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Graduate Computer Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Graduate Assistant will concentrate on Advising/Programming with the opportunity to explore ... Knowledge of relevant technology/strong computer skills. * Sense of humor, team spirit and positive ...

Currently enrolled in a master's degree in computer science or computer engineering with computer architecture knowledge, including graduate level coursework and a major class project or thesis ...

The Graduate Assistant will concentrate on Advising/Programming with the opportunity to explore ... Knowledge of relevant technology/strong computer skills. * Sense of humor, team spirit and positive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Graduate Computer Engineer information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$119.9K

$135.7K

How much do graduate computer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate computer engineer in California is $119,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Computer Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Computer Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science fundamentals, programming, and relevant engineering principles, usually demonstrated by a bachelor's degree in computer or software engineering. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), version control systems like Git, and knowledge of operating systems or hardware design tools are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in collaborative and dynamic environments. These skills and qualities ensure you can contribute to complex engineering projects, adapt to evolving technologies, and work efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.

What can a computer engineer do after graduation?

A graduate computer engineer can pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, network administrator, or hardware engineer. They can work in industries like technology, finance, healthcare, or government, often utilizing programming languages, hardware design, and problem-solving skills to develop and maintain computer systems and applications.

What types of projects can a Graduate Computer Engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As a Graduate Computer Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a mix of hands-on technical tasks and collaborative projects, such as software development, hardware testing, or system integration. Early responsibilities often include assisting with coding, debugging, documentation, and contributing to team meetings or design reviews. You may also get opportunities to work under the guidance of senior engineers, which helps build both your technical expertise and understanding of real-world engineering workflows. Exposure to different project phases and technologies is common, offering a strong foundation for future career growth.

What is the difference between Graduate Computer Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectGraduate Computer EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsDegree in Computer Engineering or related fieldDegree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, hardware and software integration projectsApplication development, coding, and software design
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, R&D departmentsTech startups, software firms, IT departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in tech engineeringCommonly compared for software development roles

While both roles require a background in computer-related fields, Graduate Computer Engineers focus on integrating hardware and software systems, often working on engineering projects. Software Developers primarily concentrate on designing, coding, and testing software applications. The choice depends on your interest in hardware integration versus software programming, but both roles are essential in the tech industry and often overlap in entry-level positions.

What does a Graduate Computer Engineer do?

A Graduate Computer Engineer is an entry-level professional who applies computer engineering principles to design, develop, test, and maintain computer systems and hardware. Their work often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve technical problems, writing and debugging code, and assisting with the implementation of new technologies. Graduate Computer Engineers may work on projects involving software development, embedded systems, networking, or hardware design while gaining practical experience and building their skills within the industry.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, electrical, or petroleum engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and work in industries like technology, energy, or aerospace.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior or executive roles. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may include bonuses or stock options that contribute to total compensation.

What jobs can I do with a degree in computer engineering?

A degree in computer engineering qualifies you for roles such as software engineer, hardware engineer, systems analyst, network administrator, or embedded systems developer. These positions often require knowledge of programming languages, hardware design, and networking, and may involve working in technology companies, manufacturing, or research environments.
Infographic showing various Graduate Computer Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 76% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,924 per year, or $57.7 per hour.
Computer Engineering Lecturer Pool

Computer Engineering Lecturer Pool

California State University

San Jose, CA

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Other

Posted yesterday


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 539 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Computer Engineering Lecturer Pool

Apply now Job no: 538771
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Jose
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time, Faculty - Engineering


 

Department Summary
The Computer Engineering Department at San Jose State University (SJSU), https://sjsu.edu/cmpe, provides local and national high-tech companies with high quality, practice-oriented computer graduates. Bachelor's degree programs are offered in computer engineering and software engineering. Master's degree programs are offered in computer engineering, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Course topics range from computer hardware design and embedded systems to software design and construction of real-time systems, virtual systems, enterprise software, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, robotics, and data mining. The department serves more than 1800 undergraduate and graduate students and provides its faculty and students with ample opportunities for close collaborative ties with industry and research partners in Silicon Valley.

