ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Backend Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mintlify

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

As a Backend Engineer, you'll build the APIs, content pipelines, and AI infrastructure that power Mintlify's products. You'll collaborate across design and engineering, contribute to product and ...

New

Pump.co

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Backend Engineer to contribute directly to their product and infrastructure, collaborating closely with engineers and designers to build and scale their platform. Responsibilities ...

Otter

Backend Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

As a Backend Engineer, you will design and optimize systems that support mission-critical applications, collaborating with various teams to deliver high-quality services. Responsibilities : • ...

Vast

Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Long Beach, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer, Backend to support the development of systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations by designing and ...

Blueface Ltd

Sr. Backend Engineer - Xumo

Irvine, CA · On-site

$142 - $189/hr

As a Senior Backend Engineer on the Xumo Software Engineering Team, you will play a key role in building and optimizing the backend infrastructure that powers our video streaming services. This ...

Comcast

Sr. Backend Engineer - Xumo

Irvine, CA · Remote

As a Senior Backend Engineer on the Xumo Software Engineering Team, you will play a key role in building and optimizing the backend infrastructure that powers our video streaming services. This ...

Comcast

Sr. Backend Engineer - Xumo

Irvine, CA · Remote

$141K - $189K/yr

As a Senior Backend Engineer on the Xumo Software Engineering Team, you will play a key role in building and optimizing the backend infrastructure that powers our video streaming services. This ...

Pump.co

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Backend Engineer, you will contribute to the core of the product and infrastructure, collaborating closely with engineers and designers to build and scale the platform while ensuring system ...

Hark

Backend Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$170K - $400K/yr

About the Role You'll build the backend systems that make Hark's AI agent actually work - reliable, fast, and production-grade. That means the hard infrastructure problems: high-concurrency services ...

Hark

Backend Engineer

San Jose, CA

$170K - $400K/yr

About the Role You'll build the backend systems that make Hark's AI agent actually work - reliable, fast, and production-grade. That means the hard infrastructure problems: high-concurrency services ...

Comcast Corp

Sr. Backend Engineer - Xumo

Irvine, CA · On-site

As a Senior Backend Engineer on the Xumo Software Engineering Team, you will play a key role in building and optimizing the backend infrastructure that powers our video streaming services. This ...

Judgment Labs

Backend/Infra Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Senior Backend Engineer San Francisco • On Site • Full Time Judgment Labs is building the infrastructure for continual learning in long-horizon AI agents. The next generation of agents will not ...

Luminary Cloud

Backend Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Working with a team of backend & infrastructure devs, leading by being hands on, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. * Architect ...

PB consulting

Backend Developer (.NET/C#)

Fremont, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Backend Developer (.NET/C#) to design, develop, and maintain scalable backend applications and services. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in C#, .NET, ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsBackend JobsBackend Jobs in California

Backend information

See California salary details

$5

$17

$19

How much do backend jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for backend in California is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backend developer?

Backend developers are software engineers who focus on building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and application programming interfaces (APIs) that power websites and applications. They ensure that data flows smoothly between the frontend (what users see) and the backend (the server and database). Backend developers work with languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, or Node.js, and often handle tasks like database management, security, and application architecture. Their work is critical to the functionality, scalability, and performance of digital products.

What are some common challenges backend developers face when integrating with frontend teams, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge backend developers encounter is ensuring seamless communication and data exchange with frontend teams, particularly when APIs or data formats are not well-documented or agreed upon. Misalignments can lead to delays or bugs in user-facing features. To address this, it's helpful to establish clear API documentation, participate in regular cross-team meetings, and use collaborative tools like Swagger or Postman to test endpoints. Building strong communication channels and fostering a culture of collaboration can significantly improve the integration process and project outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Backend Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, along with a solid understanding of databases and API design, typically supported by a relevant degree or experience. Familiarity with frameworks (e.g., Spring, Django), version control systems like Git, and cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure is often required. Problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure reliable, scalable backend systems that support business objectives and seamless application performance.

