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Software Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Role As a Project Manager, you'll lead cross-functional software teams from discovery through launch and iteration. The work will span from modernizations and stabilizing "project rescues" to ...

NVIDIA is seeking an experienced Chip Software Project management leader to help us define, build and execute a chip through the entire silicon life cycle for use in various products (Automotive ...

You will play a critical role in managing hardware and software project timelines, mitigating risks, and ensuring that product launches meet quality, cost, and delivery goals. Key Responsibilities

You will play a critical role in managing hardware and software project timelines, mitigating risks, and ensuring that product launches meet quality, cost, and delivery goals. Key Responsibilities

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a RPA Project Manager Details: RPA Project Manager Location: Phoenix AZ or Oakland CA (Hybrid) Duration: 12-24 months ROLE: Client has been working on a Senior ...

• Drive international software localization and software system deployment initiatives between ... t management, technical product delivery, or as an active Bridge Engineer. • 2+ years of ...

... as project management, operations, process design, or QA in a software or tech environment * A track record of finding a problem nobody assigned to you, building your own case for the fix, and ...

Lead complex software projects from inception to delivery, working with global teams and enterprise clients. We're looking for an experienced Technical Project Manager to lead complex software ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Project Manager information

See California salary details

$41K

$92.5K

$133.7K

How much do software project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for software project manager in California is $92,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software project manager?

A software project manager works in an information technology role to manage a company’s software product development and meet project deadlines. As a software project manager, you work with cross-functional teams in various departments to discuss what is and isn’t feasible with current software and generally help manage expectations. Your duties include overseeing product development lifecycles, documenting projects, coordinating product demonstrations, evaluating existing systems, drawing up budgets, mitigating risks, and helping develop and maintain company-wide standards. Throughout your career, you’re expected to keep up to date with industry standards and developments in software.

What does a software project manager do?

A Software Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing software development projects. They coordinate between different teams, manage resources, set project timelines, and ensure the final product meets client requirements. Their role involves risk management, budget control, and regular communication with stakeholders to keep projects on track. Effective software project managers help deliver quality software solutions on time and within budget.

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

To thrive as a Software Project Manager, you need a solid background in software development processes, project management methodologies, and a relevant degree such as computer science or information technology. Familiarity with tools like Jira, Trello, Microsoft Project, and certifications such as PMP or Agile Scrum Master are highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and navigate project challenges effectively. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and meet stakeholder expectations in a dynamic tech environment.

What are some common challenges software project managers face when leading cross-functional teams?

Software Project Managers frequently encounter challenges such as aligning priorities among diverse teams (e.g., development, QA, UX), managing communication gaps, and balancing technical constraints with business goals. Navigating these challenges requires strong interpersonal skills, active stakeholder engagement, and the ability to adapt project plans as new requirements emerge. Regular stand-ups, clear documentation, and fostering a culture of open feedback can help ensure smooth collaboration and successful project delivery.

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

AspectSoftware Project ManagerSoftware Developer
CredentialsProject management certifications (e.g., PMP), technical knowledgeComputer science degree, coding skills
Work EnvironmentTeam coordination, planning, client communicationWriting code, debugging, developing software
Employer & Industry