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Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA

Software Engineering Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$167K - $206K/yr

Responsibilities MaxLinear is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to join our team. The position combines hands-on technical leadership, people management, project execution, and cross-functional ...

Software Engineering Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$167K - $206K/yr

Responsibilities MaxLinear is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to join our team. The position combines hands-on technical leadership, people management, project execution, and cross-functional ...

Software Engineering Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$167K - $206K/yr

MaxLinear is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to join our team. The position combines hands-on technical leadership, people management, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration in ...

Manager, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA · On-site

$136K - $175K/yr

Manager, Software Engineering - Dataplane Meet the Moment with Alteryx We're living through a once-in-a-generation shift in how work gets done. Data, automation, and AI are quickly becoming the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Software Engineering Manager information

See Ladera Ranch, CA salary details

$105.8K

$180.1K

$213.1K

How much do software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering manager in Ladera Ranch, CA is $180,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $183,900.00 and $183,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software engineering manager do?

A software engineering manager oversees a team of people who are working on the development of new computer software or the enhancement of existing computer programs. Because this is a management job, your duties may include coordinating and planning with other departments within the company and with company executives. In addition to management skills, you need a firm understanding of the technical aspects of software engineering. Another aspect of this career involves understanding the market and competitor’s products so that your software can compete and meet market demands.

What does a software engineering manager do?

A Software Engineering Manager oversees a team of software engineers, guiding the development of software projects from planning to implementation. They are responsible for managing the team's workflow, ensuring high-quality code, and meeting project deadlines. In addition to technical leadership, they also handle hiring, mentoring, and performance reviews. Their role bridges the gap between technical execution and business objectives, ensuring that software solutions align with strategic goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software engineering manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in software development, team leadership, and project management, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development tools, agile methodologies, version control systems, and, in some cases, certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are valuable. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and mentoring skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for successfully guiding technical teams, delivering projects efficiently, and fostering a collaborative and innovative engineering culture.

What are some common challenges faced by software engineering managers when leading diverse development teams?

Software Engineering Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing technical leadership with people management, aligning team members with different backgrounds and skill sets, and ensuring effective communication across remote or cross-functional teams. Navigating these challenges involves fostering an inclusive environment, setting clear expectations, and adapting management styles to individual team members’ needs. Successful managers also prioritize regular check-ins and feedback to keep projects on track and support professional growth within the team.

What is the difference between Software Engineering Manager vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Engineering ManagerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, debugging, and implementing features
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across tech companies, startups, and large enterprisesCommon in all software development settings
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, leadership responsibilitiesFocus on technical skills, coding tasks

The main difference between a Software Engineering Manager and a Software Developer lies in their roles and responsibilities. Managers oversee teams, coordinate projects, and handle strategic planning, while developers focus on coding and technical implementation. Both roles are essential in the software development lifecycle, but they serve different functions within an organization.

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineering Manager jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA?

For Software Engineering Manager jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineering Manager jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineering Manager jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA are:

What cities near Ladera Ranch, CA are hiring for Software Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities near Ladera Ranch, CA with the most Software Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineering Manager job openings in Ladera Ranch, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $180,058 per year, or $86.6 per hour.

Software Engineering Manager

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

MaxLinear, Inc.
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

$167K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead a team of software and firmware engineers developing embedded solutions for communication and networking products

  • Drive software development activities across the product lifecycle, from architecture and design through implementation, validation, release, and sustaining support

  • Collaborate closely with DSP, ASIC, Hardware, Validation, Systems, and Program Management teams to resolve technical challenges and execute project deliverables


Job description

Responsibilities
MaxLinear is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to join our team. The position combines hands-on technical leadership, people management, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced product development environment. In this role, you will focus on the following:
  • Lead a team of software and firmware engineers developing embedded solutions for communication and networking products
  • Drive software development activities across the product lifecycle, from architecture and design through implementation, validation, release, and sustaining support
  • Collaborate closely with DSP, ASIC, Hardware, Validation, Systems, and Program Management teams to resolve technical challenges and execute project deliverables
  • Lead software bring-up activities for new silicon, FPGA/emulation platforms, and hardware prototypes
  • Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of complex system-level issues involving software, firmware, DSP, hardware, and test infrastructure
  • Own project planning, execution tracking, schedule management, risk identification, and mitigation within the software organization
  • Ensure software deliverables meet product quality, performance, reliability, and schedule objectives
  • Review software architecture, design, code quality, and test strategies to ensure maintainability and scalability
  • Guide the development of software requirements, design specifications, implementation plans, and test documentation
  • Establish and improve engineering processes, development methodologies, and quality practices
  • Support customer escalations / field issues by driving technical investigations and corrective actions
  • Conduct performance reviews, provide career development guidance, and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration
  • Promote effective communication and alignment across geographically distributed teams

