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Compiler Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lemurian Labs

Front End Compiler

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

We're building a new kind of software stack: a hardware-agnostic platform that makes every system ... Developers can write once, run anywhere, and get state-of-the-art performance across any chip, any ...

Qualcomm

#Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: ** This position is ... Experience in Compiler and JIT technologies is a plus * Experience with optimizing for popular CPU ...

Revel

Simulation Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Simulation Software Engineer to contribute to their simulation engine, enhancing ... with compiler engineers, frontend engineers, and product teams to integrate simulation into the ...

Cisco

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$165K - $241K/yr

Build, optimize, and enhance the backend of the P4 compiler to fully leverage the capabilities of ... Experience with network-processor software programming is a strong plus. * Hands-on experience with ...

Cisco

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$165K - $241K/yr

Build, optimize, and enhance the backend of the P4 compiler to fully leverage the capabilities of ... Experience with networkprocessor software programming is a strong plus. * Handson experience with ...

TetraMem Inc

Compiler Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $300K/yr

Develop runtime systems, software libraries, and SDK components that enable efficient deployment ... MS or PhD in Computer Engineering/CS/EE * 5+ years industry experience as a compiler engineer or ...

Intel Corporation

Compiler Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$128K - $181K/yr

The Role and Impact Join Intel's Compiler Engineering team, where you will collaborate on cutting-edge technologies driving the next generation of software innovation. As a Compiler Engineer, you ...

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Compiler Software Engineer information

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$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do compiler software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for compiler software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Compiler Software Engineer?

A Compiler Software Engineer is a specialized software developer who designs, implements, and maintains compilers. Compilers are programs that translate source code written in one programming language into another, typically from high-level languages like C++ or Python into machine code that a computer can execute. Compiler engineers work on optimizing code performance, ensuring correctness, and supporting new programming language features. They often have strong backgrounds in computer science, algorithms, and systems programming.

What are some common challenges faced by Compiler Software Engineers when optimizing code for different hardware architectures?

Compiler Software Engineers often encounter challenges when adapting and optimizing code for various hardware architectures, such as balancing performance improvements with maintaining code portability and correctness. Each architecture may have unique instruction sets, memory hierarchies, and parallelization capabilities, requiring careful tuning of compiler optimizations. Additionally, collaboration with hardware engineers and staying updated on evolving processor technologies are essential to ensure efficient code generation. This aspect of the role provides continuous learning opportunities and keeps the work both dynamic and technically rewarding.

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

To thrive as a Compiler Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages (such as C/C++), and compiler theory, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like LLVM, GCC, and debuggers, as well as experience with code optimization and static analysis, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding engineers apart. These skills ensure robust, efficient compiler development and seamless collaboration with development teams.

What is the difference between Compiler Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectCompiler Software EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, specialized knowledge in compilersBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, compiler development teamsVaried environments including startups, corporations, freelance projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in compiler design, programming language development, systems softwareWeb, mobile, enterprise applications, software solutions

Compiler Software Engineers focus on designing and optimizing compilers and language tools, often working in specialized teams. Software Developers create a wide range of applications across industries. While both roles require programming skills, Compiler Software Engineers have a niche expertise in language translation and optimization, making their work more specialized.

What are the most commonly searched types of Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California? For Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California are:
Compiler Software Engineer jobs near you
Compiler Security Engineer - C/C++, Languages & Runtimes

Compiler Security Engineer - C/C++, Languages & Runtimes

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

The Security Tools team at Apple is looking for software engineers to develop secure language features for C/C++ and enhance security features in the Clang compiler. Clang is a core part of Apple's developer tools, used internally to build Apple's software stack and externally by millions of developers, and is open source, powering the broader ecosystem. Your work will help eliminate entire classes of vulnerabilities at the language level, protecting billions of devices.
Description
In this position, you will develop security-oriented language features for C/C++ in the Clang compiler to improve security of Apple platforms. You will work with security engineers and operating system engineers across Apple to help shape the future of our platform, languages and tools. You will be involved in all aspects of taking a language feature from concept and implementation to deployment. You will have the opportunity to understand and improve the interplay between the compiler, the operating system, and other developer tools such as build systems, debuggers, and source editors.
You will also be an active contributor to the Clang/LLVM open source project and interact with the open source community and various programming language communities.
Here you'll find that we:
- Offer a peaceful work environment where you can choose when to socialize and when to close your office door and concentrate.
- Provide technical guidance, software architectural review, and mentorship.
- Have an encouraging and growth-focused workplace culture.
Minimum Qualifications
Expertise in compiler design and implementation
Ability to write secure and high performing code with C/C++
Knowledge of memory safety and security
B.S. in Computer Science or equivalent experience; advanced degrees welcome
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working across organizational boundaries.
Knowledge of LLVM/Clang or open source development
Knowledge of security mitigation and exploitation techniques
Passion for improving compilers and developer tools
Patient, user-focused decision-making
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Positive and respectful attitude in a diverse environment
If possible, we'd love to see an example of your relevant work, such as a personal project or open source contribution

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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