1

Meta Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Software Systems Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$189K - $224K/yr

Meta is seeking a Software Systems Engineer to join our Production Systems Engineering organization, where you will work at the intersection of software.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Meta Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do meta software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for meta software engineer 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.

Is it hard to get hired at Meta?

Getting hired as a Meta Software Engineer can be competitive due to the company's rigorous interview process, which often includes multiple technical rounds, coding challenges, and behavioral assessments. Strong programming skills, experience with data structures and algorithms, and familiarity with tools like React or Python can improve chances of success.

How much do Meta engineers get paid?

Meta Software Engineers typically earn a base salary ranging from $120,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and benefits, with higher salaries for senior roles and specialized skills in areas like AI and backend development.

How much do software engineers at Meta get paid?

Software engineers at Meta typically earn a base salary ranging from $120,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level. Total compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other benefits, making the overall package competitive within the tech industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Meta Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meta Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C++, or Java, a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with large-scale distributed systems, cloud computing platforms, and familiarity with development tools like Git and debugging frameworks are essential; certifications in cloud services or specialized technologies can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers. These capabilities enable engineers to build high-quality, scalable products and seamlessly integrate within fast-paced, innovative technical teams.

What are some typical challenges faced by Meta Software Engineers, and how are they supported in overcoming them?

Meta Software Engineers often work on complex, large-scale systems that serve billions of users, presenting challenges such as optimizing performance, ensuring data privacy, and maintaining reliable uptime. The fast-paced environment requires engineers to stay current with rapidly evolving technologies and to frequently solve unique, open-ended problems. Meta provides robust support through collaborative teams, ongoing training, mentorship programs, and access to extensive internal knowledge resources. This environment helps engineers quickly ramp up, continuously improve their skills, and overcome technical and organizational hurdles efficiently.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers at major tech companies, including roles like Meta Software Engineer, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills in software development, and often working in high-cost-of-living areas or at companies with competitive compensation packages.

What is a Meta Software Engineer job?

A Meta Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing software products and infrastructure that support Meta's applications and services. They work on large-scale systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to build innovative solutions in areas such as AI, virtual reality, and social networking. The role requires strong coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and expertise in languages like Python, Java, or C++.

What cities in California are hiring for Meta Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Meta Software Engineer job openings:
Software Engineer (Technical Leadership) - Machine Learning

Software Engineer (Technical Leadership) - Machine Learning

Meta

San Francisco, CA

$219K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

Meta is seeking talented principal engineers to join our teams in building cutting-edge products that connect billions of people around the world. As a member of our team, you will oversee complex technical problems, build new features, and improve existing products across various platforms, including mobile devices and web applications. Our teams are constantly pushing the boundaries of user experience, and we're looking for passionate individuals who can help us advance the way people connect globally. If you're interested in leading a world-class team of engineers and researchers to work on exciting projects that have significant impact, we encourage you to apply.
Software Engineer (Technical Leadership) - Machine Learning Responsibilities:
  • Drive the team's goals and technical direction to pursue opportunities that make your larger organization more efficient
  • Effectively communicate complex features and systems in detail
  • Understand industry & company-wide trends to help assess & develop new technologies
  • Partner & collaborate with organization leaders to help improve the level of performance of the team & organization
  • Identify new opportunities for the larger organization & influence the appropriate people for staffing/prioritizing these new ideas
  • Lead long term technical vision and roadmap for large cross-company efforts
  • Suggest, collect and synthesize requirements and create an effective feature roadmap
  • Identify and resolve performance and scalability issues, and drive large efforts to reduce technical debt

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Proven track record of planning multi-year roadmap in which short-term projects ladder to the long-term mission
  • Experience driving large cross-functional/industry-wide engineering efforts
  • Experience utilizing data and analysis to explain technical problems and provide detailed feedback and solutions
  • Experience communicating and working across functions to drive solutions
  • Experience mentoring/influencing executive stakeholders across organizations
  • 12+ years of programming experience in a relevant language OR 8+ years experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience with data structures and algorithms, including graph theory and optimization techniques
  • Experience with frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn
  • Understanding of information retrieval concepts, such as indexing, querying, and ranking
  • Masters degree or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field
  • Knowledge of NLP techniques, including text preprocessing, tokenization, and sentiment analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$219,000/year to $301,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

What Meta employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom