ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Software Engineering Jobs in California

Compunnel

Software Engineer

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

Required Qualifications • Graduate in Engineering or MCA/Equivalent with 3 years of Software Engineering experience. • Graduate in Science/Commerce or BCA/Equivalent with 4 years of Software ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraduate Software Engineering JobsGraduate Software Engineering Jobs in California

Graduate Software Engineering information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do graduate software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate software engineering in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Graduate Software Engineer?

A Graduate Software Engineer is an entry-level position for individuals who have recently completed a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. They work as part of a development team to design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. Graduate Software Engineers typically receive training and mentorship while working on real-world projects, helping them gain practical experience and build their technical skills. Their responsibilities may include writing code, fixing bugs, collaborating with other team members, and learning industry best practices.

What jobs can I get with a masters in software engineering?

A master's in software engineering qualifies you for roles such as software engineer, systems developer, or application developer. These positions typically require strong programming skills in languages like Java, C++, or Python, and often involve working in teams on software design, development, and testing. Additional roles include technical lead, software architect, and quality assurance engineer, depending on experience and specialization.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Software Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, software development methodologies, and a relevant degree in Computer Science or a related field. Familiarity with coding languages such as Java, Python, or C++, and experience with version control systems like Git, are typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, teamwork, and good communication skills help graduates stand out in collaborative technical environments. These skills and qualities are vital for producing high-quality software, adapting to evolving technologies, and contributing effectively to development teams.

Is 25 too late to become a software engineer?

Graduate software engineering roles are open to candidates of all ages, and starting at 25 is common. Many successful software engineers begin their careers later, often after gaining relevant skills through coding bootcamps, online courses, or self-study, making age less of a barrier in the tech industry.

What is the average salary of a graduate software engineer?

The average salary of a graduate software engineer typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and company size. Entry-level roles often require knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, or C++, and may include benefits such as training and mentorship.

What are some common challenges Graduate Software Engineers face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Graduate Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new codebases, balancing learning with productivity, and effectively communicating within cross-functional teams. It's important to proactively seek mentorship, ask questions, and take advantage of onboarding resources. Participating in code reviews and attending regular team meetings can help build confidence and understanding, while setting small, achievable goals fosters both skill development and a sense of accomplishment.

What do graduate software engineers do?

Graduate software engineers develop, test, and maintain software applications by writing code, debugging, and collaborating with team members. They often work under supervision to gain practical experience, using programming languages like Java, Python, or C++, and may participate in code reviews and agile development processes.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Software Engineering jobs in California? For Graduate Software Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Software Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Software Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Software Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Software Engineering job openings:
Graduate Software Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Software Engineering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
New Graduate Engineer, Software (Starlink)

New Graduate Engineer, Software (Starlink)

SpaceX

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, SOFTWARE (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
As arguably SpaceX's most complex software engineering challenge, Starlink offers a variety of areas within software engineering that you can focus. As a Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges underpinning every aspect of the program's growth. The teams and areas you could have an impact on could include, but are not limited to:
  • Next generation networking technologies to direct data through an ever-changing network of satellites, ground stations, planes and users.
  • Firmware, embedded and controls software running on custom hardware that flies the world's largest fleet of spacecraft.
  • Infrastructure and tools to enable rapid development and reliable deployment of our code to dynamic production environments.
  • Measurement system software and hardware, supporting our in-house RF Silicon designs.
  • Full life cycle development of Starlink.com and our Mobile/Enterprise platforms.
  • Physic based software engineering to design and simulate the orbital life cycle of the Starlink constellation.

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop highly reliable, real-time software.
  • Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
  • Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
  • Collaborate with other engineers, from other engineering disciplines, to plan and organize the development of our products.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or other STEM discipline.
  • Professional development experience in C, C++, Python, C# or another object oriented language (internship experience is applicable).
  • Graduating in the spring, summer, or fall of 2026.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Strong professional/project experience writing software in a production environment.
  • Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
  • Experience with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc) and distributed systems.
  • Experience in security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $135,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply