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Compiler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Our team builds open source compiler toolsets for Qualcomm silicon. This includes compilers, assemblers, linkers, libraries, debuggers, profilers, and other developer tools. The toolsets enable ...

Compiler Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$210K - $280K/yr

About the Role As a Compiler Architect you will be responsible for working with the different layers of the compiler stack and coordinating with other development teams here at SambaNova. It is a ...

NVIDIA's HPC Compiler team is looking to hire a Compiler Engineering Manager to join the team building one of the world's most important optimizing compiler products. Your work will support ...

NVIDIA's HPC Compiler team is looking to hire a Compiler Engineering Manager to join the team building one of the world's most important optimizing compiler products. Your work will support ...

Senior LLVM Compiler Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

We are seeking for an expert Senior Compiler Engineer to join our Compute Compiler Team, with a focus on upstream engagement with the LLVM ecosystem and advancing NVIDIA's compiler technology through ...

We have an extraordinary opportunity for Compiler Circuit Design Engineers. This is a highly visible role at the heart of a processor design effort, making a critical impact delivering products to ...

Senior Compiler Engineer Infrastructure

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$127K - $173K/yr

Our compiler organization makes its mark on every GPU NVIDIA produces. By improving how our internal compiler stacks align with open source and by modernizing the tools our developers rely on, you ...

Senior Compiler Engineer - AI

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We are seeking an AI Compiler Engineer with deep expertise in compiler technologies to join our team. The ideal candidate brings broad experience across machine learning, including reinforcement ...

Design and build the compiler that converts AI models from popular ML frameworks into assembly code that runs on our accelerator hardware. * Develop and implement novel scheduling algorithms that ...

We have an extraordinary opportunity for Compiler Circuit Design Engineers. This is a highly visible role at the heart of a processor design effort, making a critical impact delivering products to ...

New

Senior Compiler Engineer - AI

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We are seeking an AI Compiler Engineer with deep expertise in compiler technologies to join our team. The ideal candidate brings broad experience across machine learning, including reinforcement ...

Senior LLVM Compiler Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

We are seeking for an expert Senior Compiler Engineer to join our Compute Compiler Team, with a focus on upstream engagement with the LLVM ecosystem and advancing NVIDIA's compiler technology through ...

Showing results 21-40

Compiler information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$35

How much do compiler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for compiler in California is $20.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compiler?

A compiler is a specialized computer program that translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code or another lower-level language that a computer can execute. This process allows developers to write code in languages like C++, Java, or Python, which are easier for humans to understand, and then have it converted into instructions that hardware can process. Compilers perform various tasks such as syntax analysis, optimization, and code generation to ensure the resulting program runs efficiently and correctly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a compiler?

To thrive as a Compiler Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages, and compiler theory, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like LLVM, GCC, and experience with languages such as C/C++ or Rust are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this field. These skills ensure the development of efficient, reliable compilers that support robust software and systems development.

What are the common challenges faced when working as a compiler engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Compiler Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing code for performance, ensuring compatibility across various hardware architectures, and maintaining the correctness of complex transformations. Debugging and diagnosing issues in the compilation process can be particularly intricate, requiring a strong understanding of both source and target languages. Collaborating closely with language designers and hardware engineers, as well as utilizing automated testing and profiling tools, helps address these challenges and results in more robust and efficient compilers.

What is the difference between Compiler vs Interpreter?

AspectCompilerInterpreter
FunctionTranslates entire code into machine language before executionTranslates code line-by-line during execution
SpeedFaster execution after compilationSlower due to real-time translation
UsageUsed in languages like C, C++Used in languages like Python, JavaScript
ErrorsErrors are found after compilationErrors are detected during execution
OutputProduces standalone executable filesRuns directly from source code

In summary, a compiler translates the entire program into machine code before execution, resulting in faster runtime and standalone files. An interpreter translates code line-by-line during execution, which can be slower but allows for easier debugging and dynamic execution. Both are essential in different programming environments depending on performance and development needs.

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

The most popular types of Compiler jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Compiler jobs in California?

For Compiler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Compiler jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Compiler jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Compiler jobs?

Cities in California with the most Compiler job openings:

Infographic showing various Compiler job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,720 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Compiler Software Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Qualcomm
Technology, Communication and Media • 10K+ employees

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Company

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Compiler Toolchain Software

General Summary

Interested in enabling open source developers to build software for millions of devices? Interested in leading optimization solutions for AI on the Edge? Come join our team! Our team builds open source compiler toolsets for Qualcomm silicon. This includes compilers, assemblers, linkers, libraries, debuggers, profilers, and other developer tools. The toolsets enable internal and external developers to build software ecosystems on Qualcomm hardware. We are looking for engineers who will work actively in open source communities to establish and augment compiler and system software toolsets. In this role, you will add and enhance support for Qualcomm hardware in open source projects. You will collaborate with Qualcomm hardware and software engineers to enable efficient usage of Qualcomm’s silicon for a broad set of applications including machine learning. You will work with the team on the entire compilation stack including optimizing code generation, improving performance, and programmer usability.

Responsibilities
  • Work in the GCC, LLVM, glibc, and related open source communities to add features and improve performance for Qualcomm processors
  • Identify areas for improvement in compiler toolsets via benchmarking and code analysis
  • Collaborate with hardware teams to plan, identify, and contribute support in open source projects for hardware features in Qualcomm silicon
  • Identify areas for improvement in tool usability via interaction with users
  • Explore new optimization frameworks for leveraging advanced CPU features
  • Design, develop and contribute compiler features and optimizations targeting open source ML frameworks
Minimum Qualifications
  • Knowledge and/or experience in compiler frameworks such as GCC or LLVM
  • Experience in working with open source communities
  • Programming in C/C++
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field
  • Established record of contributions to open source compiler project
  • Strong background in computer architecture
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience
  • PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 1+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with compiler or tools
Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Pay Range and Other Compensation & Benefits

$116,900.00 - $175,300.00

The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales‑incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985