 

Brief Description of Duties

  • Lecturers are expected to teach their courses effectively, to work with the department Assessment Coordinator to assess course and program learning outcomes, to maintain appropriate office hours in accordance with University Policy, and to cooperate with the department in the peer-review process. Lecturers are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from the Department Chair for clarifications of University policies and department practices with respect to grading, testing, textbooks, office hours, course assessment, course learning objectives, accessibility accommodations, academic integrity, etc.
  • Demonstrate awareness of and address the needs of a student population of great diversity-including age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation-through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies and advisement.
  • Faculty shall organize all their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
  • All classes must be offered and meet as scheduled throughout the entire semester or term, in the mode assigned and listed in the schedule of classes.

Required Qualifications

  • The required minimum qualifications and experience vary for different ranks, as follows:
  • L-A: MSc in computer or software engineering or closely related field with minimum of two-years of professional experience.
  • L-B: MSc in computer or software engineering or closely related field with minimum of seven-years of professional experience including teaching; or Ph.D. in computer or software engineering or closely related field.
  • L-C: Ph.D. in computer or software engineering or closely related field with minimum of seven-years of professional experience including teaching.
  • L-D: Ph.D. in computer or software engineering or closely related field with minimum of twelve-years of professional experience including teaching and extraordinary record of scholarly accomplishment.
  • Applicants must have a strong commitment and demonstrate potential for teaching excellence, and a broad knowledge of computer/software engineering. Demonstrated ability in written and oral use of the English language is required.
  • Ability to teach on the SJSU campus in late afternoon and evening hours as needed by the department.
  • Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a multicultural population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching and other comparable experience.

Compensation
Compensation and salary range placement are determined by qualifications and experience. To learn more about range placement, please see University Policy S21-2.

Anticipated starting salary:

L-A / Range 2 - $5507 - $5959
L-B / Range 3 - $6221 - $7481
L-C / Range 4 - $6825 - $9431
L-D / Range 5 - $8593 - $10347

Range salaries above are the anticipated monthly salary rate of full-time AY faculty--part-time rates are prorated. There are 6 monthly payments per semester (full-time AY annual salary = rate x 12). See the Faculty Salary Schedule for more information.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • List of at least three (3) or as many as five (5) references
  • List of the department courses you are qualified to teach (visit the department website at https://sjsu.edu/cmpe) with evidence of qualification
  • Student evaluations related to the teaching experience, if available.

Employment Conditions
Faculty employees must complete CSU employee training as assigned and required based on their role (e.g., preventing discrimination and harassment, gender equity and Title IX, health and safety). Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, the faculty member in this position will subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). Individuals designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and to complete Clery Act training as determined by the University Clery Director. Questions regarding CSA designation and training can be sent to the Clery Director at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu. The President may recommend or require compliance with safety measures that decrease the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission or illness and allows the core mission and activities of the campus to continue.

Conditional Offer
The work for this faculty position is located in the State of California and requires commuting to the campus. Employment is contingent upon US residence and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Offers of employment are conditional, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Appointment is contingent upon budget and enrollment considerations and subject to order of assignment provisions in the collective bargaining agreement between California State University and California Faculty Association. These provisions state the order in which available courses must be assigned to faculty, starting with tenure line faculty and ending with new lecturer appointees.

San Jose State University: Silicon Valley's Public University
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley-one of the most innovative and diverse regions in the world-San Jose State University is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system and the first public university in the West. Recognized as a national leader in transformative higher education, San Jose State University is an essential contributor to the economic, cultural, and social development of Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, and California. SJSU ranks high nationally in research funding and is second highest in research productivity in the CSU system. Cutting-edge research, combined with world-class scholarship, student-centered learning opportunities, and experiential and interdisciplinary programs, allows SJSU to provide transformative opportunities that advance the public good locally and globally.

San Jose State enrolls more than 36,000 students - many are historically underserved, and around 45% are first-generation and 38% are Pell-recipients. SJSU is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander (AANAPISI) Serving Institution. The university's commitment to social justice extends from its vibrant, inclusive campus to an international network of over 275,000 alumni. As such, San Jose State is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty so our disciplines, students, and community can benefit from different and divergent cultural and identity perspectives.


Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Caste, Color, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Military Status, Nationality, Race, Religion, Religious Creed, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Sex Stereotype, and Veteran Status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff as well as University programs and activities. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Note that all San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

 

Advertised: May 09 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

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Long Beach, CA, US