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Entry Software Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

As a Software Engineer at Orvix Engineering, you will be at the forefront of technological advancements, solving complex engineering problems with innovative software solutions. The ideal candidate ...

As a System Tools Software Engineer , you'll create the software that powers engineering teams and next-generation products. You'll design, develop, test, and improve tools that make systems faster ...

As a System Tools Software Engineer , you'll create the software that powers engineering teams and next-generation products. You'll design, develop, test, and improve tools that make systems faster ...

Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $147K/yr

As a System Tools Software Engineer , you'll create the software that powers engineering teams and next-generation products. You'll design, develop, test, and improve tools that make systems faster ...

Job brief We are seeking a Software Engineer to execute the full lifecycle of the product development, by programming well-designed, efficient, and testable code that meets specifications.

Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

As part of our software engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the projects and provide technical expertise and recommendations to support and enhance our development projects.

Be Seen First

Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Software Engineer - Please note this is an "in-office position" - accepting local / Silicon Valley-based candidates only. Overview Join Checkpoint Technologies in San Jose, CA, and help build ...

Knowledge of modern software engineering best practices in algorithms, data structures, and clean code methodologies * Experience collaborating with other software engineers on large and complex ...

PayPal, Inc. seeks Software Engineer in San Jose, CA Job Duties: Drive the effective design and development of new software application features and product solutions from conception to post ...

PayPal, Inc. seeks Software Engineer in San Jose, CA Job Duties: Drive the effective design and development of new software application features and product solutions from conception to post ...

Software Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Founding Software Engineer (Mid-Senior Level) Why Zania Every enterprise spends millions of dollars on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). It's one of the most critical, yet universally painful ...

We are looking for a Software Engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of complex software and firmware systems. You will focus on developing automated test scripts and frameworks, executing ...

Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$350K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Software Engineer with strong programming fundamentals. You'll build customer-facing features, backend systems, and cloud infrastructure. This role involves solving ...

Posted today

Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$101K - $160K/yr

We are looking for a Software Engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of complex software and firmware systems. You will focus on developing automated test scripts and frameworks, executing ...

GPU Software Engineer Location: San Jose, CA Duration: 6+ months contract (Long Term) Roles and Responsibilities: * As a GPU Software Engineer, you will be equipped to develop GPU IP from the early ...

Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

As a Software Engineer, you'll be the go-to person to roll out and maintain business critical applications and services for Supermicro. You are also responsible for resolving escalated service issues ...

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Entry Software Engineer information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$27.7K

$121.1K

$218.2K

How much do entry software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry software engineer in Santa Cruz, CA is $121,081.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $138,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Entry software engineer roles often require foundational programming skills in languages like Python, Java, or C++, which can be gained through online courses, coding bootcamps, or self-study. Building a portfolio with personal projects, contributing to open-source, and obtaining relevant certifications can help demonstrate your abilities to employers despite limited experience.

What are some common challenges faced by entry software engineers when joining their first development team?

Entry software engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to large codebases, understanding team workflows, and getting comfortable with collaborative development tools like version control systems. Navigating code reviews and learning to communicate technical ideas clearly can also be new experiences. However, most teams provide onboarding resources, mentorship, and regular feedback to help new engineers integrate smoothly and grow their skills.

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

To thrive as an Entry Software Engineer, you need a solid grasp of programming fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with languages such as Java, Python, or C++, and experience with tools like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and basic software development methodologies are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help you collaborate effectively and adapt to evolving technical challenges. These skills ensure you can contribute to projects, work well within a team, and grow quickly in the fast-paced software industry.

Is 25 too late to become an entry software engineer?

Entry software engineering roles typically require foundational programming skills and sometimes a degree or coding bootcamp completion. Age is not a barrier; many successful software engineers start later in life and bring valuable experience to the field.

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

AspectEntry Software EngineerJunior Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, some internshipsBachelor's in CS or related field, internship experience helpful
Work EnvironmentTeam-based, collaborative projects, entry-level tasksSupportive team, learning-focused, entry-level coding
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, corporate IT departmentsTech firms, software companies, startups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, career pathClarifying job responsibilities, entry-level positions

Both roles are entry-level positions in software development, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and internships. The term "Entry Software Engineer" emphasizes a broader engineering role with potential involvement in design and architecture, while "Junior Software Developer" typically focuses on coding and implementation tasks. Employers may use these titles interchangeably, but understanding the nuances helps candidates target the right opportunities.

