ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Computer Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA

$142K - $169K/yr

... Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to ... A bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, computational mathematics or a ...

New

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

... Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to ... A bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, computational mathematics or a ...

New

Evolver

GenAI Engineer (Python)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. * Technical ... Competitive Entry-Level Salary: Reflecting your skills and potential. * Flexible Work: Work options ...

Evolver

GenAI Engineer (Python)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. * Technical ... Competitive Entry-Level Salary: Reflecting your skills and potential. * Flexible Work: Work options ...

Raytheon

RF Mechanical Engineer II

San Jose, CA

This is an entry-level Mechanical Engineer position for an individual with educational experience ... Create 3D CAD models and engineering drawings for RF products designs * Develop prototype hardware ...

Cupertino Electric, Inc.

VDC Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

$28 - $46/hr

... and CAD operators, our resources rival those of standalone engineering firms. We are a true ... This is the entry level of technical work requiring a AutoCAD and Revit certification or the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsComputer Engineer JobsEntry Level Computer Engineer JobsEntry Level Computer Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Entry Level Computer Engineer information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$34.6K

$80.1K

$136.3K

How much do entry level computer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level computer engineer in Santa Cruz, CA is $80,090.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $90,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or tasks an entry level computer engineer can expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry level computer engineer, you'll likely be involved in supporting more senior engineers with tasks such as debugging hardware or software, conducting system tests, writing and maintaining code, and assisting with documentation. You may also help design and prototype circuit boards, work on firmware updates, or contribute to integration projects. Collaborative work is common, so expect to participate in team meetings and cross-functional projects, which is a great opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues and understand the broader workflow of product development.

What does an entry level computer engineer do?

As an entry-level computer engineer, your job is to help code and test hardware and software for your company. In this role, you may evaluate system requirements, make recommendations about computer purchases, and respond to technical support requests throughout the company. Entry-level computer engineers often focus on learning more about the unique operating environment of their employer, including any unique hardware or software the company uses. Senior computer employers often supervise your work, especially at companies that use this job as an extended training position. Other details of this job vary by company. For example, some computer engineers focus on cloud systems, while others help install new workstations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level computer engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Computer Engineer, you need a solid understanding of computer hardware, software fundamentals, and programming languages like C++ or Python, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with development environments, version control systems (such as Git), and basic circuit design tools is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional candidates apart. These skills enable engineers to efficiently develop, troubleshoot, and collaborate on technology solutions in dynamic, innovation-driven environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Computer Engineer vs Entry Level Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Computer EngineerEntry Level Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, certifications like Cisco or CompTIABachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering, certifications like Microsoft or AWS
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsOffice settings, coding environments, software development teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, telecommunicationsSoftware firms, tech startups, IT departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in tech hardware and systemsCommonly compared for software development careers

Entry Level Computer Engineers typically focus on hardware, embedded systems, and system integration, working in environments that involve physical components. In contrast, Entry Level Software Developers primarily work on coding, software applications, and programming tasks. Both roles require a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications, but their work environments and industry focus differ significantly.

More about Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? The most popular types of Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? For Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Entry Level Computer Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Computer Engineer job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,090 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

Muon Space

San Jose, CA

$142K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

About the role

Software Engineers at Muon work on embedded software on satellites and test equipment, physics simulations, customer-facing APIs and services, user interfaces, scheduling algorithms, data pipelines, computer vision, signal processing, cloud systems and more. They make it possible to build, test, launch, and run constellations of satellites for a wide variety of missions.

Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to quickly develop into experts in their domains to accelerate Muon's Mission with high quality software and systems. They must be a high performer ready to work in an exciting, fast-paced environment that values continuous improvement, embraces taking risks, and crafts the right solutions to delight our customers.

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

Responsibilities
  • Take ownership of the code for a new software capability on ground or in space
  • Propose and iterate on the design for software components
  • Write tests and monitoring to validate correctness of one's own code
  • Conduct analysis to support both development and testing
  • Quickly learn new skills, technology and techniques
  • Communicate clearly and accurately
  • Complete work in a timely manner
Required Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, computational mathematics or a related field
  • Proficient in C++, Python, TypeScript or a similar high-level language
  • Coursework or relevant experience in operating systems, algorithms, data structures, physics and statistics
Desirable Qualifications
  • Expertise in embedded software, network protocols, hardware and software testing, FPGA programming, GPU programming or other relevant disciplines
  • Experience with satellites, robots, or other autonomous systems
  • Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. programming, robotics or rocket club, etc.)
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics
  • Experience with mathematical optimization, machine learning, signal processing or advanced algorithms
  • Experience with cloud environments and distributed systems
  • Advanced coursework or experience in physics, statistics, distributed systems, or embedded software
Salary

The salary range for this role is $142,000 - $169,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process. 

Apply