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Backend Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zof AI

Backend Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Zof AI is seeking a Backend Software Engineer to own the services, APIs, and data layer that our agent fleets run on. This role covers job orchestration and queueing for long-running agent runs ...

Pragmatike

Backend Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

We are seeking a Backend Software Engineer to design, build, and operate reliable services that support critical product workflows. What You'll Do * Build production backend services using TypeScript ...

Shp

Backend Software Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$123K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Matic

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 ...

MATIC

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 ...

Trabus Technologies

Backend Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$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 ...

[G]Sources

Back-End Software Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

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

[G]Sources

Back-End Software Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

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

Vast

Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$159K - $226K/yr

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 ...

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Backend Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$145.7K

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How much do backend software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backend software engineer?

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 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 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.

Are backend software engineers still in demand?

Backend software engineers are currently in high demand due to the ongoing growth of web applications, cloud services, and digital infrastructure. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, and experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure increase employability in this field.

What is a backend software engineer?

A backend software engineer designs, develops, and maintains the server-side components of applications, focusing on databases, server logic, and APIs. They often work with programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js and use tools such as databases and version control systems to ensure the functionality and performance of web services.

What's a typical backend software engineer salary?

The average salary for a backend software engineer varies by experience and location but generally ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually in many regions. Senior roles with specialized skills in languages like Java, Python, or cloud platforms can earn over $150,000. Factors such as company size, industry, and certifications also influence compensation.

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

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

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

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

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:

Backend Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backend Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,728 per year, or $70.1 per hour.

Backend Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Zof AI
See more jobs at Zof AIexternal

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Zof AI is seeking a Backend Software Engineer to own the services, APIs, and data layer that our agent fleets run on. This role covers job orchestration and queueing for long-running agent runs, Postgres schema and query performance, and the storage paths for the evidence and validation artifacts every fix we ship depends on. If you have worked as a Backend Software Engineer, API Engineer, Platform Engineer, or Distributed Systems Engineer, this is that discipline at Zof AI. The ideal candidate writes clear, well-tested services, reasons carefully about failure and state, and treats throughput, correctness, and cost as everyday engineering constraints.

Engineering · Mid-level · Full-time · On-site · San Francisco, CA

Responsibilities
  • Design, build, and operate the services and APIs our agent fleets run on.
  • Build the job orchestration and queueing that keeps long-running agent work moving.
  • Own Postgres schema design, migrations, and query performance as data grows.
  • Ship the storage and retrieval paths for the evidence and traces every agent run produces.
  • Instrument services so failures are observable, debuggable, and recoverable.
  • Harden reliability with testing, retries, idempotency, and backpressure under real load.
  • Partner with product and AI engineers to turn agent behavior into stable interfaces.
  • Own backend systems from design through production.
Requirements
  • Experience building and shipping backend services in production.
  • Strong software engineering foundation.
  • Working knowledge of relational databases and SQL, ideally Postgres.
  • Familiarity with APIs, queues, and asynchronous job processing.
  • Ability to debug performance and correctness issues in running systems.
  • Habit of proving your work with tests and evidence before it ships.
  • Clear written and verbal communication.
  • Comfort operating in a fast-moving environment.
Nice to have
  • Experience with TypeScript, Node.js, Python, Postgres, or similar technologies.
  • Experience with distributed systems, event-driven architecture, or streaming pipelines.
  • Experience with cloud platforms, containers, and CI/CD.
  • Experience supporting AI or agent workloads in production.

Daily hands-on use of AI coding agents to design, build, and debug backend systems is required

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