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Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in California

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 ...

Data Direct Networks

CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of talented engineers building next-generation storage infrastructure. In this role, you will own the technical strategy ...

Data Direct Networks

CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of talented engineers building next-generation storage infrastructure. In this role, you will own the technical strategy ...

Google

Software Engineering Manager, Raxium

Fremont, CA · On-site

Software Engineering Managers have not only the technical expertise to take on and provide technical leadership to major projects, but also manage a team of Engineers. You not only optimize your own ...

Everpure

Software Engineering Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$193K - $317K/yr

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 ...

General Atomics

Software Engineering Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$125K - $229K/yr

As a Software Engineering Manager at General Atomics, you will lead a high-performing team of software supervisors and engineers developing advanced software solutions for safety/mission-critical ...

Intuitive

Software Engineering Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Develop and manage effective interfaces across the organization, with other software engineering teams, clinical engineering, design, human factors, and regulatory affairs * Facilitate and ensure ...

Intuitive

Software Engineering Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Develop and manage effective interfaces across the organization, with other software engineering teams, clinical engineering, design, human factors, and regulatory affairs * Facilitate and ensure ...

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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

ZipRecruiter

Santa Monica, CA • Remote

$180K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

We offer a hybrid work environment. Most US-based positions can also be performed remotely (any exceptions will be noted in the Minimum Qualifications below.)

Our Mission:

To actively connect people to their next great opportunity.

Who We Are:

ZipRecruiter is a leading online employment marketplace. Powered by AI-driven smart matching technology, the company actively connects millions of all-sized businesses and job seekers through innovative mobile, web, and email services, as well as through partnerships with the best job boards on the web. ZipRecruiter has the #1 rated job search app on iOS & Android.

About the Team:

Jobs change lives - ask any one of our millions of job seekers we serve and you'll no doubt get a similar answer. At ZipRecruiter, our products help connect job seekers with employers, eager to add talent to their company. Our team works on applications at scale, serving millions of job seekers. We're building an innovative marketplace for both jobs and job seekers alike. 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, drive business value while investing in their team's/tech stack's health, and coach engineers to build a strong culture of excellence, ownership, and personal and professional growth.

About the Job:

  • Own the mission, execution, morale, and code quality of your team
  • Partner effectively with product managers to maintain and execute against the product roadmap
  • Serve as a force multiplier for your team by removing roadblocks, identifying and implementing process improvements, and delegating effectively
  • Actively build community and culture throughout the engineering organization
  • Continually develop, coach, motivate, and improve your team, leading by example
  • Champion and evolve innovation at ZipRecruiter and evangelize BIG ideas

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 6+ years of experience in a fast-paced software development environment at scale
  • Experience leading or managing a software engineering team
  • Hands-on coding experience in a professional setting
  • Experience developing high traffic full stack web or data applications

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BS/MS/PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, related technical field
  • 3+ years of engineering management experience
  • Demonstrated experience innovating novel approaches and solutions to ambiguous problems

As part of our team you'll enjoy:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Exceptional benefits package
  • Flexible Vacation & Paid Time Off
  • Employer-matched 401(k) plan

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $180,000 - $250,000. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location, and the range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location, role-related knowledge and skills, depth of experience, relevant education or training, and additional role-related considerations.

Depending on the position offered, equity, bonuses, commission, or other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits.

#LI-Remote

#LI-DA1

ZipRecruiter is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetics.

Privacy Notice: For information about ZipRecruiter's collection and processing of job applicant personal data for this job, please see our Privacy Notice at: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/careers/job-applicant-privacy-notice

Working at ZipRecruiter

Perks for frontline workers

From ZipRecruiter, via Breakroom

  • Wellness stipend

  • Remote wellness activities (like virtual yoga)

  • Company-paid access to wellness apps

  • Fertility and family-forming benefits

  • Pet insurance

  • Competitive compensation

  • Annual bonus

  • RSUs for certain roles

  • We match a percentage of your 401(k) contributions

  • Company-paid access to financial planning resources

  • Flexible time off

  • Generous parental leave

  • Internet stipend & home office program

  • Snacks and occasional meals in some offices

  • Employee Resource Groups

  • Opportunities to give back through ZipRecruiter.org

  • Time off to volunteer

  • Employee-driven recognition and rewards program

  • Discounts in your community

  • Mix of team meetings, 1:1s, and cross-functional collaboration

  • Live town halls

  • Hosted team building activities

  • Catered meals, dining out

  • Paid travel and accommodations

About ZipRecruiter, in their own words

From ZipRecruiter

We’re one team with a shared mission—to connect people to their next opportunity. No matter who you are or where you work from, we create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone can do their best work.

Company values

From ZipRecruiter

Do meaningful work - We help millions of job seekers find roles that match their skills—it's in our DNA.

Embrace teamwork - We’re passionate problem-solvers who know diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.

Enjoy the journey - We celebrate wins, learn together, and value the process of working as one team.

Diversity and inclusion statement

From ZipRecruiter

We’re a diverse team of collaborators who never settle, leave egos at the door, and are passionate about the work we do.

We champion diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

ZipRecruiter logo

About ZipRecruiter

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

What started as a way to help small businesses find great candidates has grown into a leading online employment marketplace that connects millions of job seekers with companies of all sizes. Our sophisticated Al-matching technology is at the core of everything we do-and by analyzing billions of user interactions, it's always getting smarter. It improves the job search experience for millions of people every month and helps businesses of all sizes find and hire the right candidates quickly. We empower job seekers with the tools they need to stand out and get hired. Like a personal recruiter, we track down relevant opportunities in our marketplace, proactively pitch them to hiring managers at top companies, and deliver status updates along the way. We make it easier for people to find work We match businesses of all sizes with the best people for their open roles. Reaching millions of job seekers through our site, * email, and #1 rated job seeker app, we target the most qualified candidates to apply when a job goes live in our marketplace. The result? More quality candidates and reduced hiring times.

Industry

Software development

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Monica, CA, US

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