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Chief Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BTAS

Chief Software Architect

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$187K - $300K/yr

Chief Software Architect LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI ... Provide space acquisitions, engineering, operations, and technical advice and assistance across all ...

Boeing

Software Chief Architect - AvionX

Long Beach, CA · On-site

This position will focus on leading the AvionX Software Engineering organization. The Chief Software Architect for AvionX Software Vertical is the highest software technical authority across airborne ...

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How much do chief software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief software engineer in California is $91,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-demand industries or with extensive experience and specialized skills, can earn $500,000 or more annually. This level of compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, particularly in large tech companies or executive-level engineering roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Chief Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Software Engineer, you need an extensive background in software architecture, programming languages, system design, and often an advanced degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with project management tools, cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications (like PMP or Certified ScrumMaster) are commonly expected. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help you guide teams and align technical goals with business objectives. These competencies ensure the delivery of complex software projects, foster innovation, and drive the success of engineering teams.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, cloud infrastructure, or with extensive experience at large tech companies, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and requires advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What types of teams and departments does a Chief Software Engineer typically collaborate with?

Chief Software Engineers regularly work alongside product management, quality assurance, UI/UX design, and IT operations to ensure smooth product development and delivery. They also engage with executive leadership to align software strategies with broader business goals, and may coordinate with customer support or sales teams to address client needs and feedback. These cross-functional collaborations help ensure the finished product not only meets technical specifications but also aligns with user requirements and market demands. Effective communication and partnership with various departments are essential parts of this leadership role.

What does a chief software engineer do?

A chief software engineer leads the development and implementation of software projects, overseeing technical teams and ensuring code quality, system performance, and project deadlines. They often collaborate with stakeholders, set technical standards, and utilize tools like version control and project management software. Strong leadership, programming skills, and experience in software architecture are essential for this role.

What is the highest paid job in software engineering?

The highest paid roles in software engineering are often senior positions such as Staff Software Engineer, Principal Engineer, or Engineering Director, especially in large tech companies. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually, plus bonuses and stock options.

What is a Chief Software Engineer job?

A Chief Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for overseeing software development, architecture, and innovation within an organization. They provide strategic direction, ensure best practices, and guide engineering teams in building scalable and high-quality software solutions. This role often involves collaboration with stakeholders to align technical goals with business objectives. Additionally, they mentor developers, optimize development processes, and stay updated on emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Software Engineer jobs in California? For Chief Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Chief Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,728 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Chief Software Architect

BTAS

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$187K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

POSITION: Chief Software Architect
LOCATION: El Segundo, CA
REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility
POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Upon award, BTAS will be filling potential openings for the Space Systems Command (SSC). SSC plays a critical role in advancing the United States's space capabilities, delivering cutting-edge solutions to protect and enhance national security. SSC/SZBC specializes in highly classified Space Domain Awareness (SDA) systems, Defensive and Offensive Space Control (DSC/OSC) capabilities, and space test range assets to support the Department of Defense’s (DoD) current and future operational needs.
As a leader in space technology, SSC/SZ-BC is responsible for the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical systems spanning the entire acquisition life cycle. These efforts ensure the United States Space Force (USSF) and its mission partners maintain a strategic advantage in space operations. This position will support multiple SSC/SZ-BC programs, as well as other initiatives across the Space Force, Air Force, and allied organizations.
Join us in shaping the future of space operations and contributing to the defense of our nation’s space assets.
WHO WE ARE:
BTAS is a woman-owned small business founded in 1995, located near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Beavercreek, OH. We have earned national and regional awards in the Department of Defense for our proven IT, Engineering, and Program Management capabilities.
We are committed to working with exceptional quality and professionalism to deliver excellence to our customers, while providing our employees a stimulating and satisfying work environment as we collaborate with teammates to achieve common goals.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide space acquisitions, engineering, operations, and technical advice and assistance across all project and program stages.
  • Support advanced technology acquisitions, future concept development, and integration.
  • Advise on cost, schedule, and performance.
  • Revise or draft Joint Capabilities Integrated Development System (JCIDS) and other acquisition documents for government program managers.
  • Support presentations of products to internal and external customers.
  • Provide draft SME-level technical and/or programmatic status reports as requested by the government.
  • Identify and recommend improvements in acquisition processes and risk reduction strategies.
  • Assist in building and maintaining a government risk program.
  • Maintain current knowledge of program schedules, monitor acquisition implementation, report shortfalls, and assess programs based on identified risks.
  • Advise on technical engagements such as meetings, design reviews, and conferences.
  • Provide technical and operational insights for mission protection and operations.
  • Recommend solutions for technical anomalies and evaluate impact analyses, audits, and reviews.
  • Advise on software planning and development for spiral/agile acquisition programs.
  • Assist with test and operations, including support for test documents, planning, events, requirements, and data for Developmental and Operational Testing.
  • Provide analytical and operational engineering support to developmental and operational units.
  • Support data and signal collection, processing, storage, archiving, analysis, and lessons learned for tests and operations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Degree requirement:
    • BA/BS with 18 or more years’ experience; or
    • MA/MS with 16 or more years’ experience; or
    • Ph. D./JD with 15 or more years’ experience.
  • Individual must be an SME Recognized Industry Leader.
  • Minimum 20 years of progressive software engineering and architectural design for largescale enterprise software engineering projects.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in a commercial software development company developing enterprise software at scale/complexity.
  • Minimum 5 years of IC or DoD experience designing and deploying large-scale enterprise software solutions for operational missions.
  • Minimum 2 years of SAP experience working across complex mission partners and classified programs.
  • Expert in Agile methodology and process at scale with an emphasis on Enterprise Software Engineering.
  • Expert in modern commercial industry enterprise software engineering mindsets, best practices and patterns for successful continuous integration, test, delivery and deployment at scale.
  • Expert in DevSecOps, SRE and vertical slice development approaches and best practices.
  • Effective management and leadership experience with large-scale programs encompassing multiple agile development teams with a comprehensive scaled integration and deployment pipeline (more than 100 personnel).
  • Effective communication with leadership, stakeholders, and development/industry communities.
  • Knowledgeable with respect to IC, DoD, Air Force, Space Force or SSC processes and procedures for delivering systems to production environments.
  • Familiarity with highly available, scalable cloud native (IaaS and PaaS) solutions within commercial industry.
  • Familiarity with highly scalable data as a service (DaaS) solutions within commercial industry.
  • Demonstrated expertise through professional publications and/or patents or masters.
  • Highly Desired: Past or present experience with SSC or mission partner space control or space situational awareness mission area programs.
  • Experienced with software engineering languages and tools (Java, Python, C++, or other Object Oriented based languages), Kubernetes, AWS, Azure Cloud.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position may supervise the work of others.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to operate a computer and other standard office equipment. Must be able to remain in a stationary position, 80%.
TRAVEL:
Little if any travel is required.
OTHER DUTIES: 
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change at any time with or without notice.
COMPENSATION / SALARY RANGE:
BTAS adheres to federal, state, and local regulations. This is a Full-Time, Salary, Exempt position. The following salary range is what we reasonably expect to pay but is contingent and subject to a variety of factors, including but not limited to years of experience, education, certification(s), training, specialized skills, responsibilities, etc.
SALARY RANGE: $187,000–$300,000 Annual Salary
BTAS BENEFITS:
A comprehensive benefits program, including paid time off, federal holidays, health coverage, 401K plan with generous company match is offered to all full-time employees.
AAP / EEO STATEMENT:
BTAS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 
BTAS is an E-Verify program participant.
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About BTAS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Real estate

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Dayton, OH, US

Year founded

1995

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