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Software Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Software Development

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

They are seeking a Software Development Manager to lead a team of engineers in optimizing APIs and services while ensuring timely technical delivery and fostering a collaborative culture.

Software Development Manager, Amazon Leo

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

A day in the life This role is for a Software Development Manager in the Amazon Leo PoP Software organization, responsible for driving the research & development, deployment and operation of the ...

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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 Jul 22, 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 job categories do people searching Software Development Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Development Manager jobs in California 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $140,241 per year, or $67.4 per hour.
Manager, Software Development

Manager, Software Development

Supermicro

San Jose, CA • On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Supermicro is a leading provider of advanced server, storage, and networking solutions. They are seeking a Software Development Manager to lead a team of engineers in optimizing APIs and services while ensuring timely technical delivery and fostering a collaborative culture.
Responsibilities:
• Hire and onboard new team members
• Develop relationships with your team, support, and coach them through regular 1 on 1 meetings
• Set specific goals with each team member and position them for success
• Support overall career development and growth
• Support timely delivery of technical solutions to address engineering needs
• Participate in technology discussions and advocate for better Software Development Life Cycle practices
• Grow the technical expertise of your team and promote best practices
• Own and manage the teams' delivery commitments/work and hold them accountable
• Grow a healthy, collaborative culture in line with Supermicro core values
• Be an example and a promoter of transparency and open communication
• Encourage experiments, fast learning, and fast failure
• Encourage controlled risk taking and learning from mistakes
• Support and drive efforts to create a diverse team, employ equitable practices, and nurture an inclusive work environment within your team and the Engineering organization
• Collaborate closely with the Engineering leadership team, peers, and other leaders in the organization
• Be a partner of Product and Engineering and work together to consistently align on roadmap and priorities
• Facilitate collaboration between teams, product managers, and stakeholders
• Demonstrate servant-leadership and encourage others to lead as well
• Advocate for Agile methodologies and help promote great organizational practices
• Be a student of Agile and help apply where it makes sense for the organization
• Run some Agile ceremonies for your team and even act a bit as a Scrum Master
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related plus 4 years of industry work experience, or a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related plus 3 years of industry work experience, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field plus related work experience.
• Minimum of 4 years developing software in modern programming languages in a Linux environment
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience managing software development teams
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience managing and developing direct reports (talent management, recruiting, accountability, motivation/engagement)
• Strong background in languages and frameworks – HTML, PHP, CSS, JavaScript, React, git/GitHub
• Familiar with multiple CMS systems (Word Press, Drupal, Magento etc)
• E-commerce platform, including cataloging and secure payments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and architectural levels.
Preferred:
• Familiarity with web QA tools and processes
• Integration experience with external systems, SAP integration a plus
• Prior experience growing a web development team with a mix of permanent and contract staffs
• Experience establishing and evolving lean or agile development processes
• Experience building and operating Internet-scale applications
• First-hand knowledge of the engineering challenges with large scale distributed systems
• Graduate degree a plus
Company:
Supermicro is a global leader in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology and innovation. Founded in 1993, the company is headquartered in San Jose, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.