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Software Engineering Project Manager Jobs in California

Engineering Project Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Our project managers oversee and supervise a design team of Design and Project Engineers. If you have a strong technical background in land development, we think you will love it here! Why you will ...

Engineering Project Manager

Campbell, CA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering * 8+ years of recent experience in the Civil Engineering Industry (Land Development Design) and 2+ years as a Project Manager * Professional Engineer License

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Showing results 1-20

Software Engineering Project Manager information

See California salary details

$89.3K

$135.7K

$221.6K

How much do software engineering project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering project manager in California is $135,690.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $149,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineering Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineering Project Manager, you need a solid background in software development principles, project management methodologies, and often a relevant degree or PMP certification. Familiarity with tools like Jira, Trello, Git, and Agile or Scrum frameworks is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills set standout candidates apart by enabling effective team collaboration and conflict resolution. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet technical and business objectives.

How does a Software Engineering Project Manager typically collaborate with development teams and stakeholders?

A Software Engineering Project Manager serves as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring that project goals align with organizational objectives. They facilitate regular communication through meetings, status updates, and documentation to keep everyone informed and address any issues promptly. By working closely with developers, QA testers, UX designers, and product owners, they help prioritize tasks, resolve bottlenecks, and manage expectations. This collaborative approach helps maintain project momentum and ensures successful delivery within scope, time, and budget constraints.

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

AspectSoftware Engineering Project ManagerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's in CS, Software Engineering, or related; certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with teams, manages projects, coordinates timelinesFocuses on coding, designing, testing software
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, software firms, IT departmentsUsed across tech, startups, enterprise software companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in software teamsLearning about software development roles and skills

The Software Engineering Project Manager oversees software projects, coordinating teams and timelines, while the Software Developer focuses on coding and building software solutions. Both roles are essential in tech companies but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

What does a Software Engineering Project Manager do?

A Software Engineering Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of software development projects. They coordinate teams of software engineers, set project timelines, manage budgets, and ensure that project goals align with business objectives. Their responsibilities also include risk management, stakeholder communication, and quality assurance. By facilitating collaboration between technical and non-technical team members, they help ensure software projects are completed on time and within scope.
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineering Project Manager jobs in California? For Software Engineering Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Engineering Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Engineering Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineering Project Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,690 per year, or $65.2 per hour.
Engineering Project Manager, Tools & Automation

Engineering Project Manager, Tools & Automation

Apple

Culver City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 662 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

The Apps team is in search of a high-energy and ambitious Engineering Project Manager. In this role, you will be part of a team responsible for tool/automation development, servicing customer-facing applications, and bringing AI to our operations. We are looking for someone who takes ownership and is committed to shipping awesome products. Our team combines strong technical skills, product vision, and a love of all things project management to bring together the pieces needed to an extraordinary user experience with Apple software products.
Description
As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the rare and rewarding opportunity to ship upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of Apple's customers every day. This role requires balancing a wide variety of deliverables that will rely on your talent for managing priorities and communicating progress and risks effectively.
Minimum Qualifications
3+ years of Engineering Project Management expertise, delivering software and services projects through a full project lifecycle.
Fundamental understanding of AIML technologies.
Bachelor's degree required in a related subject area, or the equivalent industry experience.
Experience managing native app development using Agile methodology.
Enjoy technical challenges and have the ability to work with various teams, building and managing relationships to navigate delivery dependencies.
Versatile problem solver, equipped with a strong analytical approach to various challenges in complex environments. Adept at creative and critical thinking, able to deconstruct problems, resolve conflicts, and lead the teams to solutions.
Self-starter with a strong sense of personal responsibility and a technical orientation.
Excellent interpersonal skills, especially the ability to filter and distill meaningful information to the right audience.
You are someone who appreciates and enjoys the technical challenges that can exist in delivering software.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a related subject area, or the equivalent industry experience.
A background solving technical challenges in an application development environment while supporting the engineering teams.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976