Software Engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA
Software Engineer jobs in San Diego are concentrated in Sorrento Valley, Torrey Pines, and Kearny Mesa, driven by a dense cluster of defense tech, biotech software, and cybersecurity firms alongside a growing fintech presence downtown. Employers hiring right now include Qualcomm, Apple, and Intuit. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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NKI is experiencing rapid growth, and we're looking for a full-time Senior Software Engineer (SECRET CLEARED) to join our team and support this exciting expansion. At NKI, we're committed to investing in our employees' growth and development, helping them achieve their career goals. To learn more about us and our team, visit our website.
About You and the Role
The Senior Software Engineer will help to aid in next generation tools and systems development. This is an exciting position that will have you developing web-based applications that integrate with our custom embedded systems, utilizing generative AI and AI-assisted coding tools to design, develop, test, and maintain high-quality software solutions.
We are looking for a San Diego-based Senior Software Engineer to join our team at NKI. This is a 100% onsite, full-time position following a 9/80 schedule.
Responsibilities Include:
- Design, develop, and implement AI-assisted software applications
- Writing of requirements, specifications, and test documents
- Execution of tests and documentation of completed testing
- Interface with customers to develop requirements and perform design reviews
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or related field of study
- 6+ years of professional experience in Software Engineering
-
Experience with the following languages is a must:
- Python
- C# or Rust
- JavaScript/TypeScript
- HTML / CSS
- Expertise in Linux Systems and Virtual Machines
- Expertise in Web-based UI development
- Network Software Engineering (TLS / HTTPS)
- Exposure using AI to write code
- U.S. citizenship required; must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Active Secret Clearance ideal.
Preferred Qualifications
- GO
- RESTCONF
- YANG
- Cryptography basics
- Svelte UI Framework
- Playwright (or equivalent test frameworks)
Compensation
- Base salary: $130,000-$160,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
Our Company Perks!
Career Growth: We invest in your professional development and provide clear opportunities for advancement.
Impactful Work: Contribute to critical government and commercial projects that make a difference.
Collaborative Culture: Work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and a 9/80 work schedule for better work-life balance.
Benefits Include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
- Company-paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability insurance, plus access to additional voluntary insurance options.
- 401(k) plan with Company Safe Harbor contributions
- Eligibility for discretionary employer-sponsored bonus
- 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off).
- Paid Time Off: 10 days of vacation, 7 personal days, and 11 paid Federal holidays annually.
Nathan Kunes Incorporated (NKI), established in 1998, specializes in delivering Software, Systems, and Information Assurance engineering services to the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community agencies. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued and respected.
NKI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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Find Software Engineer JobsSoftware Engineer Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- Qualcomm178

- Apple44

- Intuit44

- Shield AI44

- Booz Allen Hamilton44

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
Software Engineer Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a software engineer job in San Diego?
San Diego's software engineering market is shaped by defense contractors, biotech companies, and cybersecurity firms, so candidates who can demonstrate experience with embedded systems, data pipelines, or security tooling stand out locally. Concentrating your search in Sorrento Valley, Torrey Pines, and the downtown Gaslamp tech corridor puts you where hiring is densest. Tailoring your resume to reflect the sectors dominant here gives you a concrete edge over generalist applicants.
Which companies hire software engineers in San Diego?
San Diego software engineer roles are posted by Qualcomm, Apple, and Intuit and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. The local employer mix ranges from large defense primes and publicly traded biotech companies to Series B and C startups building SaaS and cybersecurity products.
Are there remote software engineer jobs in San Diego?
Yes, software engineering is one of the more remote-compatible disciplines given its desk-based, code-centric nature. About 56% of software engineer openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with fully remote roles most common in web development and cloud infrastructure. On-site work is more typical for defense contractors and biotech companies that require physical access to secure labs or hardware.
How can I get a software engineer job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is targeting junior or associate software engineer roles at mid-size SaaS startups in the Sorrento Valley and Kearny Mesa corridors, where teams tend to be smaller and early-career candidates take on real responsibilities faster. Building a portfolio with projects relevant to cybersecurity, data engineering, or defense-adjacent tooling reflects what San Diego employers value most. Internships at UCSD-affiliated research groups or local incubators can also convert directly into full-time offers.
Which industries hire the most software engineers in San Diego?
The sectors hiring the most software engineers in San Diego are Technology & Software and Electronics & Hardware, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. San Diego's concentration of Navy and Marine Corps installations, world-class research universities, and a maturing startup ecosystem collectively fuel sustained software engineering demand across those industries.
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