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Senior Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to maintain and enhance software that supports state estimation and virtual metering for complex electrical networks, as well as develop REST APIs and ...

Sr. Software Engineer - SOC

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Software Engineer - SOC (318578) Job Location: San Jose, CA (100% remote for now but need to be onsite as soon as campus opens) Duration: 6+ months contract Client: Samsung Description:

Senior Software Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer will lead the development of advanced applications, focusing on scalable systems and groundbreaking AI technologies. Responsibilities : • Lead the development of cross ...

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We're seeking a Senior Software Engineer who values outstanding user experiences and has a passion for crafting extraordinary products. Join a results-oriented, innovative team working on high ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Department: Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: San Mateo, CA Description The role: BigHat Biosciences is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our ...

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will solve a wide variety of problems involving networking, autonomy, systems integration, robotics, and more, while making pragmatic engineering tradeoffs along ...

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$131K - $173K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type: Full-Time/ Hybrid Senior Software Engineer - Microgrid Controller (MGC) We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead the design and ...

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type: Full-Time/ Hybrid Senior Software Engineer - Microgrid Controller (MGC) We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead the design and ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

One of our direct client is urgently looking for a Sr. Software Engineer @ San Mateo, CA TITLE: Sr. Software Engineer LOCATION: San Mateo, CA Duration: 6 to 12+ months Rate: DOE Key Responsibilities

Sr Software Engineer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Job Posting Title: Sr Software Engineer Req ID: 10151727 Department/Group Overview: Disney Entertainment & ESPN & Technology On any given day at Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, we're ...

Senior Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Parallel Systems is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and optimize critical system applications. You will work on high-performance backend systems that ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: San Francisco (hybrid, 3 days in-office; NYC option depending on business needs) Compensation: $180,000 - $220,000 + Competitive Equity Type: Full-Time Priority:

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$180K - $220K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: San Francisco (hybrid, 3 days in-office; NYC option depending on business needs) Compensation: $180,000 - $220,000 + Competitive Equity Type: Full-Time Priority:

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

$130K - $171K/yr

[Position] Senior Software Engineer [About Our Client] Research & Development hub for artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies and is also home to a dedicated medical device software ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$74.5K

$141.4K

$189.5K

How much do senior software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software 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.

Are senior software engineers still in demand?

Senior software engineers remain in high demand due to ongoing digital transformation across industries, with expertise in programming languages, cloud computing, and system architecture highly valued. Companies seek experienced developers to lead projects, improve systems, and implement new technologies, ensuring strong job prospects for senior roles.

What is a good salary for a senior software engineer?

A senior software engineer's salary typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Higher salaries are common in tech hubs and for those with specialized skills in areas like cloud computing or machine learning.

What are Senior Software Engineers?

Senior Software Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain complex software systems. They often lead technical projects, mentor junior team members, and make architectural decisions. Their role involves collaborating with stakeholders to understand requirements, ensuring code quality, and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies. Senior Software Engineers are expected to have strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of software development best practices.

What Is a Senior Software Engineer?

A senior software engineer designs, codes, tests, and maintains computer software. While these are your primary responsibilities as a senior software engineer, you may also have supervisory duties. These include overseeing a team of junior software engineers or developers. The senior software engineer title is sometimes used interchangeably with senior developer, and positions for both may share similar job duties and responsibilities. In general, software engineers are distinguished from developers in that software engineers apply engineering principles to software development.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Software Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like machine learning or distributed systems, and often working at large tech companies or in high-cost-of-living regions can earn $300,000 or more annually. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially for those in leadership or highly technical roles.

What are some common challenges Senior Software Engineers face when mentoring junior team members?

Senior Software Engineers often mentor junior colleagues, which can be incredibly rewarding but also presents challenges. Balancing mentorship with project deadlines can be demanding, as it requires strong time management and communication skills. Additionally, adapting explanations to different learning styles and levels of experience can be tricky. However, effective mentorship helps build a stronger team and can lead to enhanced leadership opportunities for the senior engineer.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Senior software engineers in high-demand industries or with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in competitive markets can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, often through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced expertise in areas like cloud computing, machine learning, or leadership roles, along with working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

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

AspectSenior Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; experience often 5+ yearsBachelor's in CS or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesigning complex systems, leading projects, mentoringWriting code, developing features, debugging
Industry UsageUsed across tech companies, startups, enterpriseCommon in software firms, startups, freelance work
Search & ComparisonOften compared for experience level, responsibilitiesCompared for entry-level to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Software Engineer and a Software Developer lies in experience, responsibilities, and scope. Senior Software Engineers typically have more experience, lead projects, and mentor others, while Software Developers focus on coding and feature development. Both roles are essential in tech companies, but the Senior Software Engineer position involves higher-level planning and leadership.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Engineer, you need advanced programming skills, deep understanding of software architecture, and several years of experience in software development, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like Git, CI/CD pipelines, cloud platforms, and expertise in technologies such as Java, Python, or JavaScript are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for mentoring teams and collaborating across departments. These skills ensure the delivery of robust, scalable solutions and drive successful project outcomes in complex technical environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Software Engineer jobs in California? For Senior Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Software Engineer job openings:

Senior Software Engineer

ETAP Software

Irvine, CA • On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
ETAP Software empowers customers to make informed decisions throughout the life cycle of their projects with innovative software solutions for electrical systems. They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to maintain and enhance software that supports state estimation and virtual metering for complex electrical networks, as well as develop REST APIs and collaborate with real-time software engineers.
Responsibilities:
• Implement and maintain system engines used for electrical state estimation.
• Design, develop, and maintain REST APIs for internal applications and services.
• Collaborate with real‑time software engineers to support and improve existing web applications.
• Develop REST APIs for cloud‑based companion applications.
• Ensure all software components meet cybersecurity and compliance requirements.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of professional software development experience
• Experience using Microsoft Visual Studio
• Proficiency in: FORTRAN, C++, C#
Preferred:
• Experience developing software for electrical systems
• Strong understanding of linear algebra
Company:
Optimize, simulate, and control electrical systems with confidence across utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing, and building sectors. Founded in 1986, the company is headquartered in Irvine, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.