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Computer Software Engineering Jobs in California

Hermeus

Director, Software Engineering

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$218K - $296K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, or a related field. * 8+ years of experience in embedded flight software development, with at least 4year in a leadership or senior technical ...

Hermeus

Director, Software Engineering

Los Angeles, CA

$218K - $296K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, or a related field. * 8+ years of experience in embedded flight software development, with at least 4year in a leadership or senior technical ...

Microsoft

Senior Software Engineering

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

Required : • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 4+ years ... Company : Microsoft provides computer software, consumer electronics, cloud computing platforms ...

IXL Learning

Software Engineering Manager

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

You will participate directly in software design and engineering, help develop the team by ... Bachelor's or advanced degree in computer science or a related discipline * Excellent programming ...

Intel

Software Engineering Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering and Mathematics 20+ years of software development experience. 5+ years of direct people-management experience leading software engineering teams.

MiniMed

Software Engineering Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $175K/yr

Requires a Master's degree in Software or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Applications or related engineering or technical field, or a directly related field plus two (2) years of ...

MiniMed

Software Engineering Manager

Northridge, CA · On-site

$165K - $175K/yr

Requires a Master's degree in Software or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Applications or related engineering or technical field, or a directly related field plus two (2) years of ...

E-Space

Head of Software Engineering

Saratoga, CA

$279K/yr

As Director or VP of Software Engineering, you will own the full software engineering organization ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related ...

E-Space

Head of Software Engineering

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$279K/yr

As Director or VP of Software Engineering, you will own the full software engineering organization ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related ...

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All JobsComputer Software Engineering JobsComputer Software Engineering Jobs in California

Computer Software Engineering information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do computer software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer software engineering 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 are some common challenges computer software engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

Computer software engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with cross-functional teams, managing complex codebases, and ensuring consistent documentation. Navigating these challenges requires strong communication skills, effective use of version control systems, and familiarity with agile methodologies. Additionally, engineers must balance meeting project deadlines with maintaining code quality and adapting to evolving requirements, making time management and adaptability crucial skills in this role.

What does a computer software engineer do?

A computer software engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications and systems. They use programming languages like Java, C++, or Python and often collaborate with teams to create efficient, reliable software solutions for various industries.

What is the difference between Computer Software Engineering vs Computer Software Development?

AspectComputer Software EngineeringComputer Software Development
CredentialsBachelor's in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; certifications like Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)Bachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related; certifications less common
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and managing software projects; often involved in system architectureWriting, testing, and debugging code; focused on creating software applications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by tech companies, consulting firms, and large organizations for complex projectsCommon across startups, tech firms, and software companies for product development

While both roles involve software creation, Computer Software Engineering emphasizes designing and managing software systems, whereas Computer Software Development focuses on coding and implementing software solutions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are computer software engineering jobs?

Computer software engineering jobs involve designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems. These roles typically require programming skills in languages like Java, C++, or Python, and often involve collaboration within development teams using tools such as version control systems. Professionals in this field may work in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, often requiring a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, primarily through senior roles, specialized skills, or working at large tech companies and startups with equity options. High compensation often requires extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or performance bonuses.

What is computer software engineering?

Computer software engineering is a branch of engineering focused on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems. Software engineers use programming languages, engineering principles, and problem-solving skills to create software that meets user needs. They often work on everything from mobile apps to large-scale enterprise systems, collaborating with other engineers, designers, and stakeholders. The field requires continuous learning due to rapidly evolving technologies and methodologies.

What kind of jobs can a software engineer do?

A software engineer can work in roles such as application developer, systems engineer, embedded systems engineer, or quality assurance engineer. They design, develop, test, and maintain software across various industries, often using programming languages like Java, Python, or C++, and may work in teams or independently depending on the project.

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

To thrive as a Computer Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and a solid foundation in computer science, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with development tools, integrated development environments (IDEs), version control systems like Git, and sometimes certifications in specific languages or frameworks are important. Excellent teamwork, communication, and adaptability help engineers collaborate effectively and respond to evolving project needs. These skills ensure the successful design, implementation, and maintenance of reliable, efficient software solutions.
What are popular job titles related to Computer Software Engineering jobs in California? For Computer Software Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Software Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Software Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Computer Software Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Computer Software Engineering job openings:
Computer Software Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Software Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Software Engineering Manager - Embedded Software

Software Engineering Manager - Embedded Software

Zone 5 Technologies

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.
We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.
We're looking for a people-first Software Engineering manager to oversee the development, integration, and maintenance of software systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This role involves leading a team of software engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams (hardware, systems, and flight operations), and ensuring that all software complies with safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. The candidate will be responsible for the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering through design, implementation, and validation.
Software Engineering Manager - Embedded Software (UAV Systems)
Responsibilities
  • Team Leadership & Management: Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing software engineering team developing mission-critical embedded software for UAV flight control, communications, mission planning, and data processing.
  • Technical Direction & Architecture Oversight: Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance for embedded software systems, ensuring scalability, safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
  • Project & Execution Coordination: Coordinate with product and program managers to define project scope, allocate resources, set priorities, and manage software development schedules for flight control, mission management, and payload software programs.
  • Systems Integration & Delivery: Collaborate with cross-functional engineering groups to ensure seamless integration of software with hardware, sensors, communication systems, and ground control systems.
  • Quality Assurance & Safety: Oversee verification and validation activities, including unit testing, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), and flight testing to ensure performance, robustness, and safety of delivered software.
  • Compliance & Certification Leadership: Ensure development follows certification frameworks and safety standards such as DO-178C, ARP4754, and other UAV regulatory requirements.
  • Innovation & Technology Strategy: Evaluate emerging technologies and drive adoption into product roadmaps, supporting advancement in autonomy, communications, and mission capabilities.
  • Process Improvement: Help refine development best practices, coding standards, test methodologies, and documentation processes to support scalability and efficiency.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Align software engineering goals with product, business, and operational requirements by coordinating closely with program and product management, systems engineering, hardware engineering, and flight operations teams.
  • Documentation Oversight: Ensure creation and maintenance of high-quality documentation including design artifacts, test plans, certification documentation, and user manuals.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
  • Minimum of 7+ years of software engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership, management, or team-lead role.
  • Strong background in embedded or aerospace software development, with experience in UAV systems strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with programming languages and modeling tools used in embedded and control systems (e.g., C, C++, C#, Python, MATLAB, Simulink).
  • Understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), flight control systems, and communication protocols (e.g., STANAG-4586, ARINC-825, MAVLink).
  • Experience with network protocols (UDP, TCP, DNS, DHCP) and working with networked embedded devices.
  • Knowledge of software development lifecycle tools and workflow systems (Git, GitHub, JIRA, CI/CD).
  • Demonstrated ability to lead diverse technical teams, communicate effectively, and drive results in a fast-paced engineering environment.
  • Familiarity with safety-critical systems and certification standards such as DO-178C and ARP4754.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with autonomy-enabling technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, or advanced sensor fusion.
  • Knowledge of satellite or long-range communication technologies relevant to UAV platforms.
  • Prior involvement in scaling engineering teams or multi-program software organizations.

Pay range for this role
$170,000-$220,000 USD
What's in it for you:
Benefits:
  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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