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Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

This is an entry-level role suitable for a recent graduate or an engineer with up to three years of software development experience. What You'll Be Doing Software Development * Build and maintain ...

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Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$28.2K

$123.2K

$222K

How much do entry level fresh graduate software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level fresh graduate software engineer in Santa Clara, CA is $123,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,300.00 and $140,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level fresh graduate software engineer?

An Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer is a recent university graduate who has just started their career in software engineering. They typically have a degree in computer science or a related field, and they are responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining software under the guidance of more experienced engineers. Entry-level engineers often work on coding tasks, bug fixes, and assisting with software development projects to gain practical experience and grow their technical skills.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level fresh graduate software engineers during their first year on the job?

As a fresh graduate entering the software engineering field, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to large codebases, understanding agile development processes, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. It's common to feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar tools and technologies at first, but most teams provide mentorship and structured onboarding to help you ramp up. Over time, focusing on asking questions, seeking feedback, and proactively learning from peers will help you build confidence and grow your technical skills.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), computer science fundamentals, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), integrated development environments (IDEs), and basic software development methodologies is expected. Strong problem-solving, willingness to learn, and effective communication help you integrate into teams and adapt to fast-evolving projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to codebases, collaborating with colleagues, and growing within dynamic engineering environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer vs Junior Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Fresh Graduate Software EngineerJunior Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, internship experienceSimilar educational background, some work experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTeam-based, collaborative projects, training programsDevelopment teams, project-focused, mentorship often provided
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, IT departmentsSoftware firms, tech departments, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles for new graduatesClarifying junior-level developer positions

Both roles are entry-level positions for recent graduates with similar educational backgrounds. The term "Software Engineer" often emphasizes a broader scope of responsibilities, including design and architecture, while "Junior Software Developer" may focus more on coding and implementation. Employers may use these titles interchangeably, but understanding the nuances helps in job search and application strategies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fresh Graduate Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

The most popular types of Fresh Graduate Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Fresh Graduate Software Engineer job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,155 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

New Graduate Engineer, Software - '26/'27 (Starlink)

SpaceX

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$155K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, SOFTWARE - '26/'27 (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As arguably SpaceX's most complex software engineering challenge, Starlink offers a variety of areas within software engineering that you can focus. As a Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges underpinning every aspect of the program's growth. The teams and areas you could have an impact on could include, but are not limited to:

  • Next generation networking technologies to direct data through an ever-changing network of satellites, ground stations, planes and users.
  • Firmware, embedded and controls software running on custom hardware that flies the world's largest fleet of spacecraft.
  • Infrastructure and tools to enable rapid development and reliable deployment of our code to dynamic production environments.
  • Measurement system software and hardware, supporting our in-house RF Silicon designs.
  • Full life cycle development of Starlink.com and our Mobile/Enterprise platforms.
  • Physic based software engineering to design and simulate the orbital life cycle of the Starlink constellation. 

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop highly reliable, real-time software.
  • Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
  • Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
  • Collaborate with other engineers, from other engineering disciplines, to plan and organize the development of our products.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or other STEM discipline.
  • Professional development experience in C, C++, Python, C# or another object oriented language (internship experience is applicable).
  • Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Strong professional/project experience writing software in a production environment.
  • Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
  • Experience with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc) and distributed systems.
  • Experience in security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $135,000.00 - $175,000.00
Level 2: $155,000.00 - $210,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US