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Computer Software Engineering Jobs in California

Master's degree, or foreign equivalent, in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field, plus five years of experience in the job offered or a related occupation. Employer will ...

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 ...

Software Engineering Manager

Northridge, CA · On-site

$165K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Software Engineering Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

They are seeking full-time software engineers who will deliver critical business results and ... knowledge of computer architecture and networks • Experience with software documentation ...

Manager, Software Engineering

Aliso Viejo, CA · Hybrid

$201K - $277K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field or equivalent ... software and drivers for datacenter racks; developing testing and benchmarking tools for rack ...

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 ...

Software Engineering Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$167 - $206/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Drive software development activities across the product lifecycle, from architecture and design ... Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related +9 years of experience, or MS +7 years of ...

Director, Software Engineering

San Diego, CA · On-site

$268K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred. * 10+ years of experience in software development, with a focus on both embedded systems ...

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 ...

Flight Software Engineering Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$180 - $230/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace, or equivalent degree required * Minimum of 8 years of direct industry experience working on embedded software in Aerospace ...

Manager, Software Engineering

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$204K - $276K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * 7+ years of software engineering experience with 2+ years managing engineers preferred. Who You Are:

Manager, Software Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$227.64 - $300.50/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Job Summary PayPal, Inc. seeks a Manager, Software Engineering located in San Jose, CA. The role ... Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field plus 6 years of ...

Software Engineering Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$167K - $206K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead software bring-up activities for new silicon, FPGA/emulation platforms, and hardware ... Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related + 9 years of experience, or MS + 7 years of ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 18, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer software engineer?

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 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 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 knowledge of programming languages, software development methodologies, and tools like version control systems. Professionals in this field often work in teams, follow coding standards, and may hold certifications such as Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP).

What do computer software engineers do?

Computer software engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software applications and systems. They use programming languages, development tools, and software engineering principles to create solutions that meet user needs and technical specifications.

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:

Infographic showing various Computer Software Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Embedded Software Computer Engineer

DCS Corporation

Ridgecrest, CA

$82K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Salary Range: $82,004 - $107,593

Seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join our team supporting ongoing F/A-18 aircraft software projects. These are multi-year initiatives for the U.S. Marine Corps and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers.

Essential Job Functions

Software Engineering support for new and evolving projects as well as sustainment of existing programs for F/A-18 Hornet.

Execute software engineering life-cycle activities in a managed, controlled, and efficient manner consistent with the established organizational processes.

Perform software engineering duties over the product life cycle environment, encompassing requirements development, requirements analysis, design, coding, unit testing, system integration, and problem investigation.

Participate in the technical peer review process to uphold best practices in code, architecture and requirement functionality.

Communication skills required, both verbally and in writing, to interface with an Integrated Product team that includes Systems and Software Engineers as well as technical leadership in both government and contractor roles.

Integrate Software with external Software Components from external entities.

Develop Software code in Assembly Language within an embedded environment.

Required Skills:

Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, with 2 plus years of related experience. Other engineering disciplines with strong software experience will be considered.

Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.

Self-guided, inquisitive, and able to research, learn and work in very large code base to go from problem description to effective solution.

Ability to troubleshoot and debug issues.

Desired Skills

Bonus skills/interests: Experience relating to C#, embedded systems and low-level languages.

Experience with Bitbucket (git), Jira, Confluence, and Assembly.

Employment Type: Full Time

DCS logo

About DCS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DCS Corp is a renowned name in the technology industry, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, US. Found in the late 1970s, DCS Corp provides a broad spectrum of advanced technology, engineering, and analytic solutions for national security clients. The firm specializes in delivering sophisticated systems and technology for land, air, and maritime platforms. They are known for being deeply committed to their mission of enhancing national security.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

Year founded

1977

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