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Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in California

WEX

Software Engineering Manager

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Software Engineering Manager Remote, Full-Time About the Team/Role WEX FSM (formerly Payzerware), is an end-to-end Field Service Management platform that helps contractors run their business, grow ...

eNett

Software Engineering Manager

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Software Engineering Manager Remote, Full-Time About the Team/Role WEX FSM (formerly Payzerware), is an end-to-end Field Service Management platform that helps contractors run their business, grow ...

WEX

Software Engineering Manager

Bodega Bay, CA · Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Software Engineering Manager Remote, Full-Time About the Team/Role WEX FSM (formerly Payzerware), is an end-to-end Field Service Management platform that helps contractors run their business, grow ...

eNett

Software Engineering Manager

Bodega Bay, CA · Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Software Engineering Manager Remote, Full-Time About the Team/Role WEX FSM (formerly Payzerware), is an end-to-end Field Service Management platform that helps contractors run their business, grow ...

IXL Learning

Software Engineering Manager

San Mateo, CA

$170K - $220K/yr

IXL Learning, developer of personalized learning products used by millions of people globally, is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to manage a team of talented engineers and provide hands-on ...

Innoflight LLC

Software Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$155K - $190K/yr

The Software Engineering Manager leads a team of embedded software and cryptographic engineers developing advanced computing, communications, and COMSEC solutions for satellite avionics and payload ...

Innoflight

Software Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$155K - $190K/yr

The Software Engineering Manager leads a team of embedded software and cryptographic engineers developing advanced computing, communications, and COMSEC solutions for satellite avionics and payload ...

Innoflight

Software Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Software Engineering Manager leads a team developing advanced computing and communications solutions, ensuring high-quality software delivery and driving engineering excellence. Responsibilities ...

IXL Learning

Software Engineering Manager

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

IXL Learning, developer of personalized learning products used by millions of people globally, is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to manage a team of talented engineers and provide hands-on ...

Everpure

Software Engineering Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

THE ROLE As a Software Engineering Manager, you will lead a high-performing team dedicated to redefining how the world consumes storage infrastructure through an AI -driven, multi-cloud fabric. You ...

Intel

Software Engineering Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

As a Software Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of talented software engineers and architects dedicated to developing and validating cutting-edge software solutions for Intel's product ...

ZipRecruiter

Software Engineering Manager

Santa Monica, CA · Remote

$180K - $250K/yr

As part of this effort, we're adding software engineering leaders to our team. Our business is complex and we're looking for engineering managers who can own entire (or even multiple) product lines ...

ZipRecruiter

Software Engineering Manager

Santa Monica, CA · Remote

$180K - $250K/yr

As part of this effort, we're adding software engineering leaders to our team. Our business is complex and we're looking for engineering managers who can own entire (or even multiple) product lines ...

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Contract Software Engineering Manager information

What is a Contract Software Engineering Manager?

A Contract Software Engineering Manager is a professional who leads and oversees software development teams on a contractual basis, rather than as a permanent employee. They are responsible for managing engineering projects, guiding developers, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software solutions. Typically, they work for a specific duration or on particular projects, providing leadership, technical expertise, and process improvements. This role is ideal for organizations seeking temporary management support or specialized leadership for critical projects. Contract Software Engineering Managers often bring diverse experience from various industries and projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or principal software engineering manager with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and expertise in high-demand areas can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such roles often require advanced technical skills, strategic oversight, and may include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing in large tech companies or successful startups.

What are some unique challenges faced by contract software engineering managers compared to full-time managers?

Contract software engineering managers often face the challenge of quickly integrating into new teams and company cultures while rapidly understanding ongoing projects. They must establish trust and effective communication in a short period, all while delivering results within limited contract timelines. Additionally, contract managers may need to balance stakeholder expectations and project deliverables without the long-term context or authority that permanent managers might have. Adaptability, strong onboarding skills, and proactive relationship-building are key to thriving in this role.

How much do contract software engineers make?

Contract software engineers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can command higher rates, especially for short-term or high-demand projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Software Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Software Engineering Manager, you need strong leadership abilities, deep software development knowledge, and experience managing engineering teams, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Trello), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Scrum Master) is often required. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and conflict-resolution skills help build trust and drive team performance in diverse, dynamic environments. These competencies ensure timely project delivery, high code quality, and effective collaboration with stakeholders.