Qualifications
  • Strong experience developing embedded software and firmware for communication, networking, telecommunications, semiconductor, or related products
  • Deep understanding of DSP-based SoC architectures and embedded systems
  • Experience working with DSP firmware and signal-processing systems
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming in embedded environments
  • Experience with RTOS
  • Experience with multi-core processors, microcontrollers, and hardware/software integration
  • Strong debugging skills across software, firmware, DSP, SoC, and hardware domains
  • Hands-on experience with silicon bring-up, board bring-up, and system-level validation
  • Ability to drive complex technical issues across multiple organizations and stakeholders
  • Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and delivering products on aggressive schedules
  • Ability to influence technical direction and drive execution in a cross-functional environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Preferred Experience
    • Management experience
    • Experience with optical networking, optical transceivers, Ethernet, OTN, PCS/PMA, FEC, CMIS, or related communication technologies
    • Familiarity with SerDes, high-speed interfaces, and networking protocols
    • Experience with lab debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and JTAG debuggers
    • Experience leading geographically distributed engineering teams
    • Knowledge of Agile development methodologies and modern CI/CD environments
    • Familiarity with Python, scripting languages, and automated test frameworks
  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related + 9 years of experience, or MS + 7 years of experience, or Ph.D. + 4 years of experience

Compensation and Benefits
MaxLinear has a Total Compensation philosophy which includes base salary and annual discretionary bonus eligibility and many positions also include stock-based compensation.
MaxLinear's good faith estimate starting base salary range is: $167,000 to $206,000 Annually
We offer competitive benefits designed to support employee health, welfare, and retirement and some highlights are: health care benefits, 401k savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and paid time off.
The actual starting base salary will be determined by the match to certain role-related criteria such as educational degree(s) or equivalent, relevant work experience, skillset needed for the role, and geographic location; this is not an all-inclusive list as some roles may require unique skills or experience.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
Company Overview
MaxLinear is a global, NASDAQ-traded company (MXL) where the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. We are a fabless system-on-chip product company, striving to improve the world's communication networks for everyone through our highly integrated radio-frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multi-market applications.
We hire the best people in the industry and engage them in some of the most exciting opportunities that connect the world we live in today. Our growth has come from innovative, bold approaches to solving some of the world's most challenging communication technology problems in the most efficient and effective manner.
MaxLinear began by developing the world's first high-performance TV tuner chip using standard CMOS process technology. Others said we couldn't achieve the extremely high-performance requirements using CMOS, but we proved them wrong and achieved enduring global market leadership with our designs. Since then, we've developed a full line of products that drive 4G and 5G infrastructure; enable data center, metro and long-haul optical interconnects; bring 10Gbit to the home; power the IoT revolution; and enable robust and reliable communication in harsh industrial environments. Over the years, we've expanded through organic growth and through several acquisitions that have perfectly complemented our existing portfolio and enabled us to deliver complete end-to-end solutions in our target markets. One such example was the acquisition of Intel's Home Gateway Platform Division that added Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Broadband Gateway Processor SoC technology to our connected home portfolio creating a complete and scalable platform of connectivity and access solutions to fully address our customers' needs.
Our headquarters are in Carlsbad, near San Diego, California. We also have major design centers in Irvine and San Jose, California; Valencia, Spain; Bangalore, India; Munich, Germany; Israel; and Singapore.
We have approximately 1,200 employees, a substantial majority of whom have engineering degrees and include masters and Ph.D. graduates from many of the premiere universities around the world. Our employees thrive on innovation, outstanding execution, outside-the-box thinking, nimbleness, and collaboration. Together, we form a high-energy business team that is focused on building the best and most innovative products on the market.