What is an entry software engineer?

Entry software engineers are professionals who have recently started their careers in software development, typically with less than two years of experience. They are responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining code under the supervision of more experienced engineers. Entry software engineers often work on smaller tasks, bug fixes, and learn industry best practices while contributing to larger projects. Their role provides a foundation for building advanced technical skills and growing into senior engineering positions.

What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Entry Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Entry Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Software Engineer job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,081 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Note: The role is strictly for candidates within the United States.

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Software Engineer to join our talented team at Orvix Engineering. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software solutions that power our engineering processes and solutions. You will work on cutting-edge projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams of engineers and stakeholders to create high-performance, scalable, and reliable systems that support our diverse engineering initiatives.

As a Software Engineer at Orvix Engineering, you will be at the forefront of technological advancements, solving complex engineering problems with innovative software solutions. The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, proficiency in multiple programming languages, and the ability to work effectively within an agile development environment.

Key Responsibilities
1. Software Design & Development

  • Design, develop, and maintain high-quality software solutions to meet the needs of engineering teams, clients, and other stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with engineering and project teams to understand technical requirements and create software solutions that align with project goals.
  • Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code using modern software development practices.
  • Develop software across the full stack (front-end, back-end, and databases) when necessary, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
  • Ensure that software meets performance, security, and scalability requirements to support complex engineering workflows.

2. Software Testing & Quality Assurance

  • Participate in testing and debugging software to ensure functionality and resolve issues efficiently.
  • Write and execute unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests to ensure software quality and reliability.
  • Work with QA engineers to identify areas for improvement and ensure that all software meets the highest standards of quality before release.
  • Continuously evaluate software performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize code for better efficiency and scalability.

3. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Teamwork

  • Work closely with other engineers, project managers, designers, and stakeholders to ensure software solutions align with project objectives and timelines.
  • Collaborate with product managers and business analysts to understand user requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
  • Participate in agile development cycles, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and sprint retrospectives.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • Contribute to code reviews, ensuring adherence to coding standards, best practices, and high-quality software development principles.

4. Innovation & Problem Solving

  • Solve complex engineering problems by developing innovative software solutions that drive improvements in operational efficiency, data processing, and system integration.
  • Continuously explore emerging technologies and best practices in software engineering, and apply them to current projects where applicable.
  • Investigate new tools, libraries, and frameworks to improve software functionality and development workflows.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to identify areas of improvement in existing software systems and propose solutions for enhancing their performance and capabilities.

5. Documentation & Reporting

  • Write and maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation for software systems, ensuring that all code is well-documented and accessible to other team members.
  • Document software designs, architectural decisions, and workflows to facilitate knowledge sharing and ensure future maintainability.
  • Provide regular progress reports to engineering managers and team leads, ensuring transparent communication regarding project status, risks, and challenges.

6. Continuous Improvement & Professional Development

  • Continuously improve your technical skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities, training, and certifications.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in software engineering practices, programming languages, and emerging technologies.
  • Participate in knowledge-sharing activities, such as team discussions, tech talks, and coding challenges, to foster a culture of learning within the team.

Skills & Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
  • 1+ years of experience in software development, with a strong portfolio of successful projects.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, C#, JavaScript, or similar (with experience in both front-end and back-end technologies preferred).
  • Experience with web frameworks and libraries (e.g., React, Angular, Django, Flask, .NET, Node.js).
  • Strong understanding of databases (SQL and NoSQL), and experience with data modeling, queries, and performance optimization.
  • Knowledge of software development methodologies, including Agile and Scrum.
  • Familiarity with version control tools, such as Git.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities, with an analytical mindset and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

  • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Familiarity with microservices architecture and distributed systems.
  • Knowledge of continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
  • Experience with testing frameworks and automated testing tools (e.g., JUnit, Selenium, pytest).
  • Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools.
  • Knowledge of software security best practices and experience implementing secure software solutions.
  • Experience in developing engineering tools or software used in technical environments (e.g., CAD software, simulation tools, data analysis tools).

Job Types: Full-time

Pay: $40.00 - $57.00 per hour

Experience: 1 year (Preferred)

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: Remote

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)

Package Details

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)