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Lead Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LIBERTY DENTAL

Role Overview The Lead Software Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of high-quality, cloud-based software solutions. This role provides technical ...

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Cadence

Lead Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

They are looking for a highly motivated Lead Software Engineer to join the Protium Compiler team, responsible for designing, developing, and supporting FPGA prototyping compiler software.

Boeing

DevSecOps Lead Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

DevSecOps Lead Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is seeking a DevSecOps Lead Software Engineer in El Segundo, CA that is passionate about space and excited to work in a ...

Paramount

Lead Software Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$156K - $235K/yr

Lead Software Engineer, AI Tooling & Quality Engineering Platforms Team : Global Quality Engineering (GQE) Location: New York, Burbank, CA (Onsite) OVERVIEW Paramount Skydance Corp. is seeking a Lead ...

Boeing

DevSecOps Lead Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

DevSecOps Lead Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is seeking a DevSecOps Lead Software Engineer in El Segundo, CA that is passionate about space and excited to work in a ...

Paramount

Lead Software Engineer

Burbank, CA

$156K - $235K/yr

Lead Software Engineer, AI Tooling & Quality Engineering Platforms Team: Global Quality Engineering (GQE) Overview Paramount Skydance Corp. is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to architect, lead, and ...

Paramount

Lead Software Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$156K - $235K/yr

Lead Software Engineer, AI Tooling & Quality Engineering Platforms Team : Global Quality Engineering (GQE) Location: New York, Burbank, CA (Onsite) OVERVIEW Paramount Skydance Corp. is seeking a Lead ...

Paramount

Lead Software Engineer

Burbank, CA

$156K - $235K/yr

Lead Software Engineer, AI Tooling & Quality Engineering Platforms Team : Global Quality Engineering (GQE) Location: New York, Burbank, CA (Onsite) OVERVIEW Paramount Skydance Corp. is seeking a Lead ...

Paramount

Lead Software Engineer

Burbank, CA

$156K - $235K/yr

Lead Software Engineer, AI Tooling & Quality Engineering Platforms Team : Global Quality Engineering (GQE) Location: New York, Burbank, CA (Onsite) OVERVIEW Paramount Skydance Corp. is seeking a Lead ...

Boeing

DevSecOps Lead Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

DevSecOps Lead Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is seeking a DevSecOps Lead Software Engineer in El Segundo, CA that is passionate about space and excited to work in a ...

Paramount

Lead Software Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$156K - $235K/yr

Lead Software Engineer, AI Tooling & Quality Engineering Platforms Team: Global Quality Engineering (GQE) Overview Paramount Skydance Corp. is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to architect, lead, and ...

STR

Lead Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Systemstechnologyresearch is hiring experienced Lead Software Engineers to join their multidisciplinary cyber/networking team committed to developing cutting-edge technologies that impact national ...

STR

Lead Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

They are seeking experienced Lead Software Engineers to design, implement, and test innovative software solutions that enhance real-time data communications and networking capabilities.

SirenOpt

Lead Software Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

A Lead Software Engineer at SirenOpt is a technical and cultural leader with deep expertise across multiple systems. You will make strategic decisions about major components, serve as a subject ...

STR

Lead Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

STR is hiring experienced Lead Software Engineers to join their multidisciplinary cyber/networking team committed to developing cutting-edge technologies that significantly impact national security.

Cadence

Lead Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

They are looking for a Lead Software Engineer to work on their core Static Timing Analysis engine, focusing on designing and innovating algorithms for complex timing challenges. Responsibilities ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Software Engineer JobsLead Software Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$81.9K

$144K

$195.4K

How much do lead software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software engineer in California is $143,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,400.00 and $166,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Lead Software Engineers and senior technical roles in high-demand industries such as finance, technology, and consulting can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or machine learning, and often require leadership responsibilities and specialized certifications.

What are Lead Software Engineers?

