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Senior Backend Developer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Director, Licensing & Accounts Engineering About the Role A highly scaled, global technology ... The ideal candidate is a deeply technical engineering leader with strong backend architecture ...

Senior Director, Licensing & Accounts Engineering About the Role A highly scaled, global technology ... The ideal candidate is a deeply technical engineering leader with strong backend architecture ...

Senior Software Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We are hiring engineers across frontend, backend, and full-stack disciplines , depending on experience and strengths. Depending on experience, this role may be hired at the Senior, Staff, or Lead ...

Senior Software Engineer (backend)

Bodega Bay, CA · Remote

$145K - $191K/yr

We are looking for an engineer who has done this before to help us architect and build it right ... Our company is still young so this role will get a chance to work across the entire backend and ...

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $174K/yr

What We Need: We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join ... Work in the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K's online features * Design and ...

What We Need: We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join ... Work in the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K's online features * Design and ...

What We Need: We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join ... Work in the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K's online features * Design and ...

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $174K/yr

What We Need: We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join ... Work in the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K's online features * Design and ...

Founding Senior Engineer

Napa, CA · On-site +1

$118K - $162K/yr

We're looking for a senior frontend engineer to help design and build our service from the ground ... Writing GraphQL resolvers on the backend * MongoDB * AWS Cognito/Lambda/DocumentDB/API Gateway ...

... Sr. Cloud Engineer with a background in large scale engineering support. You will enjoy using technology to automate solutions and optimize outcomes focusing on data/backend engineering, continuous ...

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Senior Backend Developer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$70K

$152.9K

$208.3K

How much do senior backend developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend developer in Santa Rosa, CA is $152,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,700.00 and $171,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Backend Developer do?

A Senior Backend Developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the server-side logic of web applications. They work with databases, APIs, and server infrastructure to ensure that applications run smoothly, securely, and efficiently. In addition to writing robust code, they often mentor junior developers, contribute to architectural decisions, and collaborate with frontend teams to deliver seamless user experiences. Their expertise is crucial for scaling applications and implementing best practices in software development.

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

L1, L2, L3, and L4 are levels used to categorize software developers, including senior backend developers, based on experience, skills, and responsibilities. L1 typically refers to entry-level, while L4 indicates senior or lead roles with greater expertise and leadership responsibilities. These levels help define job expectations, compensation, and career progression within organizations.

What is the difference between Senior Backend Developer vs Backend Developer?

AspectSenior Backend DeveloperBackend Developer
Required Experience5+ years, leadership skills1-3 years, foundational skills
ResponsibilitiesDesign architecture, mentor juniors, optimize systemsImplement features, fix bugs, write code
Skills & CertificationsAdvanced coding, system design, relevant certificationsBasic coding, database knowledge
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with cross-functional teams, often in larger projectsFocuses on individual tasks within projects

The main difference between a Senior Backend Developer and a Backend Developer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Backend Developers typically have more years of experience, take on complex system design, and mentor junior staff, whereas Backend Developers focus on implementing features and fixing bugs. Both roles are essential in backend development teams, but the senior role involves more strategic and leadership duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Backend Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Backend Developer, you need advanced proficiency in server-side programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Node.js), deep understanding of API design, and experience with database management, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications in backend technologies are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior developers. These competencies ensure robust, scalable backend systems and drive successful project delivery in complex technical environments.

Is backend developer still in demand?

Backend developers remain in high demand due to the ongoing need for server-side applications, APIs, and database management across industries. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, and Node.js, along with experience in cloud platforms and frameworks, enhance employability in this field.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior backend developers with extensive experience, specialized skills in high-demand technologies, and work at large tech companies or in executive roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in competitive markets or startups with significant funding.

What are common challenges Senior Backend Developers face when leading complex projects, and how can they address them?

Senior Backend Developers often encounter challenges such as integrating legacy systems with new technologies, ensuring scalability under increased load, and coordinating cross-functional teams for seamless feature delivery. Addressing these challenges typically involves proactive architectural planning, clear communication with frontend and DevOps teams, and adopting best practices like code reviews and automated testing. Staying updated on emerging technologies and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing within the team also help in overcoming technical obstacles and driving successful project outcomes.

Which is the hardest field in it?

For a Senior Backend Developer, the most challenging aspects often include mastering complex system architecture, ensuring scalability and security, and staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies like cloud platforms and programming languages. Strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of databases, and experience with debugging are essential to handle these difficulties effectively.
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Senior Backend Developer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Senior Backend Developer job openings:
AIML - Sr. Software Development Engineer, Evaluation

AIML - Sr. Software Development Engineer, Evaluation

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$181K - $318K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

At Apple, we create world-class innovative products that seamlessly combine cutting-edge hardware with intelligent software experiences, powered by advanced machine learning technologies. The Evaluation org is responsible for building platforms and tools to measure, understand, and proactively enhance Apple Intelligence features while protecting user data.
Description
We're seeking an experienced Senior Backend Software Engineer to join our team responsible for designing and developing our Annotation Platform, critical to the development and optimization of Apple’s AI/ML features.","responsibilities":"As a Senior Backend Engineer in the Evaluation organization, you will lead the backend development of the platform meant to optimize data generation and collection process, allowing ML engineers to efficiently evaluate and train machine learning models. You should love to take on challenges, tackle problems with imaginative solutions, work well in collaborative teams, and produce high-quality software under tight deadlines and constraints. We expect you to enjoy mentoring and guiding other engineers, helping to elevate the skill set of the team and fostering a collaborative learning environment. You will be working with teams across different domains to drive projects and feature development from concept to completion.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in AI engineering and ML system is a plus.
Experience with cloud-based infrastructure (AWS) and hybrid ecosystems.
Experience with ETL pipelines, stream processing and batch data processing is a plus.
Strong emphasis on code reviews to maintain code quality and foster team collaboration.
Strong ability to communicate technical and architectural challenges clearly and concisely, while collaborating with frontend team to iteratively develop self-service solutions.
Able to think big picture while addressing immediate project needs. Skilled at balancing innovation with practicality to maximize impact.
Minimum Qualifications
At least 7 years of hands-on experience with Java, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of advanced concepts and best practices in software design and development.
Strong understanding and hands-on experience with the Spring Boot framework, including dependency injection, REST API development, and micro-services architecture.
Proven track record in designing, building and maintaining complex, scalable web applications.
Strong ability and passion for creating reliable, resilient, high-performance, reusable code and modules.
Proficiency with testing frameworks to ensure the stability, reliability, and performance of the applications.
Knowledge of databases systems, data model design and experience with both SQL and NoSQL databases.
Demonstrated ability to creatively solve complex technical challenges with innovative solutions and a strong focus on trade-offs.
BS/MS in Computer Science, Distributed Systems, Software Engineering, or related field
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $181,100 and $318,400, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976