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Senior Software Development Engineer Jobs in California

Expedia

Senior Software Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Senior Software Development Engineer Expedia Technologyteamspartner with our Product teams to create innovative products, services, and tools to deliver high-quality experiences for travelers ...

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Senior Software Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$74.5K

$141.4K

$189.5K

How much do senior software development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software development engineer in California is $141,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,900.00 and $159,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Development Engineer, you need deep expertise in software engineering principles, advanced programming skills in languages such as Java, Python, or C++, and a bachelor's or higher degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, and experience with CI/CD pipelines are typically required, and certifications in these technologies can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you mentor junior engineers and collaborate effectively across teams. These competencies are critical for delivering robust solutions, driving technical innovation, and ensuring project success in complex engineering environments.

What are some common challenges Senior Software Development Engineers face when leading cross-functional projects?

Senior Software Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning priorities across diverse teams, managing technical debt while delivering new features, and ensuring effective communication among stakeholders. Balancing hands-on coding with mentorship responsibilities and architectural decision-making can also be demanding. Success in this role typically requires strong interpersonal skills, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to shifting project requirements while maintaining high code quality.

What are Senior Software Development Engineers?

Senior Software Development Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain complex software systems. They often lead technical projects, mentor junior developers, and ensure software quality and best practices within a team. Their responsibilities include writing code, conducting code reviews, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and solving challenging technical problems. Senior Software Development Engineers typically have several years of industry experience and a deep understanding of software engineering principles.

What is the difference between Senior Software Development Engineer vs Software Development Engineer?

AspectSenior Software Development EngineerSoftware Development Engineer
ExperienceTypically 5+ years, with leadership responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level, 1-3 years of experience
ResponsibilitiesDesigning complex systems, mentoring juniors, leading projectsImplementing features, fixing bugs, collaborating on code
Skills & CertificationsProficiency in multiple programming languages, system design, often with certificationsStrong coding skills, foundational knowledge, less emphasis on certifications
Work EnvironmentOften leads teams, involved in architecture decisionsFocused on individual contributions, team collaboration

The main difference between a Senior Software Development Engineer and a Software Development Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Seniors typically lead projects and mentor others, while juniors focus on coding and task completion. Both roles are vital in software development teams, with seniors bringing more strategic input and mentorship.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Software Development Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Software Development Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Development Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,415 per year, or $68 per hour.
Senior Software Development Engineer

Senior Software Development Engineer

Fortinet

Sunnyvale, CA

$170K - $220K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Software Development Engineer

The NPU Driver team is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with strong C programming and networking expertise to join our team. This role provides an excellent opportunity to be involved in all phases of the software development lifecycle, contributing directly to new product launches and feature development for our next-generation firewall solutions. You will gain broad hands-on experience with complex and innovative technologies while working closely with a tight-knit team of highly experienced software engineers.

Job Duties
- Participate in the development and maintenance of the existing and next generation Network Security products.
- Works on Linux kernel/driver development for SoC based system.
- Works on Linux kernel/driver development for Broadcom and Marvell switch/PHY chips. Responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance or core platform modules of the appliances.
- Develops code for both new feature/functionality development as well as to maintain/redesign of the existing areas of the products.

Education & Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Skills Required:
- C programming and low-level debugging
- Linux Kernel, concurrency and interrupt handling
- IPv4/IPv6, TCP/IP

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $170,000-$220,000. Fortinet offers employees a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time, as well as a comprehensive leave program.

Wage ranges are based on various factors, including the labour market, job type, and job level. Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate's subject knowledge, skill level, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program. Bonus eligibility is reviewed at the time of hire and annually at the Company's discretion.

Why Join Us:

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply. We offer a supportive work environment and a competitive Total Rewards package to support you with your overall health and financial well-being.

Embark on a challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding career journey with Fortinet. Join us in bringing solutions that make a meaningful and lasting impact to our 660,000+ customers around the globe.

Apply