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Computer Software Engineering Jobs in California

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

$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 ...

Origence

Manager, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science, or related industry experience Experience: * A minimum of 8 years of professional software development experience in business process automation ...

mercury

Software Engineering Lead

Cypress, CA

Mercury Systems is seeking a Software Engineer to lead a collaborative engineering team focused on ... Bachelordegree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science. * Experience with ANSI C and Python.

Origence

Manager, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA

Bachelors degree in engineering or computer science, or related industry experience Experience: * A minimum of 8 years of professional software development experience in business process automation ...

Origence

Manager, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA

Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science, or related industry experience Experience: * A minimum of 8 years of professional software development experience in business process automation ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Software Engineering

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$122.50K - $177.50K/yr

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Software Engineering Job Code: 34734 Job Location: Anaheim, CA ... Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or ...

CU Direct

Manager, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA

Bachelors degree in engineering or computer science, or related industry experience Experience: * A minimum of 8 years of professional software development experience in business process automation ...

Apple

Software Engineering Systems

Cupertino, CA

$147.40K - $272.10K/yr

The Product Integrity group is seeking a System Validation Software Engineer to help validate and ... Preferred Qualifications MS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or ...

Compal

Software Engineering Lead

Goleta, CA · Hybrid

The Software Engineering Lead will be responsible for all aspects of software engineering ... Education: BS in Computer Science, Robotics, or other relevant discipline * Expert in C, C++ coding ...

Compal

Software Engineering Lead

Goleta, CA · On-site

The Software Engineering Lead will be responsible for all aspects of software engineering ... Education: BS in Computer Science, Robotics, or other relevant discipline * Expert in C, C++ coding ...

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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 May 29, 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 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 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Head of Software Engineering

E-Space

Saratoga, CA

$279K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure, and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!
At E-Space, we're focused on bridging Earth and space with the world's most sustainable low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. We're a team of bold thinkers, ambitious leaders and dynamic doers-and we're disrupting NewSpace by fundamentally changing the design of legacy LEO space systems to deliver entirely new satellite capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed-to saving space, to protecting our planet and to turning connectivity into actionable intelligence.
As Director or VP of Software Engineering, you will own the full software engineering organization for our space vehicle programs - from architecture and embedded systems to communications software and mission-critical delivery.
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a world-class engineering team at the forefront of commercial and government space. You will set technical vision, drive execution, and be a key voice in company strategy - partnering directly with the CEO, CTO, and program leadership to shape the next generation of space vehicles.
The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on roots in embedded systems, Board Support Package (BSP) development, and communications software - combined with the leadership presence and organizational maturity to scale a high-performing engineering team.
What you will be doing:

Technical Leadership

  • Define and drive the software engineering vision, architecture, and roadmap across all space vehicle programs
  • Provide hands-on technical leadership in embedded systems, BSP development (bootloaders, device drivers, RTOS bring-up), and communications software
  • Oversee software design and implementation for spacecraft comms subsystems including SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, CCSDS, and RF data link protocols
  • Own the software architecture for Command & Data Handling (C&DH) systems and mission-critical flight software
  • Champion software quality, reliability, and compliance with applicable standards (DO-178B/C, NASA-STD-8739.8, or equivalent)
  • Drive hardware/software co-design and integration with electrical, systems, and mechanical engineering teams

People & Organizational Leadership

  • Build, grow, and retain a high-performing software engineering organization across multiple disciplines and experience levels
  • Hire, mentor, and develop engineering managers and senior/staff engineers into future technical leaders
  • Foster a culture of engineering excellence, psychological safety, and continuous improvement
  • Define career development frameworks, leveling guidelines, and performance standards for the software engineering team
  • Partner cross-functionally with Program Management, Systems Engineering, and Operations to deliver on commitments

Strategy & Execution

  • Own software program execution - schedules, milestones, risk identification, and mitigation across all active programs
  • Represent software engineering in customer briefings, program reviews, and executive leadership meetings
  • Contribute to business development and proposal efforts - defining software technical approaches and resource estimates for new pursuits
  • Drive make/buy decisions, toolchain investments, and software development process improvements at scale
  • Build and maintain technology partnerships with key vendors, tool suppliers, and industry partners
What you bring to this role:
  • 12+ years of software engineering experience, with 5+ years in engineering leadership (managing managers or leading organizations of 15+ engineers)
  • Deep technical foundation in embedded systems and BSP development - bootloaders, device drivers, kernel bring-up, embedded Linux and/or RTOS (VxWorks, RTEMS, FreeRTOS)
  • Proven experience leading software development for space, defense, or other safety-critical platforms
  • Strong background in communications software - protocol stacks, data link layers, or spacecraft comms subsystems
  • Demonstrated ability to build and scale engineering teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
  • Track record of delivering complex, multi-million-dollar software programs on time and on budget
  • Excellent executive communication skills - able to present to customers, boards, and government stakeholders
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fiel
Extra bonus points for the following:
  • Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or above)
  • Experience with spacecraft C&DH (Command & Data Handling) and flight software development
  • Knowledge of CCSDS protocols and space data system standards
  • Familiarity with DO-178B/C software certification and safety-critical verification frameworks
  • Experience supporting DoD, NASA, or other U.S. Government space programs
  • Exposure to radiation-tolerant or radiation-hardened computing environments
  • Experience leading software capture strategy for large government proposals ($50M+)
  • Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering or computer science discipline
$0 - $0 a year
The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position in question, which is based on market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on location, skills and expertise, depth of relevant experience, and other relevant factors. For questions about this, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply for the role and are selected for an interview.
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office.  The target base pay for this position is $100,000 - $185,000 annually.  The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed.
 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.  
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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