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Phd Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Compiler Software Engineer to enable open source ... Preferred : • Master's degree or PhD. in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or ...

Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer with a Master's or PhD in Computer Science and at least 4 years of experience. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and debugging ...

Posted today

Compiler Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$116.90 - $175.30/hr

Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field ... of Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience * Master's degree in ...

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$129 - $194/hr

OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field. * 2+ years of ... Experience using AI-assisted software development tools (e.g., Claude, Codex, or similar ...

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Phd Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do phd software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd 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.

What is a PhD software engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer is a professional who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree specializing in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, and works in designing, developing, and optimizing software systems. They often engage in advanced research, develop innovative algorithms, and solve complex technical problems. Their expertise is typically utilized in roles that require deep technical knowledge, research skills, and the ability to push the boundaries of current technology. PhD Software Engineers are commonly found in academia, research institutions, and leading technology companies.

What does a PhD software engineer do?

As a PhD Software Engineer, you are often entrusted with tackling complex problems and leading research-driven projects that require advanced analytical and technical skills. Your daily work may involve designing novel algorithms, conducting experiments, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as data scientists and product managers. Additionally, you might mentor junior engineers and help shape the technical direction of your team. This role leverages your research background to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical software solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD software engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer requires advanced programming expertise, strong analytical and research skills, and typically a doctorate in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with specialized programming languages, version control systems like Git, and experience with research-oriented software tools are common technical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help bridge the gap between research and practical application. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, translating complex theories into scalable solutions, and contributing to cutting-edge technology projects.

What cities in California are hiring for Phd Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Phd Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Software Engineer, AI/Machine Learning, PhD, Early Career, 2027 Start

Google Inc.

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$147 - $210/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Software Engineer, AI/Machine Learning, PhD, Early Career, 2027 Start Mid

Experience driving progress, solving problems, and mentoring more junior team members; deeper expertise and applied knowledge within relevant area.

info_outline X In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based employees. Benefits for this role include:

  • Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance
  • Retirement Benefits: 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per year, accruing at a rate of 6.15 hours per pay period for the first five years of employment
  • Sick Time: 40 hours/year (increased to 69 hours/year for Seattle) including 5 discretionary sick days per instance
  • Maternity Leave (Short-Term Disability + Baby Bonding): 28-30 weeks
  • Baby Bonding Leave: 18 weeks
  • Holidays: 13 paid days per year
Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Sunnyvale, CA, USA; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Madison, WI, USA; Mountain View, CA, USA; New York, NY, USA; Raleigh, NC, USA; Durham, NC, USA; San Bruno, CA, USA; Seattle, WA, USA.
  • PhD degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience in Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Research experience in designing, developing, or applying ML/AI systems or applications in a large-scale distributed environment.
  • Experience in designing, training, or refining complex ML/AI models.
  • Experience in building a stack for an AI-powered application, including data ingestion and processing pipelines, building APIs, and connecting the model to a user-facing interface.
  • Familiarity with model architectures (CNNs, NLP Transformers, Diffusion/Vision Transformers).
  • Experience developing with Rust and modern deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow.
  • Availability to start in a full-time role in 2027.
About the job

Google's engineers develop next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at a massive scale. You'll be at the forefront of innovation, developing systems and AI and Machine Learning solutions.

As a PhD graduate, your research expertise is invaluable to us. Explore a variety of projects, collaborate with various teams, and contribute to products that are changing the world, across many product areas, including AI & Infrastructure , Cloud , YouTube , Search , Ads and more!

Our engineering teams include thousands of PhDs who bring their deep knowledge and research experience to enhance our systems and products. As a Google PhD Software Engineer, you will work on critical projects, with many opportunities to learn and follow your interests. We expect our engineers to be creative and versatile, leading and identifying new problems to push the field and Google technology forward.

Google offers you exciting opportunities as it is one of the world’s leading producers and consumers of ML and AI technology, with decades of experience in designing, deploying, and using ML software and custom ML hardware infrastructure at massive scale.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

About the job

Google's engineers develop next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at a massive scale. You'll be at the forefront of innovation, developing systems and AI and Machine Learning solutions.

As a PhD graduate, your research expertise is invaluable to us. Explore a variety of projects, collaborate with various teams, and contribute to products that are changing the world, across many product areas, including AI & Infrastructure , Cloud , YouTube , Search , Ads and more!

Our engineering teams include thousands of PhDs who bring their deep knowledge and research experience to enhance our systems and products. As a Google PhD Software Engineer, you will work on critical projects, with many opportunities to learn and follow your interests. We expect our engineers to be creative and versatile, leading and identifying new problems to push the field and Google technology forward.

Google offers you exciting opportunities as it is one of the world’s leading producers and consumers of ML and AI technology, with decades of experience in designing, deploying, and using ML software and custom ML hardware infrastructure at massive scale.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. US: $147000 - $210000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits Learn more about benefits at Google .

  • Collaborate or lead on team projects to carry out design, analysis, and development of advanced ML systems across the stack using your research expertise.
  • Support building end-to-end ML Systems that involves working across the full stack, from low-level hardware acceleration and compiler optimizations to high-level model architecture and production APIs, transforming your research expertise into robust, scalable products.
  • Optimize complex system performance by analyzing and fixing performance bottlenecks, memory inefficiencies, and errors in production systems to meet stringent customer goals.
  • Elevate engineering excellence by writing well-tested code, conducting code reviews and fostering a culture of quality by advocatingbest engineering practices.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

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