SAIC Hires Design Engineers in San Diego: Expanding Naval Infrastructure Expertise

San Diego, CA — May 22, 2026 — Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a leading mission integrator for federal and defense agencies, has announced new hiring opportunities for Design Engineers in its San Diego office. The roles focus on delivering specialized engineering design and drafting services for critical Naval infrastructure initiatives, reflecting SAIC’s broader commitment to advancing mission-critical systems for U.S. Defense and intelligence agencies.

As the company continues to expand its workforce in key defense hubs, these positions underscore SAIC’s role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s evolving technological and operational needs. Below, we break down the key details, qualifications, and what this means for San Diego’s defense industry ecosystem.

— ### Why San Diego? SAIC’s Strategic Focus on Naval Innovation SAIC’s San Diego office is a hub for infrastructure services and engineering innovation, particularly in support of the U.S. Navy’s warfighting domains. The company’s recent recognition as a leader in AI services for defense and intelligence agencies—per the IDC MarketScape 2025 reports—aligns with its broader mission to integrate emerging technologies into mission-critical operations.

“San Diego’s proximity to major naval installations and defense contractors makes it a natural fit for SAIC’s engineering expertise,” said a company spokesperson. “These roles are designed to accelerate the delivery of secure, data-driven solutions that enhance naval readiness and operational agility.”

Key Focus Areas:

• Naval Infrastructure Design: Developing blueprints and technical specifications for shipyards, bases, and coastal defense systems.
• Multi-Domain Coordination: Supporting secure data-sharing and interoperability across air, sea, and cyber domains.
• Edge Computing & AI Integration: Leveraging AI-driven tools to optimize engineering workflows and decision-making.

Source: SAIC’s official mission statement and defense capabilities

— ### Job Details: Design Engineer Roles in San Diego SAIC has posted two distinct engineering positions in San Diego, each tailored to different levels of experience. Below are the verified details from the company’s official job listings (as of May 2026): #### 1. Design Engineer (Entry-Level to Mid-Career) – Job ID: 2610946 – Posted: April 10, 2026 – Key Responsibilities:

• Providing engineering design and drafting support for Naval infrastructure projects.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop mission-ready solutions.
• Ensuring compliance with DoD and Navy technical standards.

– Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering (or related field).
• Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit).
• U.S. Citizenship required for access to classified projects.

– Application Deadline: Rolling (priority given to early applicants). – Source: SAIC Careers Portal #### 2. Design Engineer Principal (Senior-Level Leadership) – Job ID: 17755708 – Posted: May 19, 2026 (updated) – Key Responsibilities:

• Leading complex Infrastructure Services initiatives for the Naval portfolio.
• Mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation in defense systems.
• Ensuring alignment with DoD acquisition strategies and budget constraints.

– Qualifications:

• 10+ years of defense or aerospace engineering experience.
• Proven track record in Naval or maritime infrastructure projects.
• Security clearance (Secret or higher preferred).

– Application Deadline: Immediate review for qualified candidates. – Source: SAIC Senior Leadership Opportunities — ### What This Means for San Diego’s Defense Industry San Diego is home to 10 of the top 25 defense contractors in the U.S., including General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, and Huntington Ingalls Industries. SAIC’s expansion into the region reinforces the city’s status as a national security hotspot**, with a growing demand for engineers skilled in:

• Naval Shipyard Modernization: Upgrades to aging infrastructure to support next-gen submarines and destroyers.
• Cyber-Physical Systems: Integrating AI and IoT into naval logistics and command centers.
• Climate-Resilient Design: Engineering solutions for coastal erosion and extreme weather impacts on bases.

Expert Insight: “SAIC’s hiring push reflects a broader trend in defense contracting—companies are increasingly looking for engineers who can bridge traditional infrastructure design with cutting-edge tech like AI and edge computing,” said Dr. Elena Martinez, a defense industry analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). “San Diego’s role in this shift is critical, given its concentration of naval expertise.”

Source: CSIS Defense Acquisition Reports

— ### How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide SAIC’s hiring process for defense roles is highly competitive but structured. Here’s what candidates should expect: 1. Online Application: – Submit via SAIC’s careers portal. – Upload a resume, cover letter, and portfolio (if applicable). 2. Initial Screening (3–5 Business Days): – SAIC’s HR team reviews applications for technical fit and security eligibility. 3. Technical Interview (1–2 Weeks Later): – A panel of engineers assesses problem-solving skills and familiarity with DoD standards. 4. Security Clearance Check (4–8 Weeks): – U.S. Citizenship and a background investigation are required for classified roles. 5. Final Offer: – Successful candidates receive a competitive salary (range: $95K–$150K+ for senior roles), benefits, and relocation assistance (if applicable).

Pro Tip: Highlight experience with NATO standards, ITAR-compliant projects, or prior work with defense primes to stand out.

— ### FAQ: Design Engineer Roles at SAIC Q: Are these roles open to non-U.S. Citizens? A: No. Due to the sensitivity of Naval projects, U.S. Citizenship is required for all listed positions. Q: What security clearance is needed? A: Entry-level roles may require a background check, while senior positions prefer Secret clearance or higher. Q: Can remote work be accommodated? A: SAIC’s San Diego roles are on-site only, given the hands-on nature of infrastructure design. Q: What industries are similar to SAIC’s Naval engineering work? A: Candidates with experience in aerospace, oil & gas pipeline engineering, or federal civil infrastructure may transfer skills effectively. Q: How does SAIC support professional development? A: The company offers tuition reimbursement, certifications in AI tools (e.g., NVIDIA Omniverse), and pathways to leadership roles. — ### Key Takeaways ✅ Strategic Hiring: SAIC’s San Diego expansion targets Naval infrastructure and AI-driven engineering, aligning with the Navy’s modernization priorities. ✅ Competitive Compensation: Salaries range from $80K (entry-level) to $150K+ (senior), with benefits including relocation support. ✅ Clearance Pathways: Roles offer opportunities to earn or maintain security clearances, valuable for long-term defense careers. ✅ Tech Integration: Candidates with AI, edge computing, or cyber-physical systems experience are highly sought after.

With the U.S. Navy investing $40 billion+ annually in shipbuilding and infrastructure, SAIC’s hiring surge signals robust demand for skilled engineers in San Diego. For those ready to contribute to national defense, these roles offer a rare opportunity to shape the future of naval operations.

Source: U.S. Navy Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Overview

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