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Security Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Security Software Engineer, v0

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$134K - $185K/yr

We're looking for a Senior (IC4) software engineer with a strong security background to sit fully embedded inside the v0 team, not as a rotating auditor who reviews designs and files tickets, but as ...

Senior Software Engineer

Temecula, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

The successful candidate will influence software architecture, develop security-critical components, optimize performance, mentor engineers, and help deliver high-quality products in security ...

Showing results 41-60

Security Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$22.7K

$137.8K

$172.2K

How much do security software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for security software engineer in California is $137,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $157,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a security software engineer typically collaborate with other teams during the software development lifecycle?

Security Software Engineers work closely with development, operations, and quality assurance teams to integrate security best practices throughout the software development lifecycle. They often participate in code reviews, threat modeling sessions, and incident response planning to ensure that security is considered at every stage. Regular communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams help identify potential vulnerabilities early and promote a security-first culture across the organization. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the final product but also provides valuable opportunities for learning and professional growth.

What is the difference between Security Software Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity Software EngineerSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH)Bachelor's in IT, cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+)
Work EnvironmentDevelops security tools, software, and systemsMonitors security alerts, analyzes threats, and responds to incidents
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, cybersecurity firms, large enterprisesFinancial institutions, government agencies, corporations

Security Software Engineers focus on designing and developing security software and tools, while Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Both roles require cybersecurity certifications and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, secure coding practices, and cybersecurity principles, often supported by a degree in a related field or relevant certifications. Familiarity with tools such as static and dynamic code analyzers, penetration testing suites, and secure development lifecycle frameworks is essential. Standout professionals demonstrate critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to identify vulnerabilities and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital for building resilient software systems and protecting organizations from evolving security threats.

What is a security software engineer?

Security Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement software solutions focused on maintaining and enhancing the security of computer systems, applications, and networks. They identify potential security vulnerabilities, create safeguards, and ensure that software products comply with security standards and best practices. Their responsibilities often include code reviews, penetration testing, and collaborating with other developers and IT staff to address security risks throughout the software development lifecycle.
What job categories do people searching Security Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Security Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Security Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Security Software Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Security Software Engineer jobs in CA? For Security Software Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Security Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,771 per year, or $66.2 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer, Security

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$220K - $292K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 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 75,237 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
The Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt and Altius from paper sketches to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.
As a Staff Software Engineer - Security , you will take ownership of and enhance the security roadmap for TRS products and software services, working closely with engineering teams to create solutions that not only meet but exceed industry-standard security goals. You will engage with various teams to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in designs, implementations, integrations, and processes, while also designing and developing security software for embedded systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in software engineering with a focus on platform security, enabling them to conduct complex security architecture reviews, research and mitigate exploits targeting hardware and software, and implement critical features in collaboration with engineering teams to build resilient products.
*This position will be located in our Costa Mesa CA, Seattle WA. We offer full relocation benefits if necessary.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own the development and maturation of TRS products and software services security roadmap.
  • Collaborate and build solutions with engineering teams to meet and exceed industry-standard security goals
  • Engage with teams to remediate uncovered weakness in designs, implementations, integrations, and processes
  • Design and Develop embedded system security software
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strategic vision and technical depth, maintaining active involvement in security architecture and implementation
  • Proficient with one or more programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust, Python)
  • Experience assessing security of firmware, applications, network, IoT, or embedded systems
  • Experience developing features for and improving security of firmware, applications, network, or embedded systems
  • Experience building, testing, and delivering production-ready systems, especially for embedded and/or Linux systems
  • Familiarity with anti-tamper and reverse engineering mechanisms
  • Experience in Platform security engineering and secure SDLC implementation
  • Strong and professional communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Demonstrated commitment to practical, mission-enabling security solutions
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a US TS clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with security architectures of embedded, aerospace, or cyber-physical systems
  • Experience with programmable logic devices and their development tools
  • Knowledge of cyber threat actors, their TTPs, and their implications for weapon and space system operations
  • Regularly builds, tests, and delivers production-ready systems, especially for embedded and/or Linux systems
  • Experience conducting incident response in cloud systems and embedded systems

US Salary Range
$220,000-$292,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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

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