
Principal Software Test Engineer
San Diego, CAJob$100–140K/yrSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today
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At a glance
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Requirements
Credentials this posting asks for.
Job overview
SAIC seeks a Principal Software Test Engineer to support development, integration, and testing of submarine communication systems in San Diego. The role contributes across the software development lifecycle, including coding, test execution, and troubleshooting, and works with teams, customers, agencies, and vendors. Candidates need a bachelor's degree or qualifying experience, nine or more years of experience, U.S. citizenship, and an active Secret clearance.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
Description
SAIC is seeking a Principal Software Test Engineer to support advanced submarine communication systems. Join our innovative team in San Diego, CA, and contribute to mission-critical efforts in communication technology development, integration, and testing. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated Software Engineer looking to grow their expertise in cutting-edge defense communication systems.
JOB DUTIES:
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Support SW Engineering, Development, testing, integration, and implementation of submarine communication systems.
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Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C, C++, and Java
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Support the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment
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Work within Agile/Scrum frameworks to deliver iterative software solutions on schedule
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Assist in writing and executing test plans, test procedures, and test reports.
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Provide technical support in hardware and networked systems testing, configuration, and documentation.
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Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during integration and testing phases.
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Coordinate with the team on Code Reviews, trouble should code and perform SW development activities as needed.
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Collaborate with team members, management, and customers to ensure alignment and progress.
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Support coordination with multiple agencies, vendors, and customers to achieve program goals.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS :
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Bachelors in Computer Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field and nine (9) years or more experience; Years of experience in lieu of a degree to be considered.
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Must be a U.S. Citizen
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Must have an Active Secret Clearance to start
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Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Clearance after start
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Experience in writing and executing test documents.
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Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming languages
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Skills in establishing equipment configurations to meet operational requirements
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Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
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Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly
DESIRED SKILLS:
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Background in RF Engineering; experience with VLF systems a plus.
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Familiarity with waveform development and DoD communications systems.
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Understanding of VLF communication concepts and experience working with similar systems.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Visio, Project, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.
Target salary range: $100,001 - $140,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
REQNUMBER: 2619073
SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability
How this job compares
Set against the 39,832 open Software Engineer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 13, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$100–140K/yr
- California median$164–243K/yr6,944 salary ranges
- US median$132–214K/yr31,908 salary ranges
This range's midpoint, $120K, is 41% below the California median midpoint ($205K) — in the lowest quarter of Software Engineer salary ranges in California.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 8,551 open Software Engineer jobs in California and 39,832 across the US. 8% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 9 years of experience — more than three in four Software Engineer postings that state a minimum ask for (median 5 years, across 32,800 postings).
- Education
- 12,437 of the 39,832 open Software Engineer jobs (31%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 13, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.
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