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Senior Software Development Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Senior Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

They are seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer to join their team, responsible for ... software development methodologies and tools • Knowledge of web technologies (HTML, CSS ...

Senior Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

They are seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer to design and develop software solutions ... software development methodologies and tools • Knowledge of web technologies (HTML, CSS ...

... SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (DRAGON) As a Sr. Software Engineer on the Dragon team, you will ... software development experience in C/C++ PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: * Knowledge of ...

Sr Software Engineer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer will report to the Sr Manager, Technology. About the Role & Team We ... Lead the design, development, and deployment of data and application integration solution built ...

Senior Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software ... Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and ...

Senior Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software ... Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and ...

Senior Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software ... Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Software Development Engineer information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$82.4K

$156.3K

$209.4K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software development engineer in Pasadena, CA is $156,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,600.00 and $176,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior software development engineer?

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 is a senior software development engineer?

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 cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Senior Software Development Engineer jobs? Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Senior Software Development Engineer job openings:

Sr. Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starship)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Summary:
SpaceX is a company focused on developing technologies for space exploration, with the goal of enabling human life on Mars. The Sr. Software Engineer will design, develop, and test software for SpaceX's Starship flight systems, collaborating with other engineers to implement and debug software across various layers of the stack.
Responsibilities:
• Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems and the simulations required to validate them
• Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and integration to the mission
• Work with counterpart engineering teams to develop and maintain launch and vehicle software, crossing all required software domains necessary to implement and verify control of the pad, ship, and booster to meet mission objectives
• Define and lead impactful projects that enable the mission of Starship
• Continuously improve software standards and software engineering best practices within Starship Software
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 4+ years of experience in software development; OR 6+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• 4+ years of experience C++, Python, or Rust
• Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed
Preferred:
• Proven skills and knowledge of C++, Rust, or other systems programming language
• Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems or distributed computing systems
• Experience designing fault tolerant software
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
• Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networking
• Basic knowledge of electronics, controls, fluid systems, motor design, or physical mechanics
• Creative approach to first-principles problem solving
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
Company:
SpaceX develops and operates rockets, satellite networks, and AI infrastructure including launch, connectivity, and cloud services. Founded in 2002, the company is headquartered in Hawthorne, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

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Hours and flexibility

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US