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Assistant Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

About the role As a Software Engineer on the Boulder Opal team, you will build the backend ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

About the role As a Software Engineer on the Boulder Opal team, you will build the backend ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

About the role As a Software Engineer on the Boulder Opal team, you will build the backend ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

QGOV Security Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$111.30 - $166.90/hr

Job Area Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary QGOV Software ... Design and implement software tools to assist vulnerability research. * Design and implement ...

Software Engineer III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Gnostech, LLCis seeking a skilled Software Engineer III to support the Navy and Marine Corps ... * Assist in system hardening, STIG compliance, and C&A package preparation, including risk ...

Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

About the role As a Software Engineer on the Boulder Opal team, you will build the backend ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Controls Software Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$53.75 - $68.50/hr

Develop graphical user interfaces and loggers with standard EPICS tools. * Assist with ... Advanced knowledge of software engineering principles, including object-oriented design, modular ...

... Engineer to design, develop, and optimize the core software that powers next-generation data ... Experience using AI coding assistants and autonomous AI agents (such as GitHub Copilot, OpenAI ...

... Engineer to design, develop, and optimize the core software that powers next-generation data ... Experience using AI coding assistants and autonomous AI agents (such as GitHub Copilot, OpenAI ...

We are looking for highly motivated Software Engineers to join our team as key members of our ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Principal Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$143K - $192K/yr

Cross-Team Problem Solving: Assist teams in resolving complex software, performance, scalability ... Engineering Excellence: Promote best practices in software design, code quality, testing ...

Software Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Software Engineer Corporate Office: San Ramon, California Relocation Assistance: No (Local ... Document specifications and assist in developing user guides and manuals. * Collaborate effectively ...

Software Engineer III

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$67.75 - $91.25/hr

Join the QuickBooks *** Assist team as a back end Software Engineer specializing in python development, and contribute to building AI-driven experiences that revolutionize how small businesses and ...

Sr Software Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

The Senior Software Engineer will design, develop, test, and support scalable software solutions ... Customer & Product Support * Assist technical support teams with complex product issues and root ...

New

... assist vulnerability research. • Design and implement embedded software solutions to meet ... Required : • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related ...

We're looking for Software Engineers who are interested in space exploration and passionate about ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

... assist vulnerability research. • Design and implement embedded software solutions to meet ... Required : • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related ...

... assist vulnerability research. • Design and implement embedded software solutions to meet ... Required : • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related ...

Sr Software Engineer

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$142K - $188K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and supporting ... Customer & Product Support * Assist technical support teams with complex product issues and root ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$87.6K

$132.7K

How much do assistant software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant software engineer in California is $87,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant software engineer?

To thrive as an Assistant Software Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), software development fundamentals, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic debugging tools, and common development frameworks is important. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication help you work efficiently within teams and adapt to evolving project requirements. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering quality code, learning quickly, and contributing to successful software projects.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant software engineers when joining a new development team?

Assistant Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar codebases, learning new technologies or frameworks used by the team, and understanding the team's workflow and communication practices. It's common to spend initial weeks focusing on onboarding tasks, shadowing experienced developers, and gradually taking on more complex assignments. Collaboration with senior engineers is key, as they provide guidance and feedback to help you grow technically and integrate smoothly into the team's processes.

What is the difference between Assistant Software Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectAssistant Software EngineerSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; some internshipsBachelor's or higher; more experience preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised tasks, learning-focusedFull responsibility for projects, independent problem-solving
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, IT departmentsStandard role across tech, finance, healthcare, and more

The main difference is experience and responsibility. Assistant Software Engineers are entry-level, focusing on learning and supporting tasks, while Software Engineers handle full project development independently. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environment, but the Software Engineer position involves greater autonomy and technical expertise.

Is 25 too late to become an assistant software engineer?

Age is not a barrier to becoming an assistant software engineer; many professionals start or transition into tech careers at 25 or later. Success depends on acquiring relevant skills such as programming languages, understanding software development processes, and gaining practical experience through projects or certifications.

What is an assistant software engineer?

An assistant software engineer is an entry-level or junior role responsible for supporting software development tasks such as coding, testing, and debugging under the supervision of senior engineers. They often work with programming languages like Java, Python, or C++ and may need foundational knowledge of software development tools and methodologies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,592 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Software Engineer

Q-CTRL

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

About the team
At Q-CTRL, Quantum Computing Engineering is a global team of software engineers and infrastructure experts,combining deep technical expertise with a startup mindset to deliver real impact through software innovation. Our work is underpinned by robust standards, and by embracing the three virtues. Our team excels in areas across back-end, front-end, machine learning, and platform engineering.
 
We transform Q-CTRL's world-leading technological breakthroughs into commercial software products with applications across defense, research, and industry. We work closely with Product, Design, and Research teams to accelerate the path to quantum advantage worldwide.

About the role

As a Software Engineer on the Boulder Opal team, you will build the backend infrastructure that supports our quantum software platform. You'll work alongside compiler engineers and researchers to develop scalable backend systems, APIs and performance-critical services while growing your understanding of compiler technologies and quantum computing.

This role is ideal for a strong backend engineer interested in systems programming who wants to develop expertise in compiler engineering over time.

What you'll be doing:
  • Design, build and maintain scalable backend services in Python and C++.
  • Develop APIs and backend services supporting our compiler and quantum runtime.
  • Build reliable distributed systems and cloud-native services.
  • Improve performance, reliability and observability across backend components.
  • Collaborate with compiler engineers to integrate new compiler capabilities into production systems.
  • Work with researchers and product teams to deliver new platform capabilities.
  • Learn and contribute to compiler infrastructure as your expertise grows.
Ideally, you'll have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related discipline.
  • Strong programming skills in Python.
  • Experience with modern C++.
  • Experience building backend systems or distributed services.
  • Experience designing APIs using REST, gRPC or GraphQL.
It would be fantastic (but not essential) if you bring:
  • Experience building high-performance backend systems.
  • Experience with asynchronous programming and concurrency.
  • Experience with FastAPI, Flask or Django.
  • Familiarity with compiler concepts or programming language implementation.
  • Exposure to LLVM or MLIR.
  • Interest in quantum computing or scientific software.
  • Experience with Rust, Go, or other systems programming languages.
Salary
The targeted base salary range for this position is between $130,000 - $170,000 and will ultimately be determined by specific job-related skills, experience, level, location and other contributing factors. Depending on the position offered, this role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses, equity and other forms of compensation outside of the targeted base salary range. For more information on benefits at Q-CTRL, please visit our careers page at https://q-ctrl.com/careers.
 
Should you have any questions related to the compensation package, please speak directly with the Talent Acquisition representative.

About Q-CTRL
Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact.
 
Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi-disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we're hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting-edge science into deployable technology.
 
In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.
 
At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high-performance culture. If you're ready to help shape the future of quantum, we'd love to hear from you!
 
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
 
Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.
 
To recruitment agencies, we do not accept unsolicited branded profiles and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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