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Software Engineer Military Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Manhattan Beach, CA ยท On-site

$76 - $138/hr

... Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) payload system. The Western Region Software ... Basic Qualifications - Associate Software Engineer (Level 1) * Bachelor's degree in a STEM ...

Posted today

SME Computer Software Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$97K - $150K/yr

Leverage prior military operational experience to translate mission requirements, CONOPS, and ... Computer Software SME/Engineer with engineering, systems, technical degree and 4+ years military ...

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$132.02/hr

Software Engineer (LabVIEW) Build the Test Systems Driving the Future of Aerospace Innovation PDS ... Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Military connected talent encouraged to apply To read ...

As a Software Engineer at Applied Materials, you'll dive deep into ground-breaking technologies ... or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. In addition, Applied endeavors to make ...

Software Engineer I

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered ... Develops product software using software engineering best-practices, while adhering to KUAS ...

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

As a Software Engineer at Applied Materials, you'll dive deep into ground-breaking technologies ... or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. In addition, Applied endeavors to make ...

Software Engineer

Brea, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Technovative Applications is seeking an experienced Software Programmer to join our talented team ... S. military applications. * The interferometers have embedded real-time computers that perform ...

... military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered ... Develops product software using software engineering best-practices, while adhering to KUAS ...

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Software Engineer Military information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do software engineer military jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer military in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software engineer military?

A Software Engineer Military job involves designing, developing, and maintaining software systems used by the military for operations, defense, and cybersecurity. These engineers work on mission-critical applications, embedded systems, or cybersecurity frameworks to enhance national security. They often collaborate with military personnel, government agencies, and defense contractors to ensure robust and secure technology solutions. Security clearance may be required, and experience with military protocols or defense-specific programming languages can be beneficial.

What do software engineer military do?

As a Software Engineer Military, your daily responsibilities often include designing, developing, and testing software for mission-critical defense systems such as command and control applications, cybersecurity systems, or embedded platforms for military hardware. You may participate in code reviews, maintain documentation, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams including system architects, project managers, and cybersecurity specialists. Projects typically adhere to strict security protocols and may involve rapid resolution of technical issues to support ongoing operations. This role requires adaptability and responsiveness to evolving military needs and technology updates, making each day varied and impactful.

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

To thrive as a Software Engineer Military, you need a strong background in computer science, programming (C++, Java, Python), and familiarity with secure coding practices, typically supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Experience with military-specific systems such as embedded systems, defense-grade networks, or Department of Defense (DoD) frameworks, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and the capacity to communicate technical information clearly are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure effective development and maintenance of secure, mission-critical software solutions in highly regulated and collaborative military environments.

Can you be a software engineer in the military?

Yes, the military employs software engineers to develop and maintain defense systems, cybersecurity, and communication networks. These roles typically require a security clearance, a background in computer science or related fields, and often involve working with specialized tools and programming languages. Military software engineers may serve in various branches and often need to meet specific enlistment or commissioning requirements.

How much do military software engineers make?

Military software engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and location. They often require security clearances and may work with specialized tools and systems, with salaries increasing with years of service and advanced skills.

Which military branch is best for software engineer?

The U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force all offer opportunities for software engineers, often requiring security clearances and specialized technical skills. The best branch depends on individual career goals, desired work environment, and available roles in cybersecurity, systems development, or embedded software. Certifications like CompTIA or CISSP can enhance prospects across branches.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Military jobs in California?

The most popular types of Software Engineer Military jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Military jobs in California?

For Software Engineer Military jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Software Engineer Military jobs?

Cities in California with the most Software Engineer Military job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineer Military job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer - OMS

Lynx Software Technologies, Inc.

Palmdale, CA โ€ข On-site

$160 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Principal Software Engineer - OMS

Lynx Software Technologies, Inc. Palmdale, California, United States

About this position

Job Title: Principal SW Engineer - OMS

Location : Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA.

Compensation: $160,000 - $200,000 + Bonus Eligible

Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Require d

Who we are: Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission-critical software systems that power next-generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission and safety-critical environments.

As a defense-focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directly impact national security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long-term mission success in mind.

Description

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a Principal Software Engineer - Open Mission Systems (OMS) to support the development and integration of advanced software capabilities for a military aircraft platform. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to next-generation avionics architectures that enhance interoperability, rapid capability integration, and mission effectiveness for U.S. military aviation programs.

This position requires a software engineer to use a wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high-performing multi-site team and must be self-motivated with a strong work ethic, time-management, and interpersonal skills. In this role, you will work independently at times on projects, at other times will be in a collaborative team environment with other software engineers, as well as other program development and deployment teams.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Continued eligibility for access to classified information is required throughout employment, as dictated by program needs.

Basic Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM discipline
  • 8+ years of C++ development experience
  • Open Mission Systems (OMS) software architecture and development
  • Middleware and data distribution (DDS, pub/sub architectures)
  • Service-oriented and event-driven software design
  • Interface definition, ICD development, and data modeling
  • Mission-level simulation and integration testing
  • Ability to work onsite 100%
  • Ability to travel 10%

Preferred / Additional Skills

  • Proficient with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
  • Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs
  • Software development experience in Java
  • Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and FACE technical standards
  • Integration of third-party mission applications
  • Secure and sustainable mission software lifecycle
  • CI/CD and configuration management for mission software
  • Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skill

Benefits

  • Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
  • 401K with generous employer match
  • Responsible Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
  • Remote work opportunities based on role
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career growth and professional development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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