Associate Software Engineer
The Associate Software Engineer at Confidential Client's AC2 Division develops and deploys advanced algorithms and software systems to support national security through innovative AI and decision-support tools. The role involves working on diverse applications such as mission planning aids, situational awareness information fusion, and novel visualizations, within a collaborative, hybrid work environment. This position requires strong programming skills, experience with agile methodologies, and the ability to obtain a security clearance to contribute to cutting-edge defense and intelligence projects.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Technology, Information and Internet (advanced R&D for defense, intelligence, and national security).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
About the Role
Confidential Client is seeking an Associate Software Engineer to join a team building AI-enabled decision-support, analytics, and visualization systems used for mission planning and situational awareness. You will contribute across the software lifecycle — from prototypes to deployed systems — working on data fusion, human-machine interfaces, and algorithm development in a flexible, hybrid environment based in San Diego, CA.
What You’ll Do
- Design, implement, test, and deploy software components and algorithms.
- Develop Python-based data pipelines, analytics, and algorithmic prototypes.
- Integrate services in service-oriented or microservice architectures.
- Build visualizations and interfaces that support human decision-making.
- Collaborate in Agile teams using tools such as JIRA; apply test-driven development practices.
- Participate in performance profiling, tuning, and CI/CD workflows.
Who You Are
- Comfortable working at the intersection of AI, data science, and software engineering.
- Strong knowledge of Python and object-oriented design principles.
- Practical experience with data science workflows and algorithm development.
- Familiar with Agile practices and test-driven development.
- Quick to learn new languages, libraries, and technologies.
- Able to obtain a U.S. national security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
Even Better
- MS in Computer Science or related technical field.
- Experience with Java or Scala.
- Front-end UI design and development experience.
- Familiarity with LLM orchestration/integration and AI-assisted development tools.
- Experience with distributed systems (Kafka/event streams), concurrent/asynchronous code, and performance optimization.
- DevOps/CI-CD experience (e.g., GitLab).
- Active security clearance is a plus.
Compensation & Location
- Full-Time Salary Range: $110,000 to $120,000 (annual).
- Location: San Diego, CA — this role is office-based with a flexible hybrid policy. The salary range is based on external market data; offers consider experience, education, skills, clearances, and business needs.
Minimum Qualifications & Security
- BS in Computer Science or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
- Demonstrated expertise in Python and algorithm/data-science work.
- Ability to obtain required security clearances (U.S. citizenship required).
- Willingness to work in an office-based, hybrid environment in San Diego, CA.
Why Join Our Client
Confidential Client works on challenging, impactful problems in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security. You’ll join a collaborative team that values deep technical expertise and creativity — where your work helps solve complex, real-world problems. Careertakes will support your application and may present additional matched opportunities.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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