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Entry Level Software Developer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA

$142K - $169K/yr

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 ...

New

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

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 ...

New

Evolver

GenAI Engineer (Python)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Role Overview: We're looking for a motivated Software Developer who's ready to jump into the world ... Competitive Entry-Level Salary: Reflecting your skills and potential. * Flexible Work: Work options ...

Evolver

GenAI Engineer (Python)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Role Overview: We're looking for a motivated Software Developer who's ready to jump into the world ... Competitive Entry-Level Salary: Reflecting your skills and potential. * Flexible Work: Work options ...

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All JobsSoftware Developer JobsEntry Level Software Developer JobsEntry Level Software Developer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Entry Level Software Developer information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$34.1K

$115.8K

$278.9K

How much do entry level software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level software developer in Santa Cruz, CA is $115,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,300.00 and $122,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level software developer do?

An entry-level software developer has simpler duties compared to more senior members of the field. At the entry level, your responsibilities are to create simple, single-thread code to achieve a specific task. These bits of code can be combined to create a larger program. You may also have to create or write a design algorithm by which you create software. However, most of the time, as an entry-level developer, you are in charge of debugging. You have to comb through the code of a piece of software to remove errors.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level software developer?

As an entry level software developer, you will typically be assigned to work on smaller modules or features within larger projects, often under the guidance of more experienced developers. Your daily tasks may include writing and testing code, fixing bugs, participating in code reviews, and collaborating with team members through agile sprints or regular meetings. You'll also have opportunities to learn new technologies, contribute to documentation, and gradually take on more complex responsibilities as you gain experience. This environment encourages continuous learning and close collaboration with others, helping you build both technical and teamwork skills.

How to get an entry level software developer job with no experience?

To secure an entry level software developer position with no experience, focus on building a strong portfolio of projects, contribute to open-source work, and learn relevant programming languages like Python or Java. Gaining certifications such as CompTIA or completing coding bootcamps can also improve your chances and demonstrate your skills to employers.

What is an entry level software developer?

Entry level software developers are professionals who are at the beginning of their software development careers. They typically have foundational knowledge of programming languages, software development methodologies, and problem-solving skills. Entry level developers work under the guidance of more experienced engineers to write code, fix bugs, and contribute to software projects. Their responsibilities often include learning new technologies, collaborating with team members, and gaining practical experience to advance in their careers.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Software Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, along with a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and basic knowledge of databases is important. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable software, collaborating with colleagues, and adapting to evolving technical requirements.

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

AspectEntry Level Software DeveloperJunior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, coding bootcamp experienceBachelor's in CS or related field, internship experience
Work EnvironmentTech companies, startups, software firmsTech companies, consulting firms, startups
Employer UsageCommonly used in job postings and industryOften used interchangeably with Entry Level Software Developer

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields and some coding experience. They work in similar environments like tech companies and startups. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Junior Software Engineer' may emphasize a slightly more engineering-focused role. Overall, they represent entry-level positions for aspiring software professionals.

More about Entry Level Software Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Software Developer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? For Entry Level Software Developer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Software Developer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Software Developer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Entry Level Software Developer jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Entry Level Software Developer job openings:
Entry Level Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Software Developer job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,773 per year, or $55.7 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. 

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