Senior Principal Software Engineer
Job ID: 2600602
Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US
Date Posted: 2026-01-22
Category: Software
Subcategory: SW Engineer
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Minimum Clearance Required: Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None
Potential for Remote Work: No
SAIC is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer to support advanced Very Low Frequency (VLF) 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 ONSITE position and will need to be local to area.
As a Senior Principal Software Engineer you'll leverage your expertise to advise the government and ensure the successful development, testing, and implementation of cutting-edge systems. You'll collaborate with teams, manage technical tasks, and ensure projects meet operational, cost, and schedule requirements.
The candidate will have a strong background in system software engineering support, preferably with DoD Development programs, and possess strong problem solving skills. Qualified candidates will have in-depth experience and the ability to learn new technologies quickly.
Up to 20% travel will be involved with this role
JOB DUTIES:
- Development and updates of RF communications systems
- Supporting VLF for communications for Navy and Air Force
- Experience with the testing, configuration and documentation of Software Systems and hardware systems
- Work in conjunction with Software Developers to develop and implement test procedures and scenarios for new and updated systems
- Participate in resolving technical issues and troubleshoot the system that may arise during integration, implementation and test
- Provide technical direction, guidance and training to less experienced staff
- Interface with management, customers and team regularly
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelors Degree in related engineering field and fourteen (14) years or more related experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience
- Must have an Active Secret Clearance to start
- DoD IAT 1 certified eligible. Security+ (able to obtain within 6 months of hire)
- 7-10 Years' development and engineering experience with C, C+, and Java programming
- Strong skills in establishing equipment configurations to meet operational requirements
- Exceptional communication and problem-solving skills
- A demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly
DESIRED SKILLS:
- Masters in related Engineering or Science proficiency
- Experience with DoD VLF message processing
- Agile Experience
- Background in RF Engineering, with preferred experience in VLF systems
- Familiarity with waveform development and DoD communications systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Visio, Project, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
- Understanding of VLF communication concepts and experience working with similar systems
Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.