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Lead Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gulfstream Strategic Placements

Lead Engineer

Del Mar, CA

$107K - $142K/yr

Lead Engineer Del Mar, CA We are searching for a Lead Engineer in the California area. Someone who has Plumbing design skills and is a leader by nature. Responsibilities for Lead Engineer: Ensure ...

Gulfstream Strategic Placements

Lead Engineer

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Lead Engineer Fullerton, CA We are searching for a Lead Engineer in the California area. Someone who has Plumbing design skills and is a leader by nature. Responsibilities for Lead Engineer: Ensure ...

InterSources Inc

C/C++ Lead Developer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

They are seeking a C/C++ Lead Developer with experience in Kernel programming and Anti-Virus product development to lead their development team. Responsibilities : • C/C++ Lead Developer with ...

Side

Lead Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$110K - $145K/yr

We're looking for a Lead Engineer / Technical Director to help drive both project success and engineering excellence across our co-development engagements. This role is to start work as the Lead on ...

EyeUniversal LLC

Lead Developer

San Diego, CA · Remote

$62.75 - $82/hr

Lead Developer responsibilities include leading a team of junior developers, refining business specifications, architecting software, executing on deadlines with project managers and stakeholders ...

Crown Technical Systems

Lead Engineer

Fontana, CA · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

The Lead Engineer will guide engineering design decisions, coordinate validation and test activities, and partner with operations, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure a seamless transition ...

Apex Systems

Lead Developer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$64.25 - $84.25/hr

NET Developer Position Summary The Lead Developer will provide technical leadership and hands-on development for the BECRT platform. Responsibilities include architecture implementation, API ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Programmer JobsLead Programmer Jobs in California

Lead Programmer information

See California salary details

$9

$54

$82

How much do lead programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead programmer in California is $54.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.69 and $67.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead programmer?

Lead Programmers, also known as Lead Developers, are senior software engineers responsible for guiding a team of programmers through the development lifecycle of a software project. They make crucial technical decisions, oversee code quality, and ensure that the team meets project requirements and deadlines. In addition to hands-on coding, Lead Programmers often coordinate with project managers and other departments, mentor junior developers, and help resolve technical challenges that arise during development.

How does a lead programmer typically balance hands-on coding with team leadership responsibilities?

As a Lead Programmer, you'll often split your time between writing code and overseeing the development process for your team. While you may still handle complex coding tasks or set technical standards, a significant part of your role involves mentoring team members, conducting code reviews, and coordinating with other departments like QA and product management. Effective Lead Programmers are skilled at delegating tasks, ensuring code quality, and facilitating clear communication to keep projects on track. Striking the right balance between technical contribution and leadership is key to both your team's success and your own career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Programmer, you need expertise in software development, advanced programming languages, and project management, often supported by a computer science degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), integrated development environments (IDEs), and agile methodologies is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving ability, and strong communication are essential soft skills to guide teams and coordinate stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient project delivery, high-quality code, and productive team collaboration in technical environments.

What is the difference between Lead Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectLead ProgrammerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; experience in coding and project leadershipBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; strong coding skills
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project planning, code reviewIndividual coding, feature development
Employer & Industry UsageSoftware companies, tech firms, game developmentWide range of industries including tech, finance, healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in programming teamsFocus on coding and development tasks

The main difference between a Lead Programmer and a Software Developer lies in their responsibilities. Lead Programmers oversee project direction, coordinate teams, and review code, while Software Developers primarily focus on writing code and developing features. Both roles require strong programming skills and relevant education, but Lead Programmers have additional leadership duties within the development process.

What does the lead programmer do?

A lead programmer oversees the development team, designs software architecture, writes and reviews code, and ensures project deadlines are met. They often coordinate with project managers and use programming languages like C++, Java, or Python, while also mentoring junior developers.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Programmer jobs in CA?

For Lead Programmer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,826 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Lead Engineer

Gulfstream Strategic Placements

Del Mar, CA

$107K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Lead Engineer Del Mar, CA We are searching for a Lead Engineer in the California area. Someone who has Plumbing design skills and is a leader by nature. Responsibilities for Lead Engineer: Ensure work is completed by the department.

Assign Projects to various group members. Able to prepare estimates if required. Ready to prepare budgets.

Work should be checked and meet or exceed expectation. Requirements for Lead Engineer: 10- 20 years' experience in HVAC and/or Plumbing design. Ability to communicate complex problems clearly and simply to clients, engineers and architects Knowledge of HVAC systems in all areas is required Preferred 4 years B.S.M.E

degree. Local to the San Diego County Area. So if you are a remarkable Lead Engineer in the San Diego County Area.

Apply now. www.mechanicalrecruiters.com

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About Gulfstream Strategic Placements

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Gulfstream Strategic Placements, based in Los Angeles, CA, US, is a prominent company specializing in the recruitment and executive search industry. Their area of specialty lies mainly in the construction industry. With a keen eye for talent and a focus on fulfilling employers' talent needs, Gulfstream Strategic Placements is an industry leader connecting various businesses with well-suited, skilled professionals. They take great pride in their long-standing reputation for delivering quality candidates that help businesses thrive.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Corona, CA, US

Year founded

2014

Social media

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