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Senior Software Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Outpost

Senior Software Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$250K - $285K/yr

Senior Software Architect Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

Outpost

Senior Software Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$250K - $285K/yr

Senior Software Architect Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

Outpost

Senior Software Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$250K - $285K/yr

Senior Software Architect Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

Outpost

Senior Software Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$250K - $285K/yr

Senior Software Architect Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

AXS

Sr. Software Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $189K/yr

AXS connects fans with the artists and teams they love and is seeking a Senior Software Architect to shape the foundation of their next-generation ticketing platforms. This role involves designing ...

AXS

Sr. Software Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $189K/yr

The Role AXS is seeking a Senior Software Architect to shape the foundation of our next-generation ticketing platforms and experiences. As a key member of our global architecture team, you'll set the ...

AXS

Sr. Software Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $189K/yr

The Role AXS is seeking a Senior Software Architect to shape the foundation of our next-generation ticketing platforms and experiences. As a key member of our global architecture team, you'll set the ...

AXS

Sr. Software Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $189K/yr

The Role AXS is seeking a Senior Software Architect to shape the foundation of our next-generation ticketing platforms and experiences. As a key member of our global architecture team, you'll set the ...

NVIDIA

Senior Software Architect, DriveOS

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $206K/yr

NVIDIA is a leader in AI technology and autonomous vehicles, and they are seeking a Senior Software Architect for their DriveOS platform. This role involves leading technical efforts to design and ...

AEG Worldwide

Sr. Software Architect (AXS)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $189K/yr

The Role AXS is seeking a Senior Software Architect to shape the foundation of our next-generation ticketing platforms and experiences. As a key member of our global architecture team, you'll set the ...

Eliassen Group

Software Architect

San Diego, CA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Work with the lead Software Architect and senior developers to lead software development activities for a group of 20+ developers. • Participate in and lead discussions at ...

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All JobsSoftware Architect JobsSenior Software Architect JobsSenior Software Architect Jobs in California

Senior Software Architect information

See California salary details

$95.2K

$149.8K

$201.3K

How much do senior software architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software architect in California is $149,850.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,800.00 and $173,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Software Architect typically collaborate with development and product teams during a project lifecycle?

A Senior Software Architect works closely with both development and product teams throughout a project's lifecycle. They are responsible for translating business requirements into technical solutions, ensuring alignment between stakeholders, and guiding developers on architectural decisions. Regular interactions include design reviews, technical mentoring, and collaborating with product managers to refine requirements. This collaborative approach ensures that the final product is scalable, maintainable, and meets business objectives.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Architect, you need extensive experience in software design, architecture principles, and a strong background in programming, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with architectural frameworks (like TOGAF), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and modeling tools (like UML) is highly valuable, and certifications in these areas can be advantageous. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions. These competencies are crucial for ensuring robust, maintainable systems that align with organizational goals and adapt to evolving technology landscapes.

What is the difference between Senior Software Architect vs Software Development Manager?

AspectSenior Software ArchitectSoftware Development Manager
Primary FocusDesigning software architecture and technical strategyManaging development teams and project delivery
Required SkillsTechnical expertise, system design, codingLeadership, project management, communication
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with architects and developersOversees teams and coordinates projects
CertificationsOften includes software architecture certifications (e.g., TOGAF)Project management certifications (e.g., PMP) often preferred

The Senior Software Architect primarily focuses on designing and overseeing the technical architecture of software systems, while the Software Development Manager manages development teams and ensures project delivery. Both roles require strong technical skills, but differ in leadership scope and responsibilities.

How much does a senior software architect make?

A senior software architect typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced skills in system design, software development, and may hold certifications like TOGAF or AWS certifications.

What does a senior software architect do?

A senior software architect designs and oversees the development of complex software systems, establishing technical standards and ensuring alignment with business goals. They evaluate technologies, create architecture diagrams, and collaborate with development teams to implement scalable, maintainable solutions. Strong problem-solving skills and experience with design patterns and software development tools are essential for this role.

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

The most popular types of Software Architect jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Software Architect jobs in California?

For Senior Software Architect jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Software Architect jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Software Architect jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Software Architect jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Software Architect job openings:

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

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

Senior Software Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Software Architect job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $149,850 per year, or $72 per hour.

Senior Software Architect

Outpost

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$250K - $285K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Senior Software Architect
Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)
The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us.
Outpost is an orbital logistics company rewriting the rules of global logistics by building reusable Earth-return vehicles that unlock in-space manufacturing, on-orbit warehousing, and 60-minute global delivery through space.
Our CarryAll vehicle family returns payloads ranging from 200 kilograms to 10 metric tons, lands within 10 meters of its target, and can then be refurbished and launched again. One vehicle, many missions: responsive logistics and precision delivery for national security; commercial cargo moved with real cadence; R&D payloads flown, tested, and refined across repeatable cycles; and critical aid delivered where roads and runways can't reach.
The demand is already here, validated through defense and civil agreements and supported by a growing pipeline of government and commercial customers.
We have the customers, the team, and a clear technical path ahead of us. We're building the return lane. Come build it with us.
The Role
As Senior Software Architect, you will be working with all aspects of the Outpost software stack, from application layer flight code, GNC integration, embedded systems, all the way to Ground Software. You'll collaborate closely with avionics hardware engineers, GNC specialists, and other team members to create efficient and sustainable solutions. This position offers the chance to engage in all aspects of spacecraft development, from system architecture and rapid prototyping to full flight/Earth-Return projects, managing flight hardware during ground tests, and providing mission operations support.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop all flight, ground, and operations software for Outpost missions, with ownership of the overall software architecture.
  • Work cross functionally with all other disciplines (GNC, Power, Propulsion, and Thermal) to support algorithm implementation and integration into the software.
  • Write quality bare metal, RTOS, or Linux based software for embedded processors in C/C++.
  • Develop driver-level code to interface with sensors and actuators onboard the vehicle.
  • Own the complete lifecycle of software development, from design and architecture through testing and integration.
  • Conduct bring-up activities in SITL and HITL environments to test avionics and software integration.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other software engineers, ensuring architectural consistency across the stack.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or another related field.
  • 8+ years of spacecraft software engineering or software development experience in C++ or a similar language.
  • Experience writing, designing, and implementing software architectures for complex, safety or mission-critical systems.
  • Experience integrating GNC algorithms into flight software.
  • Experience with Docker, Git, CMake, and GNU tools.
  • Hands on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital mulitmeters.
  • Working knowledge of computer architecture and operating systems.

Preferred Experience
  • Active U.S. Government Security Clearance (not required, but beneficial).
  • Knowledge of aerospace standards and specs.
  • Experience with FAA Part 450 commercial space launch and reentry licensing requirements.
  • Hands-on experience with serial protocols such as UART, CAN, I2C, SPI, and/or Ethernet (TCP/UDP).
  • Experience with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive compensation: $250,000 - $285,000; (commensurate with experience).
  • Additional Compensation: Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
  • Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
  • Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental.
  • Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
  • PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
  • Invest in your future: 401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
  • Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
  • Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
  • Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
  • Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more!

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 ,or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Apply