Lead Software Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing software development teams and guiding the technical direction of projects. They combine strong programming skills with leadership abilities, ensuring that software solutions are designed, developed, and maintained according to best practices and business requirements. Lead Software Engineers mentor junior team members, coordinate tasks, and often collaborate with other departments to deliver high-quality products on time. Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between technical teams and management, ensuring both technical excellence and alignment with organizational goals.

What is a lead software engineer?

A lead software engineer is a senior technical role responsible for guiding the development team, designing software solutions, and ensuring project quality. They often coordinate tasks, review code, and collaborate with stakeholders, requiring strong technical skills and leadership abilities.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Lead Software Engineer or senior technical roles in high-paying industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and stock options or bonuses. Such compensation is typically found in large tech companies, investment firms, or startups with significant funding.

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

To thrive as a Lead Software Engineer, you need advanced programming expertise, software architecture knowledge, and a degree in computer science or a related field, often supplemented by experience in leading development teams. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and methodologies like Agile or Scrum is typically expected. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for mentoring developers and managing projects. These skills ensure efficient project delivery, high-quality code, and effective team collaboration in complex technical environments.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Lead software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level often requires seniority, advanced technical expertise, and sometimes leadership roles or executive compensation packages.

How does a Lead Software Engineer typically balance hands-on coding with leadership and mentoring responsibilities?

As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll find that your role involves a dynamic mix of technical work and team leadership. While you'll still contribute directly to codebases—often tackling complex or critical components—you'll also spend significant time guiding junior engineers, conducting code reviews, and facilitating technical discussions. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and communication skills, as well as the ability to delegate effectively. The role offers the opportunity to shape technical direction while fostering team growth and collaboration.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Lead Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Software Engineer jobs in California? For Lead Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lead Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Lead Software Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Software Engineer jobs in CA? For Lead Software Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,980 per year, or $69.2 per hour.
Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer

Data Intelligence LLC

San Diego, CA

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Data Intelligence LLC
Job Openings >> Lead Software Engineer
Lead Software Engineer
Summary
Title: Lead Software Engineer ID: 1581 Location: San Diego, CA
More about this job >
Description

Data Intelligence, LLC is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to support one of our premier clients in the defense industry. This role is located in San Diego, CA, and will focus on developing and sustaining mission-critical applications within a secure DoD environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical leadership, hands-on development expertise, and experience working on large-scale, secure systems.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, and maintenance of large-scale DoD desktop and web-based distributed applications
  • Collaborate with system engineers, business analysts, developers, testers, and end-users to gather requirements and develop technical solutions
  • Develop and implement proof-of-concepts based on user and mission needs
  • Architect and document system designs, ensuring alignment with project requirements and DoD standards
  • Oversee full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes using Agile and incremental development methodologies
  • Ensure compliance with DoD Application Security Development STIGs (ASD STIGs) and cybersecurity best practices
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex software, database, and network issues; perform root cause analysis and implement fixes
  • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and code reviews for development teams
  • Interface directly with government stakeholders and provide regular progress updates
  • Maintain detailed documentation of system architecture, code changes, and development processes

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience developing and supporting software application suites in a DoD environment
  • 5+ years of experience developing large-scale distributed applications using Microsoft technologies, including:
    • .NET
    • C#
    • SQL Server
  • Experience with web-based application development using JavaScript frameworks such as Angular, Node.js, or Backbone
  • Strong knowledge of web technologies including Web API, HTML, and CSS
  • Experience troubleshooting application code and resolving bugs across complex systems
  • Hands-on experience with Agile development methodologies in enterprise environments
  • Knowledge of object-oriented programming languages such as Java and C#
  • Experience developing software in compliance with DoD security requirements (STIGs)
  • Ability to define system requirements, develop architecture documentation, and lead project execution

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with TORIS platform or similar DoD information systems
  • Strong background supporting classified or mission-critical systems
  • Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage multiple priorities
Apply Now
 
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