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Development Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Market Development Lead (MDL) drives market growth and execution by partnering with Independent Distributor Partners (IDPs) and retail outlets. This role builds strong relationships with IDPs ...

AI Development Lead We're hiring an experienced AI Development Lead to help design and ship AI-powered capabilities across our platform. This is a highly hands-on role where you'll directly build AI ...

AI Development Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

AI Development Lead We're hiring an experienced AI Development Lead to help design and ship AI-powered capabilities across our platform. This is a highly hands-on role where you'll directly build AI ...

Lead a team of developers responsible for building new and supporting existing application(s);Implement Microservices andWebAPIusing Domain Driven Design Architecture;Guide the development team on ...

Market Development Lead

Napa, CA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Market Development Lead (MDL) drives market growth and execution by partnering with Independent Distributor Partners (IDPs) and retail outlets. This role builds strong relationships with IDPs ...

Market Development Lead

Oakland, CA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Market Development Lead (MDL) drives market growth and execution by partnering with Independent Distributor Partners (IDPs) and retail outlets. This role builds strong relationships with IDPs ...

The Market Development Lead (MDL) drives market growth and execution by partnering with Independent Distributor Partners (IDPs) and retail outlets. This role builds strong relationships with IDPs ...

The Market Development Lead (MDL) drives market growth and execution by partnering with Independent Distributor Partners (IDPs) and retail outlets. This role builds strong relationships with IDPs ...

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Showing results 1-20

Development Lead information

See California salary details

$18.3K

$88.7K

$154K

How much do development lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for development lead in California is $88,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $129,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Development Lead?

A Development Lead is a professional responsible for overseeing a team of software developers or engineers to ensure successful project delivery. They coordinate technical tasks, mentor team members, and act as a bridge between management and the development team. Development Leads also contribute to architectural decisions, code reviews, and help resolve technical issues. Their role often includes project planning, delegating tasks, and tracking progress to meet deadlines and quality standards.

How does a Development Lead typically balance hands-on coding with team management responsibilities?

Development Leads often split their time between technical tasks, such as reviewing code or architecting solutions, and leadership duties like mentoring team members, planning sprints, and facilitating collaboration. The exact balance depends on the organization's size and structure, but most Development Leads find themselves gradually shifting toward more strategic and people-focused activities as their teams grow. Effective time management and clear communication are key to ensuring both technical excellence and team alignment. Many leads also delegate coding tasks to encourage skill development within the team while focusing on removing blockers and aligning projects with business objectives.

What is the difference between Development Lead vs Software Engineer?

AspectDevelopment LeadSoftware Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees project development, manages teams, and coordinates technical effortsDevelops, tests, and maintains software applications
Required SkillsTechnical expertise, leadership, project managementProgramming, problem-solving, technical knowledge
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project planning, cross-functional collaborationIndividual coding tasks, software development teams
Common CertificationsRelevant certifications like PMP, Scrum Master, technical certificationsProgramming certifications, specific technology certifications

The main difference between a Development Lead and a Software Engineer lies in their scope of responsibilities. The Development Lead focuses on guiding teams, managing projects, and ensuring successful delivery, while a Software Engineer primarily concentrates on coding and technical problem-solving. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Development Lead also needs leadership and project management abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Lead, you need advanced programming knowledge, experience in software architecture, and a background in leading technical teams, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, project management tools such as Jira, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities set exceptional Development Leads apart. These skills ensure high-quality deliverables, effective team collaboration, and successful project outcomes in dynamic software environments.
What are popular job titles related to Development Lead jobs in California? For Development Lead jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Development Lead job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,665 per year, or $42.6 per hour.
Business Development Lead

Business Development Lead

Southland Industries Inc.

Garden Grove, CA • On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Southland Industries rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary

Develops and executes business development strategies to drive growth. Supports local account representatives in customer interactions.

Position Details

  • Works in conjunction with management to develop and execute sales strategies for target clients as well as other potential clients.
  • Partners with the cross‑functional team, which may include project finance, operations, legal, marketing, and communications to secure new business and support positive customer experiences.
  • Participates in and support customer meetings and contract negotiations.
  • Maintains a revenue and margin quota and robust sales funnel.
  • Schedules appointments and meetings with customers to review and define program opportunities and desired success parameters, and to qualify the opportunity.
  • Develops, maintains and expands key and target relationships across the relevant market. Gains understanding of their business problems, future needs, and how Southland can support those endeavors.
  • Attends networking and trade show events to obtain leads, presents a positive public company image, and expands knowledge of critical issues facing our customer base. Conducts research to identify potential strategic partnerships and new market opportunities. 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field; or equivalent education, training and/or experience
  • 5+ years of consultative sales experience, including construction industry experience Consultative selling skills focused on ROI, operational outcomes, and long-term partnerships
  • Working knowledge of engineering, architectural, or design-build industries
  • Communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to identify issues, gather information, and recommend solutions
  • Financial and business acumen
  • Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

  • 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
  • Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
  • Disability income protection insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
  • Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
  • Wellness benefits 

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For California, this ranges from $120,000.00-$145,000.00 yearly plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above.

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).


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