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Software Grad Jobs in Hawthorne, CA (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

... of post-grad software development experience; or a PhD in a related technical field + 6+ years of post-grad software development experience * 2+ years of experience with technical leadership or ...

Principal Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

... of post-grad software development experience; or a PhD in a related technical field + 6+ years of post-grad software development experience * 2+ years of experience with technical leadership or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Software Grad information

See Hawthorne, CA salary details

$40.2K

$94.1K

$183.5K

How much do software grad jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for software grad in Hawthorne, CA is $94,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $111,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software grad?

Software grads are recent graduates who have completed a degree, typically in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, and are starting their careers in the software industry. They usually possess foundational knowledge in programming, software development methodologies, and problem-solving. As entry-level professionals, software grads often work as junior developers, testers, or in support roles while gaining practical experience and training in the workplace.

What do software grads do?

As a Software Grad, you can expect to work on a variety of projects, often starting with smaller, well-defined tasks before moving on to more complex assignments. You'll typically collaborate with experienced engineers in agile teams, contributing to coding, debugging, and testing software modules. Regular code reviews and mentorship are common, providing opportunities to learn best practices and industry standards. Over time, you'll gain more autonomy and may get involved in project planning or client meetings, setting a strong foundation for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software grad?

To thrive as a Software Grad, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, algorithms, and software development principles, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with languages like Python, Java, or C++, version control systems like Git, and exposure to frameworks or cloud platforms is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make candidates stand out in this early-career role. These skills and qualities are crucial for adapting to diverse technical challenges, collaborating on projects, and building a successful foundation in the tech industry.

What is the difference between Software Grad vs Software Engineer?

AspectSoftware GradSoftware Engineer
QualificationsTypically recent graduates with a degree in computer science or related fieldUsually requires experience or proven skills beyond entry-level
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, often in entry-level roles or internshipsFull responsibilities in software development projects
Employer UsageEntry-level position for new graduatesMid-level or senior roles, often with more autonomy

In summary, a Software Grad is an entry-level role for recent graduates starting their careers, while a Software Engineer typically has more experience and handles more complex tasks. The transition from Software Grad to Software Engineer involves gaining practical skills and experience in real-world projects.

What cities near Hawthorne, CA are hiring for Software Grad jobs?

Cities near Hawthorne, CA with the most Software Grad job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Grad job openings in Hawthorne, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,138 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Software Engineer (New Grad December 2026)

Los Angeles, CA

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (NEW GRAD DECEMBER 2026)

Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.  

As a Software Engineer at Freeform, you will play a key role in developing and deploying the software systems that power our autonomous metal 3D printing factories. You'll work with a talented engineering team from some of the world's most innovative companies across a range of projects including controls, high-speed data acquisition, high-performance computing (GPU's and FPGA's), and geometry processing pipelines that enable precise and fully automated manufacturing at scale. Your work will directly impact the performance, reliability, and scalability of our factory systems. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, takes initiative on complex technical problems, and works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver robust, high-performance software solutions. This is an opportunity to build foundational systems for a new category of manufacturing technology - where your code doesn't just run, it drives physical innovation. 

3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology! 

Responsibilities:  

  • Architect and develop software for an advanced, production-scale metal 3D printing factory 
  • Work with process, control, and mechanical engineers to integrate control algorithms into production software 
  • Improve and scale out high-rate data acquisition, storage, and retrieval systems 
  • Implement processes for converting customer part geometries into machine print instructions 

Basic Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering from an ABET accredited university or college 
  • Internship or engineering club experience such as FSAE, Baja SAE, solar car, rocket club, robotics club, hackathons, or similar programming with C/C++ or Rust

Nice to Have:  

  • Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in computer science or computer engineering 
  • Experience interfacing with microcontrollers, FPGA, or GPU computing hardware 
  • Experience developing embedded or real-time software systems 
  • Experience writing software for industrial automation systems, rockets, spacecrafts, robotics, or related hardware that operates with the physical world 
  • Experience working in a Linux or RTOS environment 
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and iterating quickly (comfortable building the plane as we fly it) 
  • Strong communicator who collaborates across disciplines and proactively seeks support when needed 
  • Willing to take ownership of tasks big and small, with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset 
  • Strong work ethic with a refuse-to-fail mindset 
  • Demonstrated indicators of excellence and/or achieving success against adversity (i.e. top academic performance, leadership in engineering clubs, first-generation college student, or other examples of resilience and achievement) 

Location:  

  • We are located in Hawthorne, CA in a 35,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, as well as easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways. Our facility is in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem alongside many other high growth startups and enterprises. 

What We Offer:  

  • We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions. 
  • We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling world-changing technology.  
  • Benefits  
    • Significant stock option packages 
    • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options) 
    • Life insurance 
    • Traditional and Roth 401(k) 
    • Relocation assistance provided 
    • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays 
    • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent 
    • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette 
    • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events 
  • Compensation  
    • Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company's current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role. 
    • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $125,000-$150,000, dependent on the candidate's academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience
  • Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.