Entry Level Software Engineer

BAE Systems, Inc.
San Diego, California, United StatesFull-time$66,017–$105,628Posted Sep 14, 2026

About the role

Job Description

You don’t see it, but it’s there. Our employees work on the world’s most advanced electronics – from saving emissions in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover to protecting the F-35 fighter jet! At Electronic Systems, you’ll be among the brightest minds, working on the Defense and Space software industry’s most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we’re innovating for the future. And you can, too.

Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first – exemplified by our missions: “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®” and “We Innovate For Those Who Move The WorldTM.” Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with us.

BAE Systems is looking for an entry level Software Engineer (<1 year experience). The qualified candidate will work in a rapid development environment as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Tasks may include coding, working with AI/ML services, debugging, and integrating software, as well as the integration, regression, and requirement testing of complex SW/HW systems. This position may require business travel in support of product demonstrations, software installation, and system testing.

The qualified candidate will have the opportunity to work with platforms and mission applications for intelligence and defense customers with domain emphasis on Geospatial Intelligence, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), and Mission Management.

In Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions, you’ll help develop systems that sense, control, exploit and disseminate actionable information to warfighters supporting a variety of missions.

An exciting future at BAE Systems awaits and it starts with Year One:

Beyond exciting work, every new engineer will be part of our Year One (YO) program - a unique and tailored experience to support your new engineering career.

You will join other first year hires in a curated YO program, in addition to your program team, creating strong connections with your peers and leadership as you develop and navigate your journey here at our company!

The Year One program consists of team bonding events, networking opportunities, training activities, self improvement modules, and more!

You will have a peer mentor to help guide you and provide support every step of the way.

You will have an experienced team fully dedicated to supporting you and your first steps in your engineering career.

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires US Person status

Working a 9/80 schedule.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

This position is open to applicants with varying levels of experience. To be considered for Software Associate II you must hold a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or computer science related field by June 2027. To be considered for a Eng II - SW you must hold a Masters Degree

Less then or equal to 6 months of full time software engineering experience (not counting internships)

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance by the U.S. Federal Government.

Proficient/knowledgeable in Java

Understanding and skills in software design and code, including Object Oriented Analysis & Design (OOAD) and fully understand concepts of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Team player with a proactive attitude, the ability to be productive in a dynamic/ collaborative environment, and strong oral and written communication skills. A self-motivated and fast learner who seeks challenges, supports the team initiative, and thrives in an agile paced timeline.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Proficiency in multiple high level programming languages other than Java (C/C++, C#, Python or JavaScript)

Experience in backend/frontend/full-stack development and/or software architecture

Knowledge on Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)/Large Language Models (LLM)

Prior internship or research experience in related field

Currently holds a security clearance

Extracurricular activities (campus organizations, clubs, student organizations, community service)

Experience/Familiarity with any of the following:

Software Architecture/Frameworks

Spring/Spring boot

RESTful Web Services/RESTful APIs/REST APIs/APIs

Microservices

Swagger

Kafka

ActiveMQ

Operating Systems/Build tools

Linux/UNIX

Maven

Gradle

DevOps

CI/CD pipelines

AWS Cloud Services

Azure Stack

Azure DevOps

Kubernetes

Docker

Jenkins

Nexus

Git/GitHub/GitLab

BitBucket

Jira

Front End Development Tools

TypeScript

ReactJS

SASS

CSS

HTML

WebSockets/Web Socket

Angular

JavaScript

Node

Nginx

Database Frameworks/Tools

SQL

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Elasticsearch

Redis

Postman

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

VSCode

Eclipse

Intellij

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $66017 - $105628

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Responsibilities

  • Coding and debugging software
  • Integrating software and testing complex systems
  • Working with AI/ML services
  • Supporting product demonstrations and software installation

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field by June 2027
  • Less than 6 months of full-time software engineering experience
  • Proficient in Java
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Disability coverage
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Employee assistance program

Skills mentioned

JavaDebuggingSoftware TestingREST APIsMicroservicesSpring BootLinuxGitCI/CDDocker

About BAE Systems, Inc.

Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, security and aerospace company headquartered in Arlington, VA, with locations across the country. BAE Systems employees’ dedication and commitment show in everything they create and deliver, including advanced electronic systems, cyber operations and intelligence analysis, combat vehicles, naval weapons, ship maintenance and modernization, and vehicle upgrades and services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. Connect your passion for making a difference to career full of purpose by visiting jobs.baesystems.com. BAE Systems, Inc. believes in the free exchange of ideas and encourages all visitors to its social media properties to engage in spirited conversation. We expect and encourage differences in opinions and perspectives, but we require a civil discourse. To that end, all posts and comments must: - Refrain from promoting partisan political causes. - Protect confidential, proprietary, embargoed or otherwise protected information. - Respect and protect intellectual property rights and permissions for artistic content. Further, BAE Systems will remove comments that do not contribute to a civil discourse. The following are examples of comments that will be removed: - Profanity, or any speech that is potentially denigrating or demeaning. - Violence, threats of violence, or implied violence. - Descriptions of illegal activity, or implied illegal activity. - Ad hominem attacks or personal insults. - Off-topic or demonstrably false information

Defense and Space Manufacturing10,001+ employeesFalls Church, Virginia