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Entry Level Software Programmer Jobs in California

Fortinet

New Grads 2026 (US)

Sunnyvale, CA

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

Fortinet, Inc.

New Grads 2026 (US)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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

Fortinet, Inc.

New Grads 2026 (US)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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

Sonsoft Inc

Microstrateg Developer

Los Angeles, CA

Sonsoft Inc. is growing at a steady pace specializing in the fields of Software Development, Software Consultancy and Information Technology Enabled Services. Note: - * Strong MSTR developer with ...

The Climate Registry

Jr. Software Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

... Required Qualifications * Entry-level to two years of experience working with web-based ... Junior Software Developer". Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. All ...

The Climate Registry

Jr. Software Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

... Required Qualifications * Entry-level to two years of experience working with web-based ... Junior Software Developer. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. All complete ...

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

As of Jul 23, 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.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In software development, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of developer experience and responsibility, with L1 being entry-level or junior developers and L4 representing senior or lead developers. These levels often indicate increasing expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership responsibilities, and are used by companies to structure career progression and compensation. For an entry-level software programmer, understanding these levels can help clarify growth opportunities within a company.

Will AI replace developers in 2026?

Entry level software programmers will continue to play a vital role in software development, as AI tools are designed to assist rather than fully replace human developers. Skills in coding, problem-solving, and understanding project requirements remain essential, with AI serving as a productivity enhancer rather than a complete substitute.

How do I get a programming job with no experience?

Entry level software programmers can improve their chances by building a portfolio of personal projects, contributing to open-source code, and learning relevant programming languages like Python or Java. Gaining certifications or completing coding bootcamps can also demonstrate skills to employers, even without professional experience.

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, and why are they important?

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in senior or specialized roles such as machine learning engineers or software architects, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of salary, bonuses, and stock options. Such compensation typically requires extensive expertise, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.
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:
Entry Level Software Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Software Programmer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,866 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - DevSecOps (San Diego - Hybrid)

Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - DevSecOps (San Diego - Hybrid)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - DevSecOps / DevOps to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Software organization. This partially hybrid role is located on site in San Diego, California.
In this role you will be working with the latest technology to modernize software product production with DevSecOps - continuous build, continuous integration, continuous test, continuous cyber, continuous deployment, and continuous metrics on aerospace programs. Specifically, you will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, deployment, and operation of modern DevSecOps software factory. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as with Systems Engineering, Real-time & Embedded Software, Test Automation, DevSecOps, and Systems Test in an Agile software development environment.
Job Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:
  • Work in an innovative environment, on significantly diverse assignments, and in collaborative team settings across all levels
  • Coordinate program builds and delivery pipelines
  • Implement all segments of DevSecOps lifecycle - continuous build, continuous integration, continuous test, continuous cyber, and continuous deployment pipeline
  • Collaborate with all relevant stakeholders on build and delivery schedule
  • Automate and simplify the build and delivery process

This position may be filled as either a level 2 Software Engineer or level 3 Principal Software Engineer.
Basic Qualifications for level 2:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and entry level related engineering experience
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Agile Framework
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with at least one object-oriented programming language (Java, JavaScript, C++, C#, Python, Swift) and software development lifecycle
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Software Change Control, Change Management, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo), AND/OR GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance OR Top Secret (in-scope)

Basic Qualifications for level 3:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 years of related engineering experience
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Agile Framework within the last 3 years
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with at least one object-oriented programming language (Java, JavaScript, C++, C#, Python, Swift) and software development lifecycle
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Software Change Control, Change Management, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo), AND/OR GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing DevSecOps lifecycle - continuous (build, integration, test, deployment, cyber, monitoring)
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance OR Top Secret (in-scope)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership, teamwork capabilities, strong time management, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with configuration of virtual machines and virtual networks (VPC, NSX-T, NSX-V)
  • Certification with cloud technology (AWS, VMWare, Azure, Kubernetes) at the beginner level
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing the automated collection and reporting of software metrics
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing cyber analysis regimen on program
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing cyber remediation and cyber compliance on a program
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing, and operation of cyber remediation and Risk Management Framework (RMF)
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret (in-scope) clearance

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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