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Software Engineer Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NextHop AI

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

As an AI infrastructure startup, we are developing innovative systems to enable large-scale AI ... Participate in all parts of software engineering, ranging from design and implementation of ...

NextHop Systems

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

As an AI infrastructure startup, we are developing innovative systems to enable large-scale AI ... Participate in all parts of software engineering, ranging from design and implementation of ...

NextHop AI

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

As an AI infrastructure startup, we are developing innovative systems to enable large-scale AI ... Participate in all parts of software engineering, ranging from design and implementation of ...

Mintex Technology

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$185K/yr

This role is ideal for ambitious builders who thrive in fast-paced startup environments and want ... Software Engineering experience * Strong backend engineering skills with Python * Experience ...

Oscar Technology

Senior Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

San Jose, CA Salary: $250k - $300K An AI startup is hiring a Senior Software Engineer to join its early engineering team and help build the next generation of AI-powered products. Backed by early ...

Brevian.ai

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Software Engineer BREV/AN is at the forefront of revolutionizing how businesses leverage artificial ... You get to experience the 0-1 of building a startup, working with talented engineers from ...

ProNexus

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are hiring on behalf of a venture-backed AI startup building intelligent software that automates ... Its engineering team is small, product-oriented, and responsible for taking ideas from early ...

Clicks

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Clicks is a seed stage startup focused on automating office work through AI agents. The Software Engineer will develop and optimize AI capabilities, build core infrastructure, and design systems to ...

ProNexus

Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

We are hiring on behalf of a venture-backed AI startup building intelligent software that automates ... Its engineering team is small, product-oriented, and responsible for taking ideas from early ...

Clera

Founding Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

About the Role A well-funded, seed-stage B2B SaaS startup in the supply chain integrations space is looking for a Founding Software Engineer to help shape the architecture, culture, and product ...

Clera

Founding Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

About the Role A well-funded, seed-stage B2B SaaS startup in the supply chain integrations space is looking for a Founding Software Engineer to help shape the architecture, culture, and product ...

Monarch Quantum

Software Engineer 3

San Diego, CA

$125K - $175K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Software Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You ...

Monarch Quantum

Software Engineer 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Software Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You ...

Britive

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About You You are a passionate Software Engineer who wants to develop and scale our multi-tenant ... startup environment. This position will report to the Engineering Manager. Your Impact Key ...

Layup Parts

Software Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

We're not just another composites shop-we're a technology-first manufacturing startup building the ... We are looking for highly motivated Software Engineers to join our team as key members of our ...

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All JobsSoftware Engineer Startup JobsSoftware Engineer Startup Jobs in California

Software Engineer Startup information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do software engineer startup jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer startup 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the software engineer startup position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer in a startup environment, you need solid programming skills, a problem-solving mindset, and a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with agile methodologies, cloud platforms, version control (like Git), and rapid prototyping tools is highly valued, and startup engineers may also benefit from exposure to full-stack development. Adaptability, effective communication, and the ability to work independently in uncertain environments are standout soft skills. These competencies enable engineers to rapidly iterate on products, effectively collaborate across small teams, and contribute to the dynamic demands of a growing company.

What is a software engineer startup?

A Software Engineer Startup job involves developing, testing, and maintaining software in a fast-paced, early-stage company. Engineers in startups often wear multiple hats, working on both backend and frontend development, infrastructure, and sometimes even product decisions. The role requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with limited resources. Unlike larger companies, startup engineers may need to prototype quickly, iterate based on user feedback, and contribute to the overall growth strategy. This position is ideal for those who enjoy dynamic environments and taking ownership of projects.

What can I expect from the daily work environment as a software engineer at a startup?

Working as a Software Engineer at a startup typically means you'll be part of a small, agile team where roles and responsibilities can shift quickly based on company needs. You'll often participate in daily stand-ups, collaborate closely with founders or product leads, and have the opportunity to contribute ideas beyond your core coding tasks. The pace is usually fast, and you'll likely wear multiple hats, working on everything from prototyping new features to troubleshooting production issues. This hands-on, collaborative atmosphere provides excellent opportunities for skill growth, creative problem-solving, and making a visible impact on the company's direction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Startup jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Engineer Startup jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Startup jobs in California? For Software Engineer Startup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Startup jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Startup jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Engineer Startup jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Engineer Startup job openings:
Software Engineer Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Software Engineer

NextHop AI

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description: As an AI infrastructure startup, we are developing innovative
systems to enable large-scale AI deployments. Our team comprises industry veterans who are
passionate about building the sophisticated systems that support the next generation of
computing in a fast-paced startup environment.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Participate in all parts of software engineering, ranging from design and implementation
    of software solutions to testing and peer review
  • Collaborate with engineers on building and optimizing our core systems
  • Support customers at various stages of development through involvement in project
    scoping, proof of concept, early trials, and production/escalation support
  • Be a part of shaping a startup - define company culture, challenge and change the ways
    things are done, and contribute to determining the future of the company

Qualifications: Strong problem-solving skills, quick learning and excitement for a
collaborative startup environment are the most important things we're looking for. The list below are some of the qualifications that will help but aren't essential to thriving here.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or
    a related field with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience
  • Proficiency in the following languages: Python, C, C++ or Rust
  • Solid understanding of systems software, including embedded systems and distributed
    systems
  • Familiarity with container technologies (e.g., Docker) and databases (e.g., SQL, NoSQL) is a plus
  • Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team
  • Confidence to both ask questions and take ownership of your project(s)

Why Us:
Our company bolsters all the advantages of working at a startup with the expertise of a
seasoned team who have successfully built startups into thriving companies. Here you'll have
the unique opportunity to collaborate and learn from top-tier engineers, while still working on
mission critical projects. If you are excited to learn, solve hard problems at the forefront of
computer systems, and be a part of shaping a burgeoning company, this is the place for you.

Apply