Top Senior Software Engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA

The Lead Software Engineer will design, implement, and test software for advanced data communications and networking solutions, mentor junior engineers, and lead technical discussions in a fast-paced environment.

Lead integration of autonomy software onto diverse platforms by designing and implementing interfaces between autonomy, vehicle subsystems, sensors, payloads, and communications. Configure Linux mission environments, middleware, containers, and deployment pipelines; support SIL/HIL/VIL validation, field tests, demonstrations, troubleshooting, and cross-team coordination while mentoring junior engineers.

Design, implement, test, and deploy interactive UX and data-visualization front-end applications for defense programs. Build high-performance components, optimize responsiveness across devices and browsers, integrate geolocation/mapping, containerize deployments (Docker/Kubernetes), collaborate with stakeholders, and produce software documentation and user training materials.

The Sr. Vision Software Engineer will design, test, and integrate machine vision solutions, develop computer vision algorithms, and troubleshoot production issues while collaborating with engineering teams.

Develop and deliver Java/JEE enterprise software in a SOA environment across the full SDLC. Work with JMS, web services, XML technologies, and collaborate with systems, hardware, and integration/test engineers. On-site role requiring Top Secret clearance and up to 25% travel.

Design, build, and ship full-stack SaaS features across frontend and backend. Solve moderately complex problems, work within microservices and relational databases, participate in code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate on cloud-deployed, production-grade services. Focus on quality, user experience, and learning new technologies; exposure to AI-powered features is a plus.

Vannevar is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead the deployment of AI-enabled software products in government environments, focusing on security and compliance. Responsibilities include roadmap ownership, technical design, mentorship, and documentation.

Design, develop, and maintain C++ software and Qt-based GUIs for instrument communication and hardware interaction. Build reliable components, write Google Test unit tests, use CMake and Git, debug and optimize applications, collaborate with firmware/hardware teams, conduct code reviews, and produce clear documentation while operating in an agile startup environment.

Develop and maintain real-time sensor software solutions for autonomous vehicles, integrating AI/ML algorithms for various sensor systems across multiple domains.

The Technical Lead will build software systems for AI-native drug discovery, design data pipelines, develop APIs, and collaborate with scientists to create efficient workflows and solutions.

Lead integration and validation of the Hivemind autonomy stack across simulation, HIL, and flight platforms. Configure sensors, drivers, communication interfaces, and platform adapters; develop integration tooling and CI/CD; analyze logs/rosbag to triage defects; collaborate with engineering and product teams to ensure interoperability, release readiness, and end-to-end system compliance.

Hands-on role integrating and flight-testing Hivemind autonomy across Group 1-3 aircraft. Responsibilities include bench and flight bring-up, debugging autonomy/flight controllers/radios, building test tools and automation in Python/C++, developing hardware interfaces, running SIL/HIL/VIL and live flight tests, analyzing data, and improving test infrastructure in collaboration with software, hardware, and flight teams.

Develop, integrate, and field autonomy software for unmanned platforms; lead a small technical team through design-to-deployment; author ICDs; perform hardware/software debugging, system bring-up, simulation testing, and mission support; mentor engineers and coordinate with internal teams and external integrators. Travel ~10-20%.

Integrate and deploy autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft, prepare flight-ready systems, support on-site flight tests, debug hardware/software issues, collect and analyze flight data, collaborate across autonomy, GNC, and test teams, and support certification, compliance, and process improvements.

Design, develop, and field high-performance Ground Control Station and C2 software using C++/Qt/QML and QGroundControl. Lead architecture and technical direction, mentor engineers, define APIs/ICDs, debug integration/latency issues, support field tests, implement post-mission debrief tools, and ensure interoperability with C2 standards.

Design and build automated test capabilities for V-BAT: define and automate system-level test cases, implement interfaces/drivers for simulation and hardware, prototype and harden test solutions, and support release and flight test activities working with GNC and Embedded teams.

Lead design and implementation of tactical autonomy behaviors for unmanned platforms. Develop, test, and deploy multi-agent coordination, motion/behavior planning, and survivability features across vehicles while owning end-to-end system lifecycle and collaborating with integration teams and end users.

Lead design, integration, and fielding of autonomy software on unmanned platforms. Develop mission behaviors, platform control, multi-agent coordination, and deployment pipelines; own validation from simulation to live tests. Drive technical strategy, cross-team architecture, standards compliance, mentor senior engineers, and support on-site test/mission operations and hardware/software debugging.

Lead systems engineering for Hivemind-based autonomy products: define and manage requirements, develop system architectures and trade studies, coordinate hardware/software interfaces, support integration/verification/validation and testing, and identify and mitigate technical risks across the system lifecycle.

Design, implement, and own tactical autonomy behaviors for unmanned platforms. Develop and test multi-agent coordination, motion and behavior planning, target engagement, and survivability features. Work across the software lifecycle, integrate with sensor, estimation, communications, and control systems, contribute to shared frameworks, and support platform integration and testing (travel up to 20%).

Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft, prepare and validate flight-ready systems, support on-site flight tests, debug hardware/software integration, capture and analyze flight data, collaborate with autonomy/GNC/systems teams, improve integration processes, and assist with certification and compliance. Travel ~30-40% for tests and field events.

Develop, integrate, and field autonomy software on unmanned platforms; own end-to-end integration from simulation to live tests; debug embedded/latency-sensitive systems; support on-site flight/sea/space tests; ensure C2 interoperability and improve deployment/test tooling and processes.

Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft, prepare and validate flight-ready systems, support on-site flight tests, debug hardware/software interactions, capture and analyze flight data, collaborate with autonomy/GNC/systems teams, and support certification and compliance. Frequent travel (~30-40%) for field tests.

Design and implement full‑stack, low‑latency web-based Ground Control Station and C2 systems (map-centric UIs, real-time telemetry, video streaming), lead architecture and APIs, mentor engineers, support field tests and mission deployments, and ensure interoperability with C2 standards.

Lead design and implementation of real-time perception algorithms (detection, tracking, sensor fusion) for embedded maritime vehicles. Integrate ML and classical methods, optimize for embedded/GPU hardware, build tests and simulations, select and evaluate sensors, mentor engineers, and field-test algorithms on USVs.