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Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Poway, CA

Senior Staff Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$171K - $300K/yr

... software engineering architecture and processes (Code Reviews, Unit testing, etc.) * Work with ... Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ...

AI Engineer

San Diego, CA · Remote

$50 - $58/hr

Remote AI/ML Software Engineer, Generative AI Are you passionate about building Generative AI systems that move beyond prototypes and create real business impact? A leading healthcare technology ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · Remote

$120K - $180K/yr

Location: 100% US/Canada remote * In Office Locations: San Francisco, San Diego, Toronto * ~60 ... Understanding the nature of asynchronous programming and its quirks and workarounds * Familiarity ...

Showing results 21-40

Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Poway, CA salary details

$65K

$150.9K

$210.2K

How much do remote defense contractor software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote defense contractor software engineer in Poway, CA is $150,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,800.00 and $177,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote defense contractor software engineer?

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.

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 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 cities near Poway, CA are hiring for Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Poway, CA with the most Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:

Senior Staff Software Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site, Remote

ServiceNow
IT Services • 5 - 10K employees

$171K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


ServiceNow rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Company Description

It all started when engineer Fred Luddy wrote code that automated a tedious task for his coworker, Phyllis. She cried tears of joy. That moment inspired Fred to build a company that could do that for everyone-freeing people from busywork so they could focus on meaningful work. Today, ServiceNow is the AI control tower for business reinvention. Our ServiceNow AI platform brings together any AI, any data, and any workflow- helping 85% of the Fortune 500 work smarter, faster, and better. We're building an AI-native culture where technology and talent are unstoppable together. And we're just getting started.

Join us to put AI to work for people.

Job Description

We are the platform engineers handling app lifecycle at ServiceNow. We develop and maintain the server-side JavaScript engine at the heart of the ServiceNow platform - the runtime that powers custom applications, workflows, and business logic. We ensure apps move smoothly and securely from development to production. This role requires deep expertise in compiler and runtime systems - you'll optimize execution engines, memory management, and performance at the systems level. 

What you get to do in this role: 

  • Design and optimize execution engines, JIT/AOT compilation pipelines, and memory management systems to ensure customer applications run at scale 

  • Build high-quality, clean, scalable, and reusable code by enforcing best practices around software engineering architecture and processes (Code Reviews, Unit testing, etc.) 

  • Work with product owners to understand detailed requirements and own your code from design, implementation, test automation, and delivery of high-quality product to our users 

  • Implement software that is simple to use, allowing customers to extend and customize functionality to meet their specific needs 

  • Mentor colleagues and promote knowledge-sharing across teams on low-level systems engineering, performance profiling, and optimization techniques 

Qualifications

To be successful in this role you have:

  • 12+ years of experience with Java or similar object-oriented language, with at least 5+ years working on compiler, runtime, JIT/AOT systems, or language execution engines 

  • Experience integrating AI into software development, workflows, decision-making, or automation using AI-powered tools and technologies.  

  • Strong experience with compiler/runtime systems: execution engines, memory management, concurrency, JIT/AOT compilation, performance optimization, profiling, and debugging 

  • Advanced knowledge of data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, design patterns, and performance/scale considerations at the systems level 

  • Passion for JavaScript and the Web as a platform; experience with modern UI frameworks (Angular, React, or Vue) 

  • Experience developing, troubleshooting, and optimizing relational databases 

  • Experience with LLVM, language runtime development, or low-level systems engineering (strong plus) 

  • Track record working across multiple technology stacks (Cloud Dev, Platforms, Web Dev, Frameworks, service-oriented architecture) 

  • Capability to manage multiple projects with material technical risk across teams and processes; may serve as functional lead or technical owner

For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $171,900 - $300,800, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.

Additional Information

Work Personas

We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity,  veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact [email protected] for assistance. 

Export Control Regulations

For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities. 

From Fortune. 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.


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About ServiceNow

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At ServiceNow, our technology makes the world work for everyone, and our people make it possible. We move fast because the world can't wait, and we innovate in ways no one else can for our customers and communities. By joining ServiceNow, you are part of an ambitious team of change makers who have a restless curiosity and a drive for ingenuity. We know that your best work happens when you live your best life and share your unique talents, so we do everything we can to make that possible. We dream big together, supporting each other to make our individual and collective dreams come true. The future is ours, and it starts with you. With more than 7,400+ customers, we serve approximately 80% of the Fortune 500, and we're proud to be one of FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For® and World's Most Admired Companies® 2022.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

2004