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

Description

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.

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.

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• Dice Id: 10111346
• Position Id: 2600602
• Posted 1 hour ago