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Entry Level Software Programmer Jobs in California

Evaluate the interface between hardware and software, operational requirements, and characteristics ... All of our core engineers are paid in the $150,000 range or greater and we also provide our ...

The Software Quality Assurance Engineer I is an entry-level individual contributor within the Software Quality Assurance organization. The role is primarily focused on supporting software quality ...

Software Developers * Embedded Software Developers * AI Developers * Web Developers * Software Developer QAs * Release QAs * AV Analysts/IPS Analysts * Hardware Developers * DevOps Engineers * C ...

Software Developers * Embedded Software Developers * AI Developers * Web Developers * Software Developer QAs * Release QAs * AV Analysts/IPS Analysts * Hardware Developers * DevOps Engineers * C ...

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Entry Level Software Programmer information

See California salary details

$14

$26

$78

How much do entry level software programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level software programmer in California is $26.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job as an entry level software programmer with no experience?

To secure an entry level software programmer position with no experience, focus on building a strong foundation in programming languages like Python or Java, create a portfolio of personal projects, and gain familiarity with development tools such as Git. Internships, coding bootcamps, and certifications can also improve your chances by demonstrating practical skills to employers.

What types of projects and programming languages can an entry level software programmer expect to work with in their first year?

As an Entry Level Software Programmer, you will typically work on a variety of projects ranging from debugging existing applications to developing small features or modules under the guidance of senior developers. The programming languages you'll use depend on the company's technology stack, but common ones include Java, Python, C#, or JavaScript. You may also be introduced to version control systems like Git and collaborative development tools. Early in your career, you'll gain exposure to best practices in coding, testing, and documentation, setting a strong foundation for your growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level software programmer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Software Programmer, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, algorithms, and data structures, typically demonstrated through a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with languages like Java, Python, or C++, and experience using version control systems such as Git are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in team environments and adapt to new challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering reliable code, collaborating on projects, and rapidly growing in the technology industry.

What does an entry level software programmer do?

An Entry Level Software Programmer is responsible for writing and testing code, debugging programs, and assisting in the development of software applications under the supervision of more experienced developers. They typically work on basic coding tasks, help maintain existing software, and learn new programming languages and frameworks. This role serves as a starting point in the software development field, providing valuable hands-on experience while supporting the goals of a development team.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Software Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Software Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Software Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,866 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Entry Level & Senior Software Engineer, AI Software Platform (Onsite)

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 243 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Engineering
General Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drive digital transformation, creating a smarter, connected future for all. As an AI Software Core Software Engineer, you will develop and implement cutting-edge machine learning techniques that enable the efficient utilization of state-of-the-art solutions across various technology verticals.
In this role, you will be responsible for developing tools and supporting AI SW platform for the Qualcomm AI Stack spanning the Qualcomm AI Runtime (QAIRT) SDK, specifically Core software including Generative AI Inference Extensions (Genie) and the corresponding HW ML accelerator back-end support on the SoC. You will be responsible for researching state-of-the art AI toolchains, performance / memory and HW (CPU/NPU/eNPU) profiling for Edge-AI use cases on the embedded SoC.
You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your passion for software tools (developed in house and/or bring in off-the-shelf AI tools), support AI SW ecosystem across development and test and customer support. You will contribute to software toolchains and system level performance / memory profiling across a wide variety of OSes and platforms. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable AI software solutions, and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the AI Software team.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 1+ year of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
Responsibilities
  • You will be involved in developing in-house software tools or research off-the-shelf 3rd party toolchains, compilers required for the Qualcomm AI Stack SDKs, specifically QAIRT and Genie, to support the execution of the latest generative AI models on Snapdragon platforms for various AI use cases across a wide-variety of SoCs and OS platforms (Android, Linux, QNX, Windows, Zephyr, etc.)
  • You will be involved in System level performance and memory profiling/benchmarking required to support high performance and efficient AI SW stack on SoCs supporting Edge-AI use cases using Qualcomm's AI SW SDK and associated components/toolchains
  • Validate, analyze, and optimize the performance and accuracy of software through detailed testing of machine learning use cases.
  • Debug complex issues, perform root cause analysis, and ensure high system reliability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable toolchains
  • Contribute to a culture of technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the AI Software team.
  • Participate in design and code reviews.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired)
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
  • 1+ years of experience building embedded software applications.
  • Proficiency in software tools development using C/C++/Python, compiler toolchains (LLVM, GNU) and build systems (Make/CMake)
  • Projects or Internships experience (Entry level) / 2+ years (Senior) of general software development experience.
  • Experience with development in different OS/platforms like Android, Linux, Windows
  • Knowledge of low-level interactions between operating systems (e.g., Linux, Android, Windows, QNX, etc.) and hardware.
  • Experience using/integrating Qualcomm AI Stack products (e.g., QNN, Genie).
  • Experience with agile software development practices and git-based SCM.
  • Ability to collaborate across a globally diverse team and manage multiple interests.
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal, presentation, and writing).

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$140,800.00 - $211,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985