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Phd Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

QGOV Security Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

... OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. • 2+ years of work experience with Programming ...

Qualcomm

QGOV Security Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

... OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. • 2+ years of work experience with Programming ...

Brilent

Software Engineer Intern

San Mateo, CA · On-site

As a software engineering intern, you will work alongside our small team of engineers to create new ... Pursuing BS, MS or PhD in Computer Science or related field * Experience with Java, C++ or Python ...

Waymo

Software Engineer, Multiverse

San Francisco, CA · On-site

You have: * 3+ years of full-time software engineering experience, or a quantitative PhD with software engineering experience * C++ proficiency * Python familiarity * SQL familiarity * Strong verbal ...

Cadence

Lead Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... new PhD Graduate • Should be versatile in C++, data structure, algorithms Preferred : • ... software to accelerate innovation in the engineering design of silicon to systems. Founded in 1988 ...

Freeform

Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$115K - $150K/yr

SOFTWARE ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware ... or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience. * Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer ...

Freeform

Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

SOFTWARE ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware ... or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience. * Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer ...

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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 Aug 17, 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 are popular job titles related to Phd Software Engineer jobs in California?

For Phd Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd Software Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Software Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

Phd Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 72% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

RISC-V Software Engineer

Qualcomm Technologies

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Principal Engineer to lead the design and development of security, virtualization, confidential compute and trusted execution environment (TEE) features in our next-generation Qualcomm SoCs. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who thrives at the intersection of hardware and software and is passionate about RISC-V architecture.
You will play a critical role in defining the architecture, enabling new hardware features, and ensuring compliance with industry standards such as RISC-V hypervisor extension, RISC-V Supervisor Binary Interface (SBI), RISC-V Platform Management Interface (RPMI), RISC-V Confidential Compute (CoVE), and RISC-V supervisor domains.
Key Responsibilities
  • Contribute to architecture and development of security, virtualization, confidential compute and trusted execution features.
  • Drive upstream contributions to the OpenSBI, KVM and Linux kernel, ensuring long-term maintainability and community alignment.
  • Collaborate with hardware and platform teams to enable security, virtualization confidential compute, and trusted execution features.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers to enable software stack on silicon and emulation platforms, debug hardware-software interactions, and ensure seamless integration.
  • Guide the integration of compliance test suites for confidential compute and trusted execution features.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.

OR
  • Master's degree in engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.

OR
  • PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
  • 6+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Required Qualifications
  • 18+ years of experience in Linux KVM or Linux kernel or TEE development.
  • Good understanding in virtualization, confidential compute and trusted execution environments.
  • Strong debugging skills using tools like ftrace, perf, kgdb, crash, kernel logs and hardware debuggers.
  • Good experience with Git, GitHub or GitLab.

Nice to have Qualifications
  • Exposure to the RISC-V architecture.
  • Good understanding of ARM virtualization extensions or ARM Trustzone or ARM CCA or RISC-V hypervisor extensions or RISC-V CoVE.
  • Proven experience in upstreaming patches and working with the Linux KVM or Linux kernel community.
  • Proven experience in working with Industry standard groups and proposing specification changes.
  • Platform or SoC bring-up on silicon, emulation, and simulation platforms.
  • Contributions or maintainer-ship in any open-source project.
  • Familiarity with Docker, CI/CD pipelines.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
4+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$211,800.00 - $317,800.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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