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Backend Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hired Recruiters

Backend Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

... building impactful software. We are inspired to work hand-in-hand with public servants. Our ... As part of being a backend engineer, you'll use a variety of programming languages and technologies ...

Endor Labs

Backend Software Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Join Our Cutting-Edge Backend Team: Dive into the heart of innovation by working on a ... of developer productivity and security - one of the fastest-growing spaces in software. Our dev ...

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 ...

Hired Recruiters

Backend Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site +1

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 ...

Ketch

Backend Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Our patented technology empowers businesses and software engineers with a deploy-once, comply-and ... What you will be doing at Ketch We are looking for a highly skilled backend engineer who is ...

Winaxis

Software Engineer (Back End)

Fremont, CA · On-site

Software Engineer (Back End) Location: Fremont, CA Duration: 12+ Mos Summary: Our direct client is searching for a Back End Software Engineers with experience in backend development, who will be ...

Pika

Software Engineer, Backend

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

About the Role We are looking for a Staff Software Engineer, Backend, to lead and scale the backend infrastructure that powers Pika's user-facing products. In this high-impact role, you'll own the ...

Nace AI

Software Engineer (Backend)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Nace.ai is focused on developing scalable AI systems, and they are seeking a Backend Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain the backend infrastructure. The role involves ensuring system ...

Ketch

Backend Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Our patented technology empowers businesses and software engineers with a deploy-once, comply-and ... What you will be doing at Ketch We are looking for a highly skilled backend engineer who is ...

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All JobsBackend Software Engineer JobsBackend Software Engineer Jobs in California

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 Sep 10, 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.

Senior Backend Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

CHAOS Industries
See more jobs at CHAOS Industriesexternal

$140K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage-domain dominance. The company's products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDNâ„¢), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats.
CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and London. For more information, please visit www.chaosinc.com.
The Role
You'll join a small, highly collaborative team building the secure cloud platform behind some of the world's most advanced radar systems. Working alongside software, hardware, and systems engineers, you'll design and operate the backend services and cloud infrastructure that ingest, process, and deliver mission-critical sensor data at scale. The systems you build must be reliable, resilient, secure, and performant-enabling operators to depend on them in the environments where they matter most.
This is a high-ownership role where you'll influence architecture, build production systems, and help define the engineering foundations of a rapidly evolving platform. We're looking for engineers who enjoy solving hard infrastructure problems, scaling distributed systems, and building software that performs under demanding real-world conditions.
What You'll Build
  • Cloud Platform - Design, build, and operate secure, scalable Azure infrastructure that powers distributed radar systems and backend services.
  • Backend Services - Develop high-performance services that ingest, process, and distribute real-time sensor data with low latency, high reliability, and security at scale.
  • Infrastructure & Automation - Define infrastructure as code, automate deployments, and continuously improve the platform through modern DevOps practices.
  • Reliability & Operations - Own observability, monitoring, resiliency, and operational readiness, ensuring production systems remain secure, scalable, and dependable in demanding environments.
  • Platform Architecture - Help shape the technical direction of the platform, making architectural decisions that support new capabilities, increasing scale, and long-term maintainability.
  • Cross-Functional Integration - Partner closely with software, hardware, and systems engineers to deliver secure, reliable end-to-end capabilities from sensor to cloud.

What We're Looking For
We're looking for exceptional backend and cloud engineers who are excited by solving hard technical problems and building systems that matter. You don't need experience with every technology we use-we value strong engineering fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to learn quickly.
You'll thrive in this role if you:
  • Enjoy building scalable backend systems and taking ownership of production services.
  • Enjoy solving complex cloud infrastructure and distributed systems challenges.
  • Are eager to learn new technologies and adapt to new technical domains.
  • Care deeply about reliability, security, scalability, and operational excellence.
  • Communicate well and enjoy collaborating across software, hardware, and systems engineering teams.
  • Are motivated by building technology with meaningful real-world impact.

Experience in one or more of the following is a plus:
  • Python and modern backend development.
  • Azure or another major cloud platform.
  • Infrastructure as Code (Terraform), Kubernetes, containers, and CI/CD.
  • Real-time data pipelines or distributed systems.
  • Frontend development using modern web technologies (TypeScript/React) or a willingness to work across the stack when needed.

Requirements:
  • Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or permanent resident), as required for access to controlled technology.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Why CHAOS?
  • Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company
  • Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more
  • Our Perks: Free daily lunch, 'No meeting Fridays', unlimited PTO, casual dress code
  • Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses
  • Team Growth: 250 employees and counting across 5 global offices

Salary Range: $140,000 - $240,000
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.
Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.
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