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Senior Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior NC Programmer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$129 - $171/hr

ABOUT THE JOB As a Senior NC Programmer, you will be responsible for developing machining and manufacturing plans that include mounting, tooling and NC programming for complicated machine parts. You ...

Senior NC Programmer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB As a Senior NC Programmer, you will be responsible for developing machining and manufacturing plans that include mounting, tooling and NC programming for complicated machine parts. You ...

Senior SQL and ETL Engineer

Downey, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Responsibilities : • A Senior Programmer is responsible for leading and/or working on the most complex IT applications design, documentation, development, modification, testing, installation ...

Senior SQL and ETL Engineer

Downey, CA · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

Responsibilities : • A Senior Programmer is responsible for leading and/or working on the most complex IT applications design, documentation, development, modification, testing, installation ...

Senior CNC Programmer

Hawthorne, CA

$27 - $36.75/hr

Vast is looking for a Senior CNC Programmer , reporting to the E-2 Principal Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity ...

Senior CNC Programmer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$44 - $63/hr

Vast is looking for a Senior CNC Programmer , reporting to the E-2 Principal Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity ...

The Senior Programmer collaborates with machinists, engineers, and quality teams to drive productivity, reduce cycle times, and continuously improve manufacturing efficiency. Key Responsibilities

The Senior Programmer collaborates with machinists, engineers, and quality teams to drive productivity, reduce cycle times, and continuously improve manufacturing efficiency. Key Responsibilities

The Senior Programmer collaborates with machinists, engineers, and quality teams to drive productivity, reduce cycle times, and continuously improve manufacturing efficiency. Key Responsibilities

Showing results 21-40

Senior Programmer information

See California salary details

$13

$51

$70

How much do senior programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior programmer in California is $51.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.41 and $61.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior programmer?

Senior Programmers are experienced software developers who take on advanced coding tasks and often provide technical leadership within their teams. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex software systems, as well as mentoring junior developers. Senior Programmers typically have strong problem-solving skills, deep knowledge of programming languages, and experience with software architecture. They may also be involved in code reviews, setting best practices, and collaborating with other departments to deliver high-quality software solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior programmer?

To thrive as a Senior Programmer, you need advanced proficiency in programming languages, solid software development experience, and often a relevant degree or equivalent expertise. Familiarity with frameworks, version control systems like Git, and agile development tools is typically required, and certifications in cloud platforms or specific technologies can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills enable effective collaboration and mentorship within development teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering robust, scalable solutions and driving technical excellence in complex projects.

How do senior programmers typically mentor junior team members, and what impact does this have on team productivity?

Senior Programmers often play a key mentorship role by guiding junior developers through code reviews, pair programming, and sharing best practices. They provide technical leadership and help troubleshoot complex issues, ensuring code quality and knowledge transfer across the team. This mentorship not only fosters professional growth for junior members but also contributes to stronger team cohesion and faster problem-solving, ultimately boosting overall productivity and project success.

What is the difference between Senior Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectSenior ProgrammerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; extensive coding experienceBachelor's degree often preferred; coding skills essential
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, project-based work, often in tech or software companiesSimilar environments; involved in designing, coding, testing software
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare, and other industries requiring software solutionsCommonly used in software firms, startups, and corporate IT departments

While both roles involve coding and software development, a Senior Programmer typically has more experience, takes on complex tasks, and may mentor junior staff. A Software Developer focuses on designing and building software applications, often with less emphasis on leadership or advanced technical oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Programmer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Programmer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Programmer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Programmer jobs in CA?

For Senior Programmer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,312 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Based in Dallas area of TX, Nerd Kingdom is a well-funded, video game technology and research group, that cross pollinates disciplines in areas of technology, behavioral science, economics, and traditional game development. We hold forward thinking and collaboration as the foundation of everything we do, as it defines our culture. Community is more than just a clump of users to us, it's an extension of who we are, and what we portray through what we build.

Nerd Kingdom is developing an engine and platform for creation and collaboration that leverages ambitious technology, in order to empower everyone from early modders, to sophisticated engineers. We aren't just creating tools, we are focusing on how data flows through that engine in order to help us and the community create better experiences, as players and creators.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a Senior Physics Programmer (Physics) to add to our team. Our ideal candidate would have experience in a lead position and has delivered a successful game or software title. If you are an Physics Programmer with experience and the desire to lay your imprint on the gaming industry, we encourage you to apply!

Must Haves:

Bachelor's degree related to Computer Science or equivalent experience

At least 5 years in real-time development using C/C++

Utilizing common programming practices such as OOP, Inheritance hierarchies, templates, and other common programming techniques

At least 3 years developing physics systems for video games or simulations with experience in the following areas:

          o Collision Detection for static and animated models

          o Player, AI and object movement

          o Multiplayer physics and client-side prediction techniques

          o Trigger Volumes

          o Ray-Tracing

Experience Scripting (Lua or JavaScript)


Nice To Haves:

Experience programming with the Bullet Physics Library in at least one fully developed product

Experience building brand new systems from the ground up and seeing them through all phases of development (design, scheduling, prototyping, integration, delivery, etc)

Experience working in a team environment with excellent communication skills between technical and non-technical members of team

Able to precisely estimate time needed to complete tasks

Able to write clean and clear technical documentation

Knowledgeable in using development tools such as IDEs, bug tracking software, documentation services, code repositories, etc.

Havok Physics a plus

AmmoJS (JS port of Bullet) a big plus

Data Oriented and Data Driven Design a big plus

Procedural terrain generation and voxel manipulation

Game modding via scripting APIs

Delivered game or software title