication systems, cybersecurity tools, or mission-critical platforms. Due to the sensitive nature of their work, they may require special security clearances and must adhere to strict security protocols even while working remotely.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A remote defense contractor software engineer with extensive experience, specialized skills in cybersecurity or defense systems, and often security clearances can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such high salaries typically reflect seniority, leadership roles, or involvement in highly sensitive projects within the defense industry.

How much do CIA software engineers make?

CIA software engineers typically earn salaries comparable to federal government pay scales, often ranging from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually depending on experience, education, and security clearance level. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses for specialized skills like cybersecurity or cryptography.
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California? For Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:
Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 18% In-person, and 82% Remote job distribution.
Associate Software Engineer

Associate Software Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

San Diego, CA • Remote

Other

Posted 9 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 230 rated it services

Job description

 SAIC is seeking an entry-level Associate Software Engineer to join the Joint Range Extension (JRE) software development team. This is a remote role within the U.S.

JRE is a combat-proven data link gateway that plays a vital role in the defense of the United States and our allies by extending the reach of tactical data across the battlespace and around the globe. As an associate software engineer on the team, you'll have the opportunity to learn from and work side-by-side with experts in the tactical data link domain. You'll play an essential role in evolving JRE for the future mission needs of the warfighter.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Support the design, development, and maintenance of new features, enhancements, and integrations for the JRE suite of edge- and cloud-deployed client and server applications
  • Develop domain expertise in the tactical data link, situational awareness, and command-and-control domains
  • Leverage AI models via chat and RAG to deepen your knowledge of JRE's domain, architecture, and implementation
  • Leverage AI coding tools and agentic software engineering as a force multiplier to accelerate your contributions to JRE's evolution
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field; relevant experience to be substituted in lieu of degree
  • Must be a U.S. citizenship 
  • Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance or higher after start
  • Knowledge of software engineering fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, compilers, and operating systems
  • A desire to learn and work collaboratively via pair and mob programming
  • Strong communication skills

DESIRED SKILLS:

  • Experience or familiarity with the Java and Kotlin programming languages and automated unit testing
  • Public contributions to open-source projects

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