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Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

ICEYE US

Software Engineering Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Software Engineering Manager will lead a multi-functional team in the development, deployment, and maintenance of mission systems, while remaining hands-on with coding and contributing to ...

Origence

Manager, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Manager, Software Engineering is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of software projects, requiring a blend of technical knowledge, managerial expertise, and interpersonal ...

Origence

Manager, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Manager, Software Engineering is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of software projects, requiring a blend of technical knowledge, managerial expertise, and interpersonal ...

Origence

Manager, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Manager, Software Engineering is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of software projects, requiring a blend of technical knowledge, managerial expertise, and interpersonal ...

CU Direct

Manager, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA

The Manager, Software Engineering is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of software projects, requiring a blend of technical knowledge, managerial expertise, and interpersonal ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoftware Engineering Manager JobsSoftware Engineering Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

Software Engineering Manager information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$103.8K

$176.7K

$209.2K

How much do software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering manager in Riverside, CA is $176,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $180,500.00 and $180,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

In software engineering, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of developer seniority or experience, with L1 being entry-level and L4 representing senior or lead roles. These levels often indicate increasing technical skills, responsibility, and leadership expectations within a company’s engineering hierarchy.

How much do software engineer managers make?

Software engineering managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $120,000 to $180,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often oversee teams, coordinate projects, and require strong technical and leadership skills, with some roles offering additional bonuses or stock options.

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 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 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 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 does a software engineer manager do?

A software engineering manager oversees software development teams, coordinates project planning, sets technical goals, and ensures timely delivery of software products. They also handle team management, performance evaluations, and collaborate with stakeholders to align technical efforts with business objectives.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineering managers and highly experienced software engineers at large tech companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and expertise in areas like cloud computing, machine learning, or system architecture.
More about Software Engineering Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Software Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineering Manager jobs in Riverside, CA? For Software Engineering Manager jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineering Manager jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineering Manager jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Software Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Software Engineering Manager job openings:
Software Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineering Manager job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $176,710 per year, or $85 per hour.
Software Engineering Manager

Software Engineering Manager

Palomar Products, Inc.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Palomar Products is a global leader in secure military communications technology, developing mission-critical communication systems used across fighter aircraft, helicopters, naval platforms, and next-generation defense programs worldwide.


Would you like to lead the development of next-generation secure communication systems deployed across military aircraft, naval platforms, and mission-critical defense programs worldwide?

Are you currently leading a small software team and looking for a genuine succession-planning opportunity that could ultimately lead to Director , VP Engineering, and executive leadership positions across a multi-billion-dollar aerospace group?


Position Summary :


Palomar is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of skilled engineers developing safety critical software for secure communications systems. You’ll oversee a small team of highly experienced subject matter experts (SME) and manage third-party developers. Your time will be split between technical oversight, team leadership, process improvement, and occasional hands-on support. You’ll also collaborate on proposals, departmental planning, and tool/license management .


Reporting directly to the VP of Engineering, this role is ideal for experienced Software Engineering Managers, as well as Principal Engineers and Technical Leads looking to take the next step into formal engineering leadership.


As a Software Engineering Manager, you will:


  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 5 Software Engineers through coaching, career development, and regular 1-to-1s
  • Drive software architecture, development, integration, verification, certification, and SDLC activities
  • Guide daily engineering activities, remove blockers, and support successful project execution
  • Collaborate with Program and Project Engineering on proposals, estimates, staffing forecasts, and resource planning
  • Work closely with Systems, Hardware, FPGA, and Test Engineering teams to deliver mission-critical communications technology


The ideal Software Engineering Manager will bring:


  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
  • 8+ years of software development experience, including 2+ years in a formal management or leadership role.
  • Strong background in safety critical software development in aerospace or defense.
  • Experience with DO-178C, RTOS (e.g., VxWorks, Wind River), and real-time embedded environments.
  • Familiarity with open system architectures such as SOSA, MOSA, or FACE.
  • Experience across the software development lifecycle within aerospace, defense, communications, avionics


Desirable Experience of the Software Engineering Manager:


  • Secure Communications Architectures
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) Systems
  • Tactical Data Links
  • Voice & Data Communication Systems
  • Airborne Communication Platforms


Why Join Palomar as a Software Engineering Manager?


  • Succession-planning opportunity with future growth into Director / VP Engineering leadership
  • Opportunity to influence software strategy, engineering processes, and future product roadmaps
  • Join a company backed by TransDigm, a multi-billion-dollar publicly traded aerospace group with an engineering legacy supporting Aerospace/defense & military platforms worldwide
  • Long-term career opportunities across 55 operating companies


Compensation: Truly flexible compensation starting at $200,000+ DOE

Benefits : Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and more

9/80 schedule with every other Friday off


This opportunity offers exposure to advanced secure communications technology, airborne mission systems, and next-generation defense programs while providing a genuine long-term leadership career path.


All suitable applicants will be contacted within one working day. Apply today to avoid missing out!

Apply