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Tech Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Poway, CA (NOW HIRING)

SME Computer Software Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$97K - $150K/yr

Lead software integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities across development, lab, and ... technology insertion across existing mission platforms. * Support software lifecycle activities ...

Lead Swift/iOS Medical Device SWE

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

Lead iOS (Swift) Software Engineer - Medical Device Startup We're partnering with a well-funded ... technology, influence product direction, and grow with a company that's solving real-world health ...

Full Stack Software Engineer Business Unit: 1200 Information Technology Prepared Date: 5/20/2025 ... or lead software engineers. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other ...

Full Stack Software Engineer I

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$42.50 - $53.52/hr

Full Stack Software Engineer Business Unit: 1200 Information Technology Prepared Date: 5/20/2025 ... or lead software engineers. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other ...

STR is a growing technology company specializing in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security. The Lead Autonomy Software Engineer will work within the SAAM ...

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Sr Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

... lead software development efforts for our custom processor architecture. This role is critical to advancing our R&D initiatives and supporting DoD technology transition. You will work closely with ...

Director, Software Engineering

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$205 - $220/hr

Truvian is a healthcare technology company operating at the intersection of diagnostics and ... Lead software strategy, roadmap planning, architecture, development, release management, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Tech Lead Software Engineer information

See Poway, CA salary details

$84.9K

$149.2K

$202.5K

How much do tech lead software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for tech lead software engineer in Poway, CA is $149,241.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,800.00 and $172,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Tech Lead Software Engineer?

A Tech Lead Software Engineer is a senior developer who combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities. They guide a team of engineers through software development projects, making key technical decisions, setting coding standards, and ensuring that best practices are followed. In addition to writing code, Tech Leads coordinate work, mentor team members, and communicate with stakeholders to align technical solutions with business goals. Their role bridges the gap between hands-on engineering and leadership, ensuring both project success and team growth.

What does a Tech Lead Software Engineer do?

As a Tech Lead Software Engineer, you'll often split your time between writing code and guiding the technical direction of your team. While you remain involved in architecture decisions and complex problem-solving, you also mentor junior engineers, conduct code reviews, and facilitate communication between team members and stakeholders. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and prioritization skills, ensuring that both project delivery and team development are progressing smoothly. It's common to gradually shift from primarily coding to more strategic leadership as your team grows.

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

To thrive as a Tech Lead Software Engineer, you need advanced programming skills, deep software architecture knowledge, and experience in leading technical teams, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as Git, CI/CD pipelines, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and agile project management systems is essential. Strong communication, mentorship, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies ensure delivery of robust software solutions, foster team productivity, and drive technical excellence in complex projects.

What is the difference between Tech Lead Software Engineer vs Software Architect?

AspectTech Lead Software EngineerSoftware Architect
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, relevant certificationsBachelor's/Master's in CS, often with architecture or design certifications
Work EnvironmentHands-on coding, team leadership, project managementDesigning system architecture, high-level planning, technical strategy
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, enterprise software teamsLarge organizations, system design firms, enterprise software
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, career pathSystem design, technical strategy, architecture planning

The Tech Lead Software Engineer focuses on leading development teams, coding, and project execution, while the Software Architect concentrates on designing overall system architecture and technical strategy. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What job categories do people searching Tech Lead Software Engineer jobs in Poway, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Tech Lead Software Engineer jobs in Poway, CA are:

What cities near Poway, CA are hiring for Tech Lead Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Poway, CA with the most Tech Lead Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Tech Lead Software Engineer job openings in Poway, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,241 per year, or $71.8 per hour.

SME Computer Software Engineer

Prescient Edge

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$97K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title
SME Computer Software Engineer
Location
San Diego, CA 22400 US (Primary)
Category
Research, Development, and Engineering
Job Type
Full-Time
Career Level
Staff
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Security Clearance Required
Secret
Job Description
Prescient Edge is seeking SME Computer Software Engineer to support a federal government client.
Benefits & Compensation:
At Prescient Edge, we believe that acting with integrity and serving our employees is the key to everyone's success. To that end, we provide employees with a best-in-class benefits package that includes:
  • A competitive salary with performance bonus opportunities.
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, vision, dental, and orthodontia coverage.
  • A substantial retirement plan with no vesting schedule. Career development opportunities, including on-the-job training, tuition reimbursement, and networking.
  • A positive work environment where employees are respected, supported, and engaged.
  • Salary range: $97,000 - $150,000. Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills and the abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Description:
  • Software Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME)/Engineer supporting mission-critical systems, providing technical leadership in the design, development, integration, and sustainment of operational software solutions.
  • Design, develop, and maintain software applications and services for tactical and enterprise environments, including real-time systems, data processing pipelines, and mission system interfaces.
  • Leverage prior military operational experience to translate mission requirements, CONOPS, and operator needs into practical software solutions that improve mission effectiveness, reliability, and usability.
  • Lead software integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities across development, lab, and operational environments, ensuring systems remain mission-ready and compliant with operational requirements.
  • Collaborate with government stakeholders, engineers, and operators to support system architecture design, capability enhancements, and technology insertion across existing mission platforms.
  • Support software lifecycle activities including requirements development, configuration management, version control, cybersecurity compliance, and documentation in accordance with government and DoD development standards.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to development teams, helping bridge operational experience with modern software engineering practices to ensure mission-focused solutions.

Job Requirements
Requirements:
  • US Navy, USCG, Marine Corps, or SOCOM experience required.
  • Military unmanned or manned aircraft, ships, or equipment experience is required.
  • Petty Officers, Marines, or Coast Guard personnel with communications, network, system admin, engineering, or software experience.
  • Computer Software SME/Engineer with engineering, systems, technical degree and 4+ years military experience OR SME in technical field with some college and 12+ years military experience.
  • 10+ years military experience may substitute for degree (SME level).
  • Testing or hands-on experience with network, computer, and tactical systems (operations of GCCS, MSS, other common operating systems are a plus).
  • Understanding of System Engineering Life Cycle (SELC).
  • Proficiency with MS products (Excel, Word, PPT).
  • Proficiency with Visio, AutoCAD, or similar diagram tools.
  • Familiarity with AI model usage (LLMs).
  • Hands-on software engineering, integration, testing, troubleshooting, or tactical system experience within military operational environments.

Education:
  • Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems, or Technical discipline preferred but not required. Experience may substitute.
  • Degree preferred but not required, experience over degree.

Security Clearance:
  • Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain a Secret (or higher).

Location:
  • San Diego, CA
  • Travel: Up to 25%
  • Work Schedule: Hybrid - 3 days in Government facility and 2 days remote

Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a counterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) company in 2008. We are a global operations and solutions integrator delivering full-spectrum intelligence analysis support, training, security, and RD&E support solutions to the Department of Defense and throughout the intelligence community. Prescient Edge is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. We strive to foster equity and inclusion throughout our organization because we believe that diversity of thought is critical for creating a safe and engaging work environment while also enabling the organization's success.

Prescient Edge logo

About Prescient Edge

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Prescient Edge is a prominent name in the global security industry, based out of McLean, VA, US. Established with the primary mission of harnessing science and technology for safety and security purposes, the company specializes in providing a wide range of products and services. This includes research and development, consulting, global operations support, intelligence evaluation, and advanced data solutions. These offerings make Prescient Edge an integral factor in national defense and commercial innovations.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

2008

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