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Senior Software Development Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Software Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Senior Software Development Engineer - Backend Adobe Experience Platform - Journey Optimizer Our Company Changing the world through digital experiences is what Adobe's all about. We give everyone ...

Senior Software Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Senior Software Development Engineer - Backend Adobe Experience Platform - Journey Optimizer Our Company Changing the world through digital experiences is what Adobe's all about. We give everyone ...

Senior Software Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer to help build and deliver the next-generation Adobe Sign service, focusing on developing scalable, high-quality enterprise solutions and ...

Sr. Software Development Engineer - Scala

Redlands, CA · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

Esri is a leader in GIS technology, and they are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer to join their Professional Services division. In this role, you will develop Scala web services and ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

... a Senior SDET you will understand the technical design of applications and ensure testability of the developed components • You will build test automation with the goal of providing maximum ...

Senior Software Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Senior Software Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

As a senior engineer, we expect the candidate to contribute and own heavily used and technically ... Tasks here can range from software design and reviews to developing highly efficient enterprise ...

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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 6, 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.

Sr. Software Quality Engineer

Fifth Third

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Make banking a Fifth Third better
We connect great people to great opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank.

GENERAL FUNCTION:

Dividend Finance is looking for a Sr. Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to help us deliver our next generation renewable and home improvement lending platform. Our technology combines an internally developed Clojure based web application accessed by internally developed Single Page Applications. We integrate with commercial software services to deliver a flexible and robust lending platform. The Sr. SDET is embedded on a scrum team to ensure stories are written airtight logic and acceptance criteria, test individual stories and fixes for defects in the release cycle, as well as end to end test automation.

The Sr. SDET also works with the SDET team to maintain the test automation framework and to ensure that the most important features and business flows have coverage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensure the product is released with minimal defects
  • Be part of an automation first culture.
  • Collaborate Effectively with product, developers and other SDET
  • Reproduce user reported issues, diagnose as defect/expected behavior
  • Create reports for automated tests
  • Drive continuous improvement into test automation framework
  • Learn, grow, and teach other team members to improve communication, culture, process, and technical implementation
  • Document defect reports thoroughly including steps to reproduce
  • Familiar with using source control software, project & issue tracking software
  • Self starter who gets things done without supervision and asks for help when needed
  • Active participant in all sprint ceremonies and team meetings
  • Can handle the cycle of 2 week sprints with weekly releases

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE& SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related discipline from a fully accredited college or university
  • 7+ years of experience testing software with at least 4+ years being an automation engineer
  • Fluent with writing tests in Cypress or Playwright
  • Ability to create, update, and read test scripts
  • Solid knowledge of HTTP, HTML, and Javascript
  • Solid knowledge of SQL
Sr. Software Quality EngineerTotal Base Pay Range 82,100.00 - 172,500.00 USD Annual

At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.

The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.

Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being.You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner.

LOCATION -- San Francisco, California 94111

Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes - no matter how they are submitted - will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.