What is the difference between Contract Software Engineering Manager vs Contract Software Developer?

AspectContract Software Engineering ManagerContract Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, management experienceBachelor's in CS or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, debugging, implementing features
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, consulting firms, startupsSoftware firms, tech startups, enterprise IT
Common Search & ComparisonManagement responsibilities, leadership rolesTechnical skills, coding focus

The Contract Software Engineering Manager typically oversees development teams, manages projects, and ensures delivery, requiring management experience and leadership skills. In contrast, the Contract Software Developer primarily focuses on coding and implementing software features. Both roles are common in tech industries but differ significantly in responsibilities and required credentials.

How much money does a software engineer manager make?

A Contract Software Engineering Manager typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often oversee teams, manage project timelines, and require strong leadership and technical skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineering managers, principal engineers, and staff engineers in large tech companies often earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or AI, and stock options or bonuses included. These roles typically require strong leadership, technical expertise, and often a master's degree or higher in computer science or related fields.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineering Manager jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Engineering Manager jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in California? For Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings:
Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.
Software Engineering Manager

Software Engineering Manager

Palomar Products, Inc.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted yesterday

Job description

Palomar Products is a global leader in secure military communications technology, developing mission-critical communication systems used across fighter aircraft, helicopters, naval platforms, and next-generation defense programs worldwide.


Would you like to lead the development of next-generation secure communication systems deployed across military aircraft, naval platforms, and mission-critical defense programs worldwide?

Are you currently leading a small software team and looking for a genuine succession-planning opportunity that could ultimately lead to Director , VP Engineering, and executive leadership positions across a multi-billion-dollar aerospace group?


Position Summary :


Palomar is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of skilled engineers developing safety critical software for secure communications systems. You’ll oversee a small team of highly experienced subject matter experts (SME) and manage third-party developers. Your time will be split between technical oversight, team leadership, process improvement, and occasional hands-on support. You’ll also collaborate on proposals, departmental planning, and tool/license management .


Reporting directly to the VP of Engineering, this role is ideal for experienced Software Engineering Managers, as well as Principal Engineers and Technical Leads looking to take the next step into formal engineering leadership.


As a Software Engineering Manager, you will:


  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 5 Software Engineers through coaching, career development, and regular 1-to-1s
  • Drive software architecture, development, integration, verification, certification, and SDLC activities
  • Guide daily engineering activities, remove blockers, and support successful project execution
  • Collaborate with Program and Project Engineering on proposals, estimates, staffing forecasts, and resource planning
  • Work closely with Systems, Hardware, FPGA, and Test Engineering teams to deliver mission-critical communications technology


The ideal Software Engineering Manager will bring:


  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
  • 8+ years of software development experience, including 2+ years in a formal management or leadership role.
  • Strong background in safety critical software development in aerospace or defense.
  • Experience with DO-178C, RTOS (e.g., VxWorks, Wind River), and real-time embedded environments.
  • Familiarity with open system architectures such as SOSA, MOSA, or FACE.
  • Experience across the software development lifecycle within aerospace, defense, communications, avionics


Desirable Experience of the Software Engineering Manager:


  • Secure Communications Architectures
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) Systems
  • Tactical Data Links
  • Voice & Data Communication Systems
  • Airborne Communication Platforms


Why Join Palomar as a Software Engineering Manager?


  • Succession-planning opportunity with future growth into Director / VP Engineering leadership
  • Opportunity to influence software strategy, engineering processes, and future product roadmaps
  • Join a company backed by TransDigm, a multi-billion-dollar publicly traded aerospace group with an engineering legacy supporting Aerospace/defense & military platforms worldwide
  • Long-term career opportunities across 55 operating companies


Compensation: Truly flexible compensation starting at $200,000+ DOE

Benefits : Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and more

9/80 schedule with every other Friday off


This opportunity offers exposure to advanced secure communications technology, airborne mission systems, and next-generation defense programs while providing a genuine long-term leadership career path.


All suitable applicants will be contacted within one working day. Apply today to avoid missing out!

Apply