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Application Software Developer Jobs in California

Application Software Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

APPLICATION SOFTWARE ENGINEER The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX - we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch ...

APPLICATION SOFTWARE ENGINEER The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX - we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch ...

Application Software Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

APPLICATION SOFTWARE ENGINEER The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX - we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch ...

Experience with Continuous Integration / Quality, and DevOps concepts and tools / technologies (e.g ... Experience with Mobile Application Development * Experience with Agile Management Tools and ...

Experience with Continuous Integration / Quality, and DevOps concepts and tools / technologies (e.g ... Experience with Mobile Application Development * Experience with Agile Management Tools and ...

We're looking for engineers who are curious, collaborative, and driven to deliver mission-critical software that helps turn ambitious space projects into reality. Responsibilities * Develop highly ...

Working experience with all aspects of software engineering best practices. * Working experience ... If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews ...

APPLICATION SOFTWARE ENGINEER, DATA The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX - we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate ...

Working experience with all aspects of software engineering best practices. * Working experience ... If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews ...

APPLICATION SOFTWARE ENGINEER, DATA The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX - we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate ...

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Application Software Developer information

See California salary details

$16

$51

$83

How much do application software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for application software developer in California is $51.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.73 and $59.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Application Software Developers with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand industries can earn salaries of $300,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Senior developers, technical leads, and those in finance or tech sectors often reach this compensation level, particularly in large companies or with advanced certifications and expertise in areas like cloud computing or cybersecurity.

What are some common challenges Application Software Developers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Application Software Developers often collaborate closely with designers, testers, product managers, and sometimes clients. One common challenge is aligning technical feasibility with business goals and user expectations, which can require strong communication and negotiation skills. Developers may also need to adapt quickly to changing project requirements and integrate feedback from multiple stakeholders. Working effectively in this environment involves balancing technical excellence with collaborative teamwork, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.

What are Application Software Developers?

Application Software Developers are professionals who design, build, test, and maintain software applications for computers or mobile devices. They work to understand user needs, create software solutions, and ensure applications run smoothly and efficiently. Their work often involves programming, debugging, updating applications, and collaborating with other IT professionals. Application Software Developers may specialize in specific types of software or platforms, such as web, desktop, or mobile applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Application Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Software Developer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C#, along with a solid understanding of software development principles and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with development frameworks, version control systems like Git, and familiarity with integrated development environments (IDEs) are typically required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help developers collaborate and deliver high-quality software. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable applications that meet user needs and business goals in a dynamic tech environment.

What is the difference between Application Software Developer vs Web Developer?

AspectApplication Software DeveloperWeb Developer
Primary FocusDesigning and building software applications for desktops, mobile devices, or enterprise systemsCreating websites and web applications for online use
Required SkillsProgramming languages like Java, C++, Python; software architectureHTML, CSS, JavaScript; front-end and back-end web technologies
Work EnvironmentSoftware companies, enterprise IT departments, app development firmsWeb development agencies, tech startups, freelance work
Common CertificationsMicrosoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, Oracle Java CertificationsCertified Web Developer, Adobe Certified Expert

Application Software Developers focus on creating standalone software applications for various platforms, while Web Developers specialize in building websites and web-based applications. Both roles require programming skills and often overlap, but their primary environments and target outputs differ.

What cities in California are hiring for Application Software Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Application Software Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Application Software Developer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,056 per year, or $52 per hour.
Application Software Engineer

Application Software Engineer

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site, Remote

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

APPLICATION SOFTWARE ENGINEER

The application software team is the central nervous system of SpaceX - we create mission critical applications that are used throughout SpaceX to accelerate launch vehicle production and flight as well as systems that allow Starlink to grow into a worldwide fast, reliable Internet service. We are looking for engineers who treat fellow teammates with fairness, respect, and support.

Our team is currently creating and evolving systems to enable rapid build and reuse of Starship as well as designing the next generation manufacturing software that will be used in high throughput factories for Starlink. Other applications range from platforms that support concurrent streams of data from many always-on assets to manage the world's largest satellite constellation to public facing systems where customers can join our Starlink network globally. We work closely with engineers throughout the company to create and update our systems with respect to crewed launches, Starship flights, changes to the Starlink network and much more.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, respectful, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on a super inspiring mission. You will have full ownership of challenging problems, working with a team of enthusiastic engineers with diverse perspectives to design and produce solutions that enable SpaceX to move towards our goals at a rapid pace. The success of the missions at SpaceX depends on the software that you and your team produce.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop highly reliable software solutions that are used across SpaceX
  • Create new applications that improve how SpaceX operates
  • Build prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
  • Own all aspects of software engineering and product development
  • Deep dive into your users' problems to find and create efficient solutions
  • Bring your voice to the table in team collaborations on architecture, design, and code reviews

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
  • 1+ years of experience in full stack development

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Programming experience in Python, C#.NET, Go, Scala, Java, or similar object-oriented language
  • 1+ years of rigorous experience building single page web applications
  • Experience with version control, continuous integration, and continuous delivery concepts
  • Expertise in designing software systems
  • Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & monitoring
  • Expertise in profiling and improving application performance
  • Experience with build systems (Make, Bazel/Pants/Buck, Gradle) and package management tools (pip, npm)
  • Experience with UNIX-like operating systems and tools like Terraform, Ansible, Puppet for managing them
  • Experience working with in-stream data processing using Apache Kafka, RabbitMQ, ActiveMQ, or similar technologies
  • Production experience with Docker and Kubernetes
  • Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
  • Database experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • You may be asked to work extended hours/weekends dependent on launch cadence
  • This role requires you to be onsite. Remote and/or hybrid work will not be considered
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


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