Senior Software Engineer – Defense Communication Systems

SAIC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Senior Software Engineer in San Diego, CA to support defense communication systems for the U.S. Navy.

You will contribute to the full software development lifecycle for RF platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, test, and integrate software solutions for national defense missions. The role requires strong C/C++ skills, the ability to obtain an active Secret clearance with Top Secret eligibility, and experience in Agile environments.

Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance (ability to obtain Top Secret)
• Bachelor's degree in EE, CS, Software Engineering, or related field
• Strong proficiency in C and C++

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software for RF communication systems
• Write clean, efficient code in C, C++, and Java
• Work within Agile/Scrum frameworks to deliver iterative solutions on schedule
• Develop and implement test procedures for new and updated systems
• Support hardware/software integration and FPGA development
• Provide mentorship and technical direction to junior engineers
• Maintain technical documentation including design documents, test plans, and configuration guides
• Provide support as the primary interface between the project team and stakeholders

Skills

C/C++

Communication

ProblemSolving

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/CS

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required Secret

Location San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted 2026-09-17

Category Software

Subcategory SW Engineer

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain Top Secret

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support defense communication systems for the U.S. Navy. Join our team in San Diego, CA, contributing to mission-critical communication technology development, integration, and testing. Your Role as a Senior Software Engineer, you will support the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) for RF communication systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, develop, test, and integrate software solutions supporting national defense missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software for RF communication systems
• Write clean, efficient code in C, C++, and Java
• Work within Agile/Scrum frameworks to deliver iterative solutions on schedule
• Develop and implement test procedures for new and updated systems
• Support hardware/software integration and FPGA development
• Provide mentorship and technical direction to junior engineers
• Maintain technical documentation including design documents, test plans, and configuration guides
• Provide support as the primary interface between the project team and stakeholders

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience. Four (4) additional years of experience in lieu of BS degree

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance (ability to obtain Top Secret)
• Bachelor's degree in EE, CS, Software Engineering, or related field
• Strong proficiency in C and C++
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

Desired Skills

• RF Engineering background
• Agile/Scrum experience; CSM certification a plus
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), such as VxWorks, is a plus
• DoD program experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.