What is the difference between Backend vs Frontend?

AspectBackendFrontend
Primary FocusServer-side development, databases, application logicClient-side interface, user experience, visual design
Required SkillsProgramming languages like Java, Python, PHP; database managementHTML, CSS, JavaScript; UI/UX design
Work EnvironmentServer environments, cloud platforms, development frameworksWeb browsers, design tools, user testing environments
Common UsageBuilding and maintaining the server, database, and application logicCreating the visual elements and interactive features of websites

Backend and Frontend roles are both essential in web development but focus on different aspects. Backend developers handle server-side logic and data management, while Frontend developers focus on the user interface and experience. Understanding both helps in building comprehensive web applications.

Are backend engineers in demand?

Backend engineers are in high demand due to the growth of web applications, cloud services, and digital infrastructure. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, along with experience in databases and APIs, increase employability across various industries.

What is meant by backend jobs?

Backend jobs involve developing and maintaining the server-side components of software applications, including databases, servers, and application logic. These roles typically require knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, and often involve working with APIs, data management, and server infrastructure.

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

The most popular types of Backend jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Backend jobs?

Cities in California with the most Backend job openings:

Backend jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backend job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,844 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Backend Engineer

Mintlify

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Why Mintlify?
We're on a mission to empower builders.
  • Massive reach: Our docs platform serves 100 million+ developers every year and powers documentation for 20,000+ companies, including Anthropic, Microsoft, PayPal, Spotify, Coinbase, X, and over 20% of the last YC batch.
  • Small team, huge impact: We recently passed 65 employees and raised a $45 million Series B led by A16Z and Salesforce Ventures. Each new hire has a huge impact on shaping the company's trajectory.
  • Culture of slope over y-intercept: We value learning velocity, grit, and unapologetically unique personalities.

We grew in value faster than headcount and we're looking to align the two quickly.
We're looking for product-minded backend engineers to build the core systems behind Mintlify. You'll tackle hard problems across content processing, AI retrieval, and infrastructure that powers thousands of documentation sites.
As a Backend Engineer, you'll build the APIs, content pipelines, and AI infrastructure that power Mintlify's products. You'll collaborate across design and engineering, contribute to product and technical decisions, and take features from development through launch.
What you'll work on here
  • Building backend systems end to end: Designing, implementing, and ship the APIs and services behind our editor, dashboard, and customer documentation sites
  • Scaling our content infrastructure: Improve how we ingest, validate, transform, and publish content from thousands of customer repositories
  • Powering AI experiences: Building the search, retrieval, and agent infrastructure behind our AI products
  • Performance and reliability: Improving caching, queues, databases, and observability as our products and customer base grow
  • Shaping product direction and engineering approaches across the stack
What you bring to the table
  • You have strong experience with systems design, API architecture, databases, and production systems
  • You have strong product intuition and care about the "why" as much as the "how" when building software
  • You are adaptable and willing to work beyond the backend when needed to ship a feature.
  • You appreciate a high degree of ownership and thrive when defining solutions rather than following a spec
  • You're eager to talk directly with customers and use those insights to shape what we build

Why you should join our engineering team
  • You'll solve technically ambitious backend problems alongside a team that values craft, speed, and thoughtful execution. Here's a taste of what the team has built:
    • How we built a virtual filesystem for our Assistant
    • How we eliminated cold starts for 72M monthly page views with edge caching
    • What I shipped in my first 60 days at Mintlify
  • Engineers here are product builders with high agency; you'll drive change and have a voice in strategic decisions.
  • You'll have plenty of heads-down builder time on a small-but-mighty team where the best ideas win.
  • We'll find the intersection between what excites you and business priorities. You'll own projects, ship, and see immediate impact.
Company Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation and equity
  • 20 days paid time off every year
  • 401k or RRSP
  • $420/month wellness stipend
  • 100% coverage for Health, dental, vision
  • Free Ubers to and from work
  • Free lunch and dinners
  • Annual team offsite (previously went to Alaska, Hawaii)

Apply