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Software Engineer Level 1 Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Software Engineer Level 1 information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do software engineer level 1 jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer level 1 in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Level 1 vs Software Engineer Level 2?

CriteriaSoftware Engineer Level 1Software Engineer Level 2
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; entry-level experienceSame as Level 1, often with 1-3 years of experience
Work EnvironmentJunior team member, supervised tasks, learning-focusedMore independent, handles complex tasks, mentorship roles
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and corporate IT teamsProgression within same environments, increased responsibilities

Software Engineer Level 1 typically involves entry-level tasks with supervision, while Software Engineer Level 2 requires more experience and independence, handling more complex projects and mentoring junior staff. The transition reflects increased skills and responsibilities within the same industry and work environment.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 engineer?

In software engineering, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of seniority and responsibility. L1 is usually an entry-level or junior engineer, focusing on basic tasks and learning, while L2 and L3 are mid-level and senior engineers with increasing expertise and project responsibilities. L4 often denotes a lead or principal engineer who oversees projects and mentors others, with expectations for advanced technical skills and leadership abilities.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or principal software engineer at large tech companies or in specialized fields such as machine learning, AI, or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or executive-level roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer Level 1, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Level 1, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, version control systems such as Git, and basic software development tools is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help you collaborate effectively and adapt to new challenges. These skills and qualities are essential for contributing to projects, growing professionally, and ensuring successful software delivery in a team environment.

What does a software engineer 1 do?

A Software Engineer Level 1 typically writes, tests, and maintains code under supervision, focusing on developing software features and fixing bugs. They often work with programming languages like Java, Python, or C++ and use tools such as version control systems. This entry-level role involves learning company coding standards and collaborating with more experienced engineers to gain skills and experience.

What is a level 1 software engineer?

A Level 1 Software Engineer is an entry-level position typically requiring limited professional experience, often involving basic coding, debugging, and learning company tools and processes. They usually work under supervision and focus on developing foundational skills while gaining industry knowledge.

What types of projects and technologies do Software Engineer Level 1s typically work on, and how are tasks assigned within the team?

As a Software Engineer Level 1, you will usually work on foundational components of larger projects, such as coding specific features, fixing bugs, or writing unit tests under the guidance of more experienced engineers. Tasks are often assigned by a team lead or project manager, with regular check-ins to ensure alignment and offer mentorship. The technologies you work with depend on the company's stack but commonly include languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, and tools such as Git for version control. Collaboration is key, and you'll regularly participate in code reviews, daily stand-ups, and pair programming sessions to build both your technical skills and teamwork abilities.

What are Software Engineer Level 1 jobs?

Software Engineer Level 1 jobs are entry-level positions in the software development field, typically for recent graduates or those with limited professional experience. These engineers work under the supervision of more experienced developers, assisting with coding, debugging, testing, and maintaining software applications. They are expected to have a foundational knowledge of programming languages, software development principles, and problem-solving skills. Level 1 software engineers often participate in team meetings, contribute to project documentation, and learn industry best practices. The role serves as a stepping stone to more advanced engineering positions.
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in California? For Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Engineer Level 1 jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Engineer Level 1 job openings:
Software Engineer Level 1 jobs near you
Cyber Software Engineer - Level 1/2

Cyber Software Engineer - Level 1/2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$101K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Polygraph
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is seeking a Cyber Software Engineer - Level 1/2 to join our team in Redondo Beach, CA.
*Please be aware that this position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding and obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance at the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.
As a Cyber Software Engineer, you will be supporting day-to-day integration activities, cyber assessments and coordination between the hardware and software groups. You will support cyber security analysis, and design, develop, build, test, implement, and maintain various systems to meet project cyber requirements. You will have a passion for developing and automating creative solutions in classified environments. We cover a wide variety of technologies including Ansible, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), fully virtualized environments (VMware), cyber hardening, Red Hat Linux and network attached storage solutions.
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Cyber Software Engineer - Level 1: 0 Years with Bachelors in Science
  • Cyber Software Engineer - Level 2: 2 Years with Bachelors in Science; 0 Years with Masters
  • Ability to obtain and maintain SCI and CI Poly prior to start
  • Knowledge of cyber products for systems to include software vulnerability scanning and mitigations, intrusion detection mechanisms and related processes
  • Proficiency with hardening leveraging coding from various automation tools
  • Active Security+ certification

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active SCI/CI Poly
  • DISA STIGs as they apply to SW applications and Operating Systems
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
  • Coding experience (C++, JAVA, etc)
  • Experience working for a space ground program
  • Experience with Network Engineering

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,800.00 - $125,800.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $101,000.00 - $151,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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