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Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

Attalon, Inc.

Design Engineering Manager

Tustin, CA · On-site

$117K - $211K/yr

... using CAD software. • 5+ years' experience managing direct reports, preferably within an ... defense engineering organization. • Demonstrated expertise in designing opto-mechanical ...

Invoca

Sr. Software Engineer I

Anaheim, CA · Remote

$128K - $169K/yr

Senior Software Engineer I (Octothorpe) About Invoca: Invoca is the leading AI-powered conversation ... Manager. You'll focus on turning our internal engineering platform vision into reality by ...

Pwc

US Tech - AI Engineering Manager

Irvine, CA

$73K - $244K/yr

... software, platform, or cloud engineering, including people leadership - In lieu of a Bachelor ... Managing delivery plans, dependencies, and risks effectively - Operating production platforms with ...

CRH

Area Engineering Manager

Fontana, CA · On-site

$145K/yr

Job Summary The Area Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and managing engineering ... Proficiency in engineering software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CMMS, etc.). * Civil PE certification is ...

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All JobsContract Software Engineering JobsContract Software Engineering Manager JobsContract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

Contract Software Engineering Manager information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$103.8K

$176.7K

$209.2K

How much do contract software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract software engineering manager in Riverside, CA is $176,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $180,500.00 and $180,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Riverside, CA? For Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings:
Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs near you
Staff Flight Software Engineer (IV/V)

Staff Flight Software Engineer (IV/V)

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA • On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system – you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Staff Flight Software Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Flight Software Engineering Manager, the Staff Flight Software Engineer will become an integral part of our dynamic team, driving the development of cutting-edge nano-satellite vehicle solutions across a variety of exciting projects. Your expertise will be pivotal in advancing our innovative technologies and contributing to the success of our mission-critical initiatives.

This role is preferred to work on-site for team synergy and access to hardware, however remote work is possible after a sufficient period of onboarding.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements
  • Perform as the technical lead of a satellite program
  • Lead a team of junior software engineers, providing mentorship and tasking
  • Design, develop, and maintain simple, reliable, and fault-tolerant software
  • Develop software for unique payloads, such as imagers, image processors, communication devices, and various astronomical science instruments.
  • Create comprehensive unit and regression tests in existing frameworks
  • Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight vehicle, and hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Communicate with the customer in technical working groups
  • Potential 10% travel to visit customers or vendors for Design Reviews and collaborative technical work

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent field.
  • 8+ years (Staff Engineer - Level 4) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or critical systems.
  • 12+ years (Principal Engineer - Level 5) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or critical systems.
  • Prior experience using GitHub or similar Git tool.
  • Highly motivated, self-starting, responsible, thorough, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Additional Differentiators

  • Experience using ARM and Texas Instruments platforms for embedded systems.
  • Experience with test equipment, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Experience with Linux and GNU tools such as make GCC and debuggers such as GDB.
  • Experience with scripting languages such as bash and Python.
  • Familiarity with build pipelines, deployment and testing on-target.
  • Familiarity with Serial Communications - CAN, RS-422/485, I2C, SPI, PCI, SpaceWire.

Salary Ranges

Staff Flight Software Engineer (Level IV) - $150k to $190k

Principal Flight Software Engineer (Level V) - $170k to $210k

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range
$150,000—$210,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.