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Software Project Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Technical Project Lead

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... mechanical, software/firmware, optics, and systems to bring LWIR thermal imaging products from ... The Technical Project Lead will report directly to the SVP of Engineering. This is not a remote ...

Technical Project Lead

Goleta, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... mechanical, software/firmware, optics, and systems to bring LWIR thermal imaging products from ... The Technical Project Lead will report directly to the SVP of Engineering. This is not a remote ...

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About the Role RoadsMax is building modern software for freight and logistics, and we're hiring a Technical Project Manager / Software Delivery Lead to own delivery across our current platform and ...

... mechanical, software/firmware, optics, and systems to bring LWIR thermal imaging products from ... The Technical Project Lead will report directly to the SVP of Engineering. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Own ...

Technology Project Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$122K - $190K/yr

Required Skill and Experience • Project/Program delivery management in the Software Licensing ... Preferred Skill and Experience • Lead end-to-end delivery of Licensing-cloud programs including ...

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Software Project Lead information

See California salary details

$48

$67

$88

How much do software project lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for software project lead in California is $67.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.72 and $70.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Software Project Lead vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Project LeadSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, often PMP or Agile certificationsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, coding certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, coordinates tasksFocuses on coding, designing, and implementing software solutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, software firms, IT departmentsUsed across tech, startups, enterprise software development
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, project managementFocus on technical skills, coding responsibilities

The Software Project Lead typically oversees software development projects, managing teams and ensuring timely delivery, while the Software Developer primarily focuses on coding and building software solutions. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the Project Lead emphasizes leadership and project management skills.

Infographic showing various Software Project Lead job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,400 per year, or $67 per hour.
Software Project Manager - (SJ2026DY)

Software Project Manager - (SJ2026DY)

Archer

San Jose, CA

$181K - $190K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

What You'll Do 

  • Responsible for the project performance and delivery of embedded, safety critical, flight software work packages on the Archer Midnight aircraft. 
  • Responsible for close coordination with multi-disciplinary teams including Software, Systems Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Test. 
  • Responsible for full lifecycle development of software including design, code, and test. 
  • Responsible for program management of one or more software teams which include flight controls, battery management system, or electric engine controls. 
  • Build and maintain strong relationships across different Archer engineering teams. 
  • Work with Software Engineering Managers and Technical Leads to boost communication and solve problems. 
  • Develop taskbased schedules and track progress against the program plan. 
  • Identify and manage project Risks, Issues and Opportunities. 
  • Relentlessly drive on-time execution.
  • Communicate regularly with stakeholders, providing updates on project milestones, risks, and issues. 
  • Prepare and present project reports, status updates, and performance metrics to senior leadership and key stakeholders. 
  • Use Earned Value Tracking and Jira tools. 
  • Support and lead software change control boards to manage project scope and drive team focus. 
  • Identify areas for process improvement and implement solutions to drive team efficiency and productivity. 
  • Compare actual performance against planned performance to identify variances and actively manage team deliverables.

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Management.

Minimum Experience Requirements: 3 years of experience as Software Engineering Program Manager or related job title in which experience managing software projects and processes across multiple industries and functional areas, applying Agile methodologies, process design, and system analysis in diverse technical and business environments was gained.

Alternate Experience Requirements: 5 years of experience as Software Engineering Program Manager or related job title in which experience managing software projects and processes across multiple industries and functional areas, applying Agile methodologies, process design, and system analysis in diverse technical and business environments was gained.

Special Requirements: Must have skills with complex systems (like control systems, microgrids or safety critical industrial processes). Must have understanding of interplay between software processes supporting complex system product development (including requirements, design, and testing) in support of new product introduction. Must have skills in adaptive process design and system analysis, including creating flexible workflows and management systems and translating business and technical requirements into structured processes and software solutions for Agile, SDLC, and cross functional initiatives.

Please apply online at: https://www.archer.com/careers. Must put job code SJ2026DY on resume/CV and cover letter.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are offering $181,868 to $190,961.40 per year. #LI-DNI