1

New Grad Software Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AppLovin is a technology company that provides end-to-end software and AI solutions for businesses to connect with their customers. As a Backend Engineer, New Grad, you will be solving technical ...

Software Engineer, iOS, Level 5

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K/yr

Build fun, new products that are very stable and run smoothly * Design, architect and implement ... grad software development experience * Experience with iOS application development Preferred ...

Build fun, new products that are very stable and run smoothly * Design, architect and implement ... grad software development experience * Experience with iOS application development Preferred ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

New Grad Software information

See California salary details

$19

$37

$78

How much do new grad software jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for new grad software in California is $37.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $42.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between New Grad Software vs Software Engineer?

AspectNew Grad SoftwareSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, internship experienceTypically requires similar credentials, often with more experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, collaborative teamsMore autonomous, project leadership opportunities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used for entry-level roles across tech companiesUsed for mid-level and senior roles, but also for entry-level positions

In summary, New Grad Software roles are designed for recent graduates entering the tech industry, focusing on training and skill development. Software Engineer positions may require more experience but often share similar credentials. The main difference lies in experience level and scope of responsibilities, with New Grad Software roles serving as a stepping stone to more advanced Software Engineer positions.

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

To thrive as a New Grad Software Engineer, you need a solid grasp of computer science fundamentals, programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), and a relevant degree like a BS in Computer Science or related field. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), software development tools, and exposure to frameworks or cloud platforms are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, eagerness to learn, and effective communication help new grads collaborate and adapt in team environments. These skills are crucial for quickly contributing to projects, growing professionally, and ensuring code quality within dynamic tech teams.

What types of projects can a New Grad Software Engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As a New Grad Software Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from bug fixes and feature enhancements to participating in the development of new products or internal tools. Early assignments often focus on onboarding and familiarizing you with the codebase, tools, and development practices, while gradually increasing in complexity as you gain confidence. Collaboration with more experienced engineers, product managers, and quality assurance teams is common, providing opportunities to learn best practices and contribute to team goals. Many companies also encourage new grads to participate in code reviews and team meetings, helping you build both technical and communication skills.

Does Microsoft hire new grads?

Microsoft hires new graduates for software engineering roles, often through its university recruiting programs. Candidates typically need a relevant degree in computer science or related fields, strong coding skills, and familiarity with tools like Azure or Visual Studio. The company offers internships and entry-level positions to recent graduates seeking to start their software careers.

What are New Grad Software roles?

New Grad Software roles are entry-level positions in the technology industry designed specifically for recent graduates with degrees in computer science, software engineering, or related fields. These positions offer opportunities to learn and grow within a professional environment, often featuring mentorship, training programs, and exposure to various aspects of software development. New grads in these roles typically work on real-world projects, collaborate with experienced engineers, and build foundational skills necessary for a successful tech career. Employers expect strong problem-solving abilities, familiarity with programming languages, and a willingness to learn.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In software development, especially for new grads, L1, L2, L3, and L4 often refer to different levels of developer seniority or experience. L1 typically indicates entry-level or junior developers, while L2 and L3 represent increasing levels of experience and responsibility, with L4 often being senior or lead developers. These levels can vary by company but generally reflect a developer's technical skills, project ownership, and leadership capabilities.

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

Software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, primarily through senior roles, specialized skills, or working at large tech companies with stock options and bonuses. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or equity compensation.

Is it true that AI will replace software engineers?

AI is expected to automate certain repetitive coding tasks, but software engineers are essential for designing, developing, and maintaining complex systems. AI tools can enhance productivity and support decision-making, but they are unlikely to fully replace the need for skilled software engineers who handle problem-solving, architecture, and innovation.
What cities in California are hiring for New Grad Software jobs? Cities in California with the most New Grad Software job openings:
Principal Software Engineer, Ads Platform

Principal Software Engineer, Ads Platform

Snap, Inc.

Santa Monica, CA

$151K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.


The Company operates Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world, and Specs Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to making computing more human, in addition to Bitmoji, Saturn, and other digital services.


Snap Engineering teams build fun and technically sophisticated products that reach hundreds of millions of Snapchatters around the world, every day. We're deeply committed to the well-being of everyone in our global community, which is why our values are at the root of everything we do. We move fast, with precision, and always execute with privacy at the forefront.

We're looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join the Ads Platform team at Snap.

What you'll do:

  • Build the next generation ads formats and backend infrastructure and solutions to deliver more clicks and conversion and value for advertisers.

  • Work end-to-end across innovating new ads product, format ideas, or infrastructure ideas experimentation, analysis and optimization

  • Work across teams to understand product requirements, evaluate trade-offs, and deliver the solutions needed to build innovative products or services

  • Advocate for and apply best practices when it comes to availability, scalability, operational excellence, and cost management

  • Provide technical direction that influences the entire company

  • Work across teams to understand product requirements, evaluate trade-offs, and deliver the solutions needed to support Snap's performance advertising suite

  • Technical influence that spans the entire company

  • Utilize AI tools and high velocity engineering workflows to design and ship scalable services while upholding rigorous standards for code correctness, security, and production ready quality code

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Excellent programming and software design skills, including debugging, performance analysis, and test design

  • Proven track record of operating highly-available systems at scale

  • Ability to proactively learn new concepts and technology and apply them at work

  • Skilled at solving ambiguous problems

  • Strong collaboration and mentorship skills

  • Ads domain expertise and a strong interest in Ads

  • Adaptability in learning and applying evolving AI systems and tools to remain at the forefront of engineering trends and modern development practices

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelors in technical field such as computer science, mathematics, statistics or equivalent years of experience

  • 10+ years of post-Bachelor's software development experience; or a Master's degree in a technical field + 9+ year of post-grad software development experience; or a PhD in a related technical field + 6+ years of post-grad software development experience

  • 2+ years of experience with technical leadership or acting as the domain-expert to a technical organization

  • Experience in technical leadership/ownership and setting technical direction for engineering projects

  • Experience architecting, designing, and developing distributed systems

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in technical leadership/ownership and setting technical direction for engineering projects

  • Proven track record of delivering large scale projects in attribution and measurement

  • Experience operating highly-available systems at significant scale

  • Experience with backend services or distributed systems

  • Ads domain experience

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don't be shy and provide us some information.

"Default Together" Policy at Snap: At Snap Inc. we believe that being together in person helps us build our culture faster, reinforce our values, and serve our community, customers and partners better through dynamic collaboration. To reflect this, we practice a "default together" approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.

At Snap, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to create innovative products that improve the way people live and communicate. Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE, including disability/vets.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law (by example, the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, where applicable).

Our Benefits: Snap Inc. is its own community, so we've got your back! We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms. Our benefits are built around your needs and include paid parental leave, comprehensive medical coverage, emotional and mental health support programs, and compensation packages that let you share in Snap's long-term success!

Compensation

In the United States, work locations are assigned a pay zone which determines the salary range for the position. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. The starting pay may be negotiable within the salary range for the position. These pay zones may be modified in the future.

Zone A (CA, WA, NYC):

The base salary range for this position is $276,000-$414,000 annually.


Zone B:

The base salary range for this position is $262,000-$393,000 annually.

Zone C:

The base salary range for this position is $235,000-$352,000 annually.This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs.