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Software Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Software Development

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$170K - $190K/yr

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is currently seeking a results-oriented Software Development Manager (Online Ordering) who is passionate about both feature development and operational excellence, who can ...

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Software Development Manager information

See California salary details

$78.5K

$140.2K

$176.2K

How much do software development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for software development manager in California is $140,241.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $160,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Software Development Manager typically balance technical leadership with people management responsibilities?

As a Software Development Manager, you’ll find that balancing hands-on technical leadership with people management is a central part of the role. You’ll spend part of your time guiding architectural decisions and overseeing code quality, while also focusing on coaching, mentoring, and supporting your team’s professional growth. Effective delegation, setting clear priorities, and maintaining open communication with both developers and stakeholders are key to managing these dual responsibilities. Many managers also work closely with product managers, QA, and other departments to ensure alignment across projects.

What Does a Software Development Manager Do?

As a software development manager, your primary responsibilities are to oversee software development teams and to act as a liaison between your teams and senior management. You hire and train new staff, manage and evaluate existing developers, provide guidance on the design and implementation of new software applications, and ensure that projects stay on schedule and within budget. You collaborate with upper-level management and your developers to make sure that new and existing software applications meet business objectives.

What does a Software Development Manager do?

A Software Development Manager oversees teams of software engineers to ensure successful planning, development, and delivery of software projects. They coordinate project timelines, allocate resources, and facilitate communication between team members and stakeholders. Additionally, they mentor developers, set technical standards, and help align software initiatives with business objectives. Their role balances technical expertise with leadership and project management responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Software Development Manager, you need a solid background in software engineering, leadership experience, and usually a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Trello), version control systems (such as Git), and sometimes certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to motivate and mentor teams are critical soft skills. These competencies ensure successful project delivery, foster team development, and align technical efforts with business goals.

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

AspectSoftware Development ManagerSoftware Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees development teams, manages projects, sets strategic goalsDesigns, codes, tests software applications
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, technical expertiseProgramming, problem-solving, technical skills
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field, often with experience in managementBachelor's or higher in CS or related field
Work EnvironmentTeam management, collaboration with stakeholdersIndividual or team coding tasks, development environments

The main difference between a Software Development Manager and a Software Engineer lies in their focus and responsibilities. Managers oversee teams and projects, while engineers focus on designing and coding software. Both roles require technical skills, but managers also need leadership and project management abilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Development Manager jobs in California? For Software Development Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Development Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Development Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $140,241 per year, or $67.4 per hour.
Software Development Manager - Amazon Redshift Catalog, Amazon Redshift

Software Development Manager - Amazon Redshift Catalog, Amazon Redshift

Amazon

East Palo Alto, CA • On-site, Remote

$145K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,828 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

We are searching for a Software Development Manager with passion for building large-scale database systems optimized for efficient query processing and ease to use. If you are motivated by working in fast-paced environment, have full ownership of your work, and build a team of excellent engineers - this role is for you!
Amazon Redshift is rapidly growing, fast, fully managed, petabyte-scale data warehouse service in the cloud. It enables customers to dramatically increase their query performance when analyzing virtually any size data set using the same SQL-based business intelligence tools they use today.

At the center of the Redshift Data warehouse is the team responsible for building the most intelligent and performant query execution engine. This team uses data from our service deployment to determine and deliver high value projects. This includes the development of novel query execution techniques for industry-leading query performance.
Key job responsibilities
As a Software Development Manager at Amazon Redshift, you will:
* Take overall responsibility for growing and leading a database software development team responsible for rethinking the assumptions behind traditional databases to build and grow the database service in cloud.
* Shape a culture of innovation and serve your team of engineers so that they can leverage their full potential and grow.
* Mentor a team of talented and experienced software engineers, complete hands-on technical work and provide leadership on complex technical issues, design tradeoffs, and feature and schedule prioritization.
* Work with senior executives to develop business targets and resource requirements, influence our technical and business strategy.
* Have the ability to define ground breaking products and the ability to hire and lead a team


A day in the life
Joining the Amazon Redshift team gives you the opportunity to:
* Work on the latest technology, as we constantly build the latest research concepts into Redshift.
* Learn from the best, as you are working on challenging engineering tasks in a team of very experienced experts and managers that you will work closely with.
* Be part of an inclusive environment that allows you to perform at your best, in a fun atmosphere.
* Be part of a key pillar of AWS extensive service portfolio and impact thousands of Amazon Redshift customers who benefit from your contributions.
About the team
This position of the Software Development Manager for Amazon Redshift represents an opportunity to shape the technology and future of a rapidly evolving industry and business.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that's why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.


What Amazon employees say

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US