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Backend Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Maxana

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Maxana is seeking an experienced Backend Engineer for a confidential client -- a well-funded AI platform company used by ML teams globally. In this role you will own features end to end across APIs ...

Clerkie

Backend Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$90/hr

About the role We're looking for a Backend Engineer who wants to build and own critical systems in a fast-moving environment. This role is ideal for someone with strong backend fundamentals who is ...

Wealthfront

Backend Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$150K - $189K/yr

We are looking for backend engineers to join our core product development teams. You'll work with other engineers to design and build new features or enhance existing features. This work will add ...

Wealthfront

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$150K - $189K/yr

We are looking for backend engineers to join our core product development teams. You'll work with other engineers to design and build new features or enhance existing features. This work will add ...

Jobsbridge

Backend Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

Company Description Intelliswift Software, Inc The Backend stack engineer will be responsible for building industrial Industrial Internet (IOT) applications utilizing Client's Industrial Cloud ...

Maxana

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

Maxana is seeking an experienced Backend Engineer for a confidential client - a well-funded AI platform company used by ML teams globally. In this role you will own features end to end across APIs ...

HeyGen

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

Position Summary As a Backend Engineer at HeyGen, you'll be at the forefront of building the core systems and infrastructure that power our products and services. Your expertise will drive the ...

Fluency Digital, Inc.

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

What we're looking for: * 1-5 years of experience in backend engineering with a focus on scalability and performance * Proficiency in Git and experience with cloud‑based infrastructure * Strong ...

Clerkie

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$90/hr

About the role We're looking for a Backend Engineer who wants to build and own critical systems in a fast-moving environment. This role is ideal for someone with strong backend fundamentals who is ...

Pump.co

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Python, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes (nice to have), LLM/AI (bonus) As a Backend Engineer , you'll contribute directly to the core of our product and infrastructure. This role is ...

Hired Recruiters

Backend Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

As a backend software engineer at the company you'll contribute to design and development of various infrastructure projects including data collection pipelines, backends to support sensor ...

Wealthfront

Backend Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$150K - $189K/yr

We are looking for backend engineers to join our core product development teams. You'll work with other engineers to design and build new features or enhance existing features. This work will add ...

Nametag

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $190K/yr

Senior Backend Engineer Remote, US About Nametag Nametag helps companies verify the real person behind high-risk workforce actions, from account recovery to identity checks, before attackers can ...

Wealthfront

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$150K - $189K/yr

We are looking for backend engineers to join our core product development teams. You'll work with other engineers to design and build new features or enhance existing features. This work will add ...

ATOMS Careers page

Backend Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$137K - $173K/yr

What You'll Do As a Backend Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize systems that power mission-critical applications. Your role will adapt to your strengths and interests, with opportunities ...

Luminary Cloud

Backend Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Implement and oversee best practices for code quality, maintainability, and security in backend development. * Work closely with cross-functional teams within engineering and across the organization ...

Otter

Backend Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$137K - $173K/yr

What You'll Do As a Backend Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize systems that power mission-critical applications. Your role will adapt to your strengths and interests, with opportunities ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBackend Engineer JobsBackend Engineer Jobs in California

Backend Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$145.7K

$196.4K

How much do backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend engineer in California is $145,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,400.00 and $169,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backend engineer?

Backend Engineers are software developers who focus on building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power web and mobile applications. They ensure that the data requested by the frontend systems is delivered efficiently and securely. Their work involves writing code in languages like Python, Java, or Node.js, integrating with databases, and optimizing the overall performance of applications. Backend Engineers also play a crucial role in ensuring data integrity and implementing security best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backend engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backend Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, a solid understanding of algorithms, and experience with databases, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools such as RESTful APIs, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), version control systems (like Git), and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) is common. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential for building robust, scalable systems and collaborating efficiently within development teams.

What are some common challenges backend engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Backend Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, maintaining data consistency, and minimizing service disruptions during deployment. They must carefully plan migrations, coordinate with frontend and DevOps teams, and implement thorough testing to avoid introducing bugs or security vulnerabilities. Effective communication and documentation are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth transition.

What is the difference between Backend Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectBackend EngineerSoftware Developer
Primary FocusDesigning, building, and maintaining server-side applications and databasesDeveloping software across various layers, including frontend and backend
Skills & CertificationsProficiency in server-side languages (e.g., Java, Python), databases, APIsProficiency in multiple programming languages, software design, and sometimes frontend skills
Work EnvironmentTypically in backend teams, working on server infrastructure and APIsCan work on full-stack or specific areas; broader scope
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and enterprises focusing on backend systemsWidespread across all software development sectors

While both roles involve coding and software development, Backend Engineers specialize in server-side logic, databases, and APIs, whereas Software Developers may work on both frontend and backend components. The roles often overlap, but Backend Engineers focus more on the infrastructure that powers applications.

Are backend engineers still in demand?

Backend engineers are currently in high demand due to the ongoing need for server-side development, cloud computing, and scalable systems. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, and frameworks such as Node.js are highly valued, and experience with database management and API development enhances job prospects.

What's a typical backend engineer salary?

A backend engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and company size, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually in many regions. Senior roles or those with expertise in cloud services, databases, and programming languages like Java or Python tend to earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions usually start around $60,000 to $80,000, with benefits often including health insurance and paid time off.
More about Backend Engineer jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Backend Engineer jobs in California?

For Backend Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Backend Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Backend Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Backend Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Backend Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Backend Engineer jobs in CA?

For Backend Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Backend Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backend Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,728 per year, or $70.1 per hour.

Backend Engineer

Maxana

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Maxana is seeking an experienced Backend Engineer for a confidential client — a well-funded AI platform company used by ML teams globally. In this role you will own features end to end across APIs, CLI tooling, billing systems, and platform integrations. The team is small and senior, the engineering bar is high, and you will work directly with product and engineering leaders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Write clean, efficient, production-grade code in Go (Golang)
  • Build and scale APIs, CLI tools, billing systems, and security integrations
  • Set technical direction for large projects alongside engineering and product leadership
  • Evaluate and strengthen technical architecture, tooling, and processes
  • Champion software quality, drive continuous delivery, and proactively reduce technical debt
  • Mentor engineers on system design and operating in high-uncertainty environments

Requirements

  • 5+ years of production Go experience in a SaaS environment
  • Broad knowledge of backend and frontend systems — APIs, CLIs, billing, security protocols
  • Experience with cloud platforms: AWS, GCP, or Azure
  • Familiarity with containerization — Docker and Kubernetes a strong plus
  • Prior startup or high-growth company experience required
  • Must be able to work hybrid 2 days/week

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary + equity ($110,000–$270,000 range)
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • Flexible paid time off
  • Learning and development stipend
  • Working for a globally recognized company