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Backend Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a talented individual to join our company as a Backend Software Engineer. As part of our Software team, you will develop and operationalize software applications that drive healthcare ...

Backend Software Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

About the role Backend Software Engineer We're looking for a meticulous Backend Software Engineer to join us, with runway for huge and immediate impact. You would be working on internal tools with ...

The Backend Software Engineer will work on the core of the cloud platform, implementing cloud backend APIs and processing large datasets using Python and various AWS technologies. Responsibilities ...

Software Engineer (Golang Backend) Experience : 3-5 Years Location: Fremont, CA - 100% Onsite (5 Days/Week) Interview: In-Person Interview Required Key Responsibilities * Design, develop, and ...

Backend Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Backend Software Engineer Full-time Location: San Diego, CA Compensation: $120k-$150k Clearance Level: Secret Trabus Technologies (TRABUS) is a minority-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned small ...

Vast is looking for a Senior Software Engineer , Backend reporting to the Senior Manager, Software Engineering to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build ...

A bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field * 5+ years of professional experience in back-end development * Expertise in Python and Django a MUST

A bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field * 5+ years of professional experience in back-end development * Expertise in Python and Django a MUST

As a Senior Backend Software Engineer, you will design and scale core infrastructure for a real-time edge computer vision product, focusing on solving complex scaling problems and designing robust ...

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Backend Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$145.7K

$196.4K

How much do backend software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend software 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 does a backend software engineer do?

A backend software engineer designs, develops, and maintains the server-side components of applications, including databases, APIs, and server logic. They work with programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js and often use tools such as version control systems and cloud platforms to ensure scalable and secure systems.

What are some typical challenges a Backend Software Engineer faces when integrating new services into an existing system?

Backend Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new services and legacy systems, maintaining data integrity during migrations, and managing increased system complexity. Effective integration also requires thorough testing to prevent disruptions to existing functionalities and close collaboration with frontend engineers, DevOps, and QA teams. Proactively communicating across teams and adhering to clear documentation standards can help mitigate integration risks and ensure a smoother deployment process.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or specialized backend software engineer at large tech companies or in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills in programming and system architecture, and working in competitive markets or leadership roles.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior backend software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like distributed systems or cloud computing, and often working at large tech companies or in high-demand industries can earn $300,000 or more annually. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in competitive markets or executive-level roles.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Backend software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, primarily through high-level positions, senior roles, or in high-cost-of-living areas, often supplemented by bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, and working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

What is the difference between Backend Software Engineer vs Frontend Software Engineer?

AspectBackend Software EngineerFrontend Software Engineer
Primary FocusServer-side development, databases, APIsClient-side development, UI/UX, visual elements
Required SkillsProgramming languages like Java, Python, SQL; server managementHTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks like React or Angular
Work EnvironmentBackend teams, server infrastructure, cloud servicesDesign teams, user interface, web browsers
Common UsageBuilding and maintaining server logic and databasesCreating interactive and visually appealing web pages

While both roles involve web development, Backend Software Engineers focus on server-side logic and data management, whereas Frontend Software Engineers specialize in creating the visual and interactive aspects of websites. Both roles are essential in full-stack development and often collaborate closely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backend Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backend Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, a solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and experience with database management, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as Git, RESTful APIs, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and frameworks like Spring or Django is highly valued, and relevant certifications can be advantageous. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are essential to build, maintain, and optimize robust, scalable server-side applications that meet user and business needs.
What job categories do people searching Backend Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Backend Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Backend Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Backend Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Backend Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,728 per year, or $70.1 per hour.

Backend Software Engineer

Shp

Goleta, CA

$123K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) is a leader in analytics and performance management solutions for the post-acute healthcare market. Since 1996, we have helped more than 10,000 organizations nationwide, including home health agencies, hospices, and skilled nursing facilities, and turn clinical and operational data into real-time intelligence that improves patient outcomes. We are a SaaS company headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, and a subsidiary of Roper Technologies (NYSE: ROP).

We are not just building software. We are building tools that help caregivers deliver better care to patients when it matters most. If that mission resonates with you, keep reading.

We are seeking a talented individual to join our company as a Backend Software Engineer.  As part of our Software team, you will develop and operationalize software applications that drive healthcare decisions for Home Health, Hospice, and Skilled Nursing providers.

This is a remote or hybrid position within the United States. Employees living within 75 miles of the Santa Barbara office are required to work in-person in the office every Wednesday.

About the Role
We're looking for a Backend Software Engineer to join the engineering team behind our healthcare analytics platform — data ingestion and retrieval, measure computation, regulatory compliance workflows, data processing pipelines, and APIs.
This role goes beyond writing code from a spec. You'll be part of our shift to an AI-driven development lifecycle — using frontier models and the latest tooling to change how we build software, from architecture through implementation.
What You'll Do
• Design, implement, and maintain backend services, business logic, and data access layers in .NET and SQL Server
• Implement data processing logic and derived metrics
• Develop and optimize SQL queries and define OLTP structures
• Build and maintain data ingestion pipelines and API services
• Apply spec-driven development by contributing meaningfully to feature specifications, implementations, and iterations
• Utilize AI-assisted development tools throughout the development lifecycle
• Collaborate with squad members, domain experts, and product teams to translate complex business and regulatory requirements into precise, complete specifications
• Participate in spec reviews and code reviews, upholding architectural standards and quality practices
• Operate across the full stack as product needs require — from backend APIs, business logic, and data access through frontend integration and the build/deployment pipeline
• Partner with frontend developers on API contracts and shared integration points

What We're Looking For 
Required:
• Strong proficiency in C# and .NET
• Solid, hands-on experience with SQL and structured databases — schema design and query design/optimization
• Proven experience designing and implementing solutions in parallel processing and multithreaded environments — task parallelism, concurrent data pipelines, thread safety, and async patterns in .NET
• Ability to reason fluently across a full backend stack: APIs, business logic, data access, and data pipelines
• Strong written and verbal communication — able to write specs precise enough for another engineer or an AI to implement without ambiguity, and equally comfortable presenting ideas, proposing designs, and driving technical discussions with both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of professional backend software engineering experience

Preferred:
• Demonstrated experience using AI — e.g., spec-driven development — to drive implementation across multiple architectural layers and technology domains in enterprise software.
• SQL Server experience preferred; equivalent experience with Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL accepted
• Experience with data warehouse structures
• Exposure to healthcare regulatory and compliance contexts (CMS reporting, quality measure specifications, etc.)
• Familiarity with HIPAA compliance requirements as they apply to software systems handling protected health information (PHI)

Pay

$123,000. - $170,000. annual, depending upon experience.

Benefits

We value work/life balance. We offer comprehensive health benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan, vacation time, sick time, and paid holidays.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.