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Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Director, Software Engineering

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$186K - $282K/yr

Lead, manage, mentor, and develop teams of managers, software engineers, and quality engineers to grow your team members' career paths. * Recruit, hire, and retain software engineering staff by ...

Lead, manage, mentor, and develop teams of managers, software engineers, and quality engineers to grow your team members' career paths. * Recruit, hire, and retain software engineering staff by ...

Manager, Software Engineering

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$195K - $257K/yr

... with software engineering * 3 or more years experience coding in one of the following languages: Go, Java, and/or Javascript * Hands on technical manager experienced in designing, building and ...

Manager, Software Engineering

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$204K - $276K/yr

As the Manager, Software Engineering, you'll lead a team of software engineers - owning delivery, quality, and the growth of the people on your team. This is a true player-coach role: you'll balance ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Engineering Manager information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$108.5K

$184.8K

$218.7K

How much do software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering manager in Pasadena, CA is $184,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $188,700.00 and $188,700.00 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 Pasadena, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Software Engineering Manager job openings in Pasadena, 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 $184,762 per year, or $88.8 per hour.

Manager Software Engineering 2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
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.
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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
We are looking for you to join our team as a Software Engineering Manager 2 based out of Woodland Hills, CA leading Agile Development teams. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation. This is fully onsite position located in Woodland Hills, CA working a 9/80 schedule.
What You'll Get to Do:
• Manage and lead a team in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, highly diverse assignments, and collaborative settings across all levels.
• Direct teams that deliver technical solutions in an agile software development environment
• Participate in planning and program performance, addressing cost, schedule, technical performance, and quality for a work package, subsystem, or related work packages.
• Manage staffing and report status and metrics to program and functional leadership.
• Provide functional management to direct reports, including career guidance, staffing, interviewing/onboarding, coaching, and direct engagement.
• Develop and implement robust processes with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
• Interface with program leaders to coordinate staffing requirements and ensure the proper skill mix to support program activities.
• Mentor team members to develop skills and provide career guidance and development planning.
Basic Qualifications - Software Engineering Manager 2
• Bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) with 8 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in STEM with 6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): software design, requirements, application development, integration, testing, and deployment.
• Proficiency in at least two of the following programming or scripting languages: C, Python, and/or Ada.
• Experience using software-management and workflow-automation tools such as Jira, ClearCase, Git, and ClearQuest.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage agile development technical teams.
• Knowledge of requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS.
• Experience generating and/or reviewing cost estimates or basis of estimate (BOE) documentation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance within the timeframe set by management.
• Must be able to work full-time onsite in Woodland Hills, CA.
Preferred Qualifications - Software Engineering Manager 2
• Master's degree in a technical field with 6 years of experience in a multi-discipline engineering environment, or a Ph.D. with 3 years of experience.
• Experience developing and implementing processes that improve product-development efficiency and accuracy.
• Proven track record of leading a team of engineers and establishing strong relationships with other functional organizations and program offices.
• Experience with failure-analysis techniques and methods (RCCAs).
• Technical project-management experience, including budget and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) expertise.
• Demonstrated success with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) philosophies and tools.
• Experience authoring and reviewing technical proposals.
• Experience with engineering planning, scheduling, metrics, earned-value systems, and workload forecasting.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.
Primary Level Salary Range: $161,100.00 - $241,700.00
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