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Senior Software Development Engineer Jobs in California

Adobe

Senior Software Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer to build a high-performance segmentation engine, develop query compilation and optimization algorithms, and improve production services based ...

Adobe

Sr. Software Development Engineer 5

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Adobe is a leading company in experience delivery and data management, and they are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer to join their XDM Semantic Enrichment team. The role involves ...

My3Tech Inc

Sr SDET

Newport Coast, CA · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

Senior SDET The Senior SDET will incorporate experience and skills to define and drive innovative automation test strategies and incorporate them into the development cycle within the Agile teams.

eNett

Senior Software Development Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Programming/Software Development: As a Staff Engineer, you are an expert across multiple tech ... senior leadership. * Ability to work independently and as a strategic lead within a cross ...

WEX

Senior Software Development Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$145K - $191K/yr

Programming/Software Development: As a Staff Engineer, you are an expert across multiple tech ... senior leadership. * Ability to work independently and as a strategic lead within a cross ...

Adobe

Senior Software Development Engineer

San Jose, CA

$143K - $189K/yr

The Opportunity We are looking for a senior software engineer who is passionate about building ... Join our bold and fast-paced team as an expert Software Development Engineer 5. Help build a new ...

Futran Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Senior SDET

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Senior SDET Location: El Segundo, California, US (hybrid 2-3 days per week) Duration: 6+ Months We need to focus on profiles with good Appium, Selenium and strong Java programming skills, and less ...

XIFIN

Sr. SDET Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Sr. Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Are you interested in harnessing technology and AI to transform healthcare? At XiFin, we believe a healthier, more efficient healthcare system starts ...

loanDepot

Sr. SDET (Selenium/Automation)

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Senior Software Development Engineer in Test is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated testing solutions that improve software quality, reduce production risk, and ...

Noor Staffing Group

SDET, Remote opportunity

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $150K/yr

Senior SDET, Automation Quality and Test Engineering Position: Senior SDET Location: Hybrid if local to Irvine, CA. 100% remote if you live more than 30 miles from the office. Our client is one of ...

Esri

Sr. Software Development Engineer - Gen AI

Redlands, CA · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

Esri's Professional Services division is seeking an experienced Sr. Software Development Engineer to help advance the next generation of geospatial data quality capabilities across the ArcGIS ...

loanDepot

Sr. SDET (Selenium/Automation)

Irvine, CA

The Senior Software Development Engineer in Test is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated testing solutions that improve software quality, reduce production risk, and ...

loanDepot

Sr. SDET (Selenium/Automation)

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Senior Software Development Engineer in Test is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated testing solutions that improve software quality, reduce production risk, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoftware Development Engineer JobsSenior Software Development Engineer JobsSenior Software Development Engineer Jobs in California

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 26, 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.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Senior Software Development Engineers in many regions can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working at large tech companies or in high-cost-of-living areas. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and reaching this level typically requires advanced expertise in areas like cloud computing, machine learning, or leadership roles.

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.

Is L5 at Google Senior?

L5 at Google typically corresponds to a Software Engineer II or Senior Software Engineer level, which is considered an early to mid-career position rather than a senior role. Senior Software Development Engineers at Google usually start at L6 or higher, requiring extensive experience, technical leadership, and project management skills.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Software Development Engineers at top tech companies or those with specialized skills in areas like machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced technical expertise, and a strong track record of impact within high-paying organizations.

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

In the context of a Senior Software Development Engineer role, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of seniority or experience within a company's engineering ladder. L1 often indicates entry-level or junior engineers, while L2 and L3 represent increasing levels of experience and responsibility, with L4 usually denoting senior or lead engineers. These levels help define expectations for skills, project scope, and leadership within the development team.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,415 per year, or $68 per hour.
Senior Software Development Engineer

Senior Software Development Engineer

Adobe

San Jose, CA • On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Adobe is a leading company that empowers everyone to create through innovative platforms and tools. They are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer to build a high-performance segmentation engine, develop query compilation and optimization algorithms, and improve production services based on customer feedback.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with a team of engineers & product managers in building a high-performance segmentation engine. Own responsibility for design and implementation of key components
• Develop query compilation algorithms that transform and rewrite segment definition queries
• Develop query optimization and evaluation algorithms including multi-query optimization, incremental evaluation and streaming evaluation
• Work on cross functional themes involving advanced data pipelines using Apache Spark
• Build tools to monitor query performance and identify & debug potential semantic errors
• Deploy production services and iteratively improve them based on customer feedback
• Follow Agile methodologies using industry leading CI/CD pipelines
• Participate in architecture, design & code reviews
Qualifications:
Required:
• B.S. in Computer Science or a related field is required
• Experience building a scalable query engine or equivalent practical experience is required
• Strong grasp of algorithms and data structures
• Strong programming skills with extensive experience in Java or Scala
• Leadership skills to collaborate and drive cross-team efforts
• Excellent communication skills
• Adaptable to evolving priorities, accepting challenges outside one's comfort zone, learning new technologies, and delivering viable solutions within defined time boundaries.
Preferred:
• M.S. in Computer Science or a related field or equivalent practical experience is preferred
• Experience in language design is a plus
• Proficiency in Databases or compilers is preferred
• Proficiency in Apache Spark is preferred.
Company:
Adobe is a software company that provides its users with digital marketing and media solutions. Founded in 1982, the company is headquartered in San Jose, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
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About Adobe

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Adobe for All is our vision to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across our company and in our communities. We’re focused on creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce; unleashing the full potential of every employee; and driving meaningful impact for Adobe, our industry, and society at large. Creativity has the power to unite us and inspire us to change the world. Through a vision we call Creativity for All, we’re empowering millions of people of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves, reach their full potential, and share their diverse perspectives with the world. We’re committed to advancing the responsible use of technology and driving a positive environmental impact through sustainability and climate action. Our innovations are making a significant impact across AI ethics, security, privacy, trust and safety, accessibility, and sustainability.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1982

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