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Software Manager Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Whether it's TCP/IP networking stack software that powers billions of iPhones, or high performance kernel bypass and hardware offload running on Apple Silicon servers powering Private Cloud Compute ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$145K - $191K/yr

Lever builds modern recruiting software for teams to source, interview, and hire top talent. Our team strives to set a new bar for enterprise software with modern, well-designed, real-time apps. We ...

Software Engineer, Frontend

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$135K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join the Ema team. You are passionate about designing and ... Collaborate closely with product managers, UX designers, and other stakeholders to gather ...

The Apple Services Engineering (ASE) team is building the next generation of foundational tools that empower software developers at Apple to build products that our customers love. The Observability ...

Senior Software Engineer, Ledgering

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer on the team, you will build and operate the systems of record for ... Work with engineers, product managers, and finance and treasury stakeholders across the company to ...

Senior Software Engineer (backend)

Bodega Bay, CA · Remote

$145K - $191K/yr

Ensure our software is working correctly and fix any customer issues with passion and dedication. Qualifications Who you are * Someone who builds microservices-based cloud products and platforms. * A ...

Showing results 41-60

Software Manager information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$81.5K

$156.2K

$194.6K

How much do software manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for software manager in Santa Rosa, CA is $156,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,000.00 and $185,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software manager?

A software manager oversees the development, installation, and maintenance of new or upgraded software for an organization. As a software manager, you coordinate with staff to determine client needs and expectations, establish budget and timelines, and ensure that employees use the product correctly. You may also train company employees on how to utilize the software after it is installed and help troubleshoot problems that arise.

What does a software manager do?

A Software Manager oversees software development teams, ensuring projects are completed on time and meet quality standards. They coordinate between team members, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders about progress and requirements. Additionally, they may be responsible for hiring, mentoring, and evaluating team performance. Their role bridges the gap between technical staff and upper management to align technology goals with business objectives.

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

To thrive as a Software Manager, you need a strong background in software development, project management, and leadership, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Agile methodologies, version control systems like Git, and project management tools such as Jira is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills set outstanding managers apart in this role. These competencies are essential for delivering projects on time, fostering effective collaboration, and driving high-performing engineering teams.

How does a software manager typically balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities?

Software Managers often juggle both technical and leadership duties, but the balance can vary depending on the organization and team size. In many cases, Software Managers spend a significant portion of their time on people management tasks such as mentoring team members, conducting code reviews, planning sprints, and facilitating communication between stakeholders. However, they may also remain involved in architectural decisions or critical technical challenges to stay connected with the team's work. Effective Software Managers prioritize delegating coding tasks to their team while focusing on enabling productivity, resolving blockers, and ensuring project alignment with business goals.

What is the difference between Software Manager vs Software Engineer?

AspectSoftware ManagerSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; management experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; coding skills
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDevelops software, writes code, tests applications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, startups, large enterprisesUsed across all tech sectors, startups, corporate IT

The main difference between a Software Manager and a Software Engineer lies in their roles. Software Managers focus on team leadership, project management, and strategic planning, while Software Engineers are primarily responsible for coding and developing software. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their responsibilities and work focus differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Software jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Software Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Software Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Software Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Manager job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,163 per year, or $75.1 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer, Controls

Kodiak

Bodega Bay, CA

$190K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.

We are looking for an experienced Controls Software Engineer who is passionate about safety-critical systems to join our Motion Planning & Controls team.

In this role, you will:

  • Be responsible for designing and implementing our feedback, control, and actuation strategies using both established & novel techniques
  • Architect, develop, and test reliable, redundant, and safety-critical software that controls fully-loaded trucks driving on the road
  • Characterize the vehicle platform (e.g., steering, braking, throttle/engine management, dynamics) to develop models that can be used for precise motion planning, simulation, and controls
  • Work on fundamental problems in redundant actuation, degraded operation, and fail-safe control
  • Collaborate with other teams at Kodiak (e.g. hardware, motion planning, and systems engineering) to deliver a robust vehicle control architecture (for example: requirement specifications, test plans, test documentation, and implemented testing at all levels of integration)

What you'll bring:

  • A strong background in robotics, controls, optimization, and mathematics (MS, PhD, or equivalent experience)
  • Developed, tested, and tuned controllers for mobile autonomous robots, ideally trucks, cars, or flying vehicles
  • Performed system identification, modeling, simulation, or other characterization for systems with complex dynamics
  • A strong theoretical foundation paired with practical experience in controls, system modeling, and/or redundant architectures
  • A focus on end-to-end vehicle safety
  • Software development experience writing production-level C or C++
Bonus points if you have:
  • Experience with software design and implementation in safety-critical domains (e.g. automotive, aerospace, medical, etc)
  • Written low-level drivers for software/hardware interfacing using protocols such as CAN or ethernet
  • Written efficient code running on resource-constrained embedded systems with a real-time operating system
  • Experience with formal verification methods, writing requirements, and systems engineering processes
  • Comfortable with Python, Matlab/Simulink, or other simulation/analysis tools used in feedback system design

What we offer:

  • Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, and Guardian (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
  • Flexible PTO and generous parental leave policies
  • Our office is centrally located in Mountain View, CA
  • Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging
  • Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance
  • Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health
  • Fidelity 401(k)
  • Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA
  • Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)

The pay range listed below reflects the base salary in our SF/Silicon Valley location, across several internal levels. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors including: work location, experience, relevant training, education, skill level and performance during interview. Total compensation at Kodiak includes base pay, equity, bonus and a competitive benefits package

California Pay Range
$190,000—$230,000 USD
At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak's sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate's application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
We use a third-party AI tool (Endorsed) to assist in the initial screening of applications. As part of the evaluation process, we provide Endorsed with job requirements and candidate-submitted applications. Final hiring decisions are made by our human recruitment team, and no automated system makes the ultimate decision regarding hiring. Certain features of the platform may qualify it as an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) under applicable regulations. We began using Endorsed on January 1, 2026. You can review the independent bias audit report covering our use of Endorsed [here](https://endorsed.com/local-law-144). By submitting your application, you acknowledge that your application may be processed by AI systems as part of the screening and selection process. If you have any questions or would like to request a separate review of your application, please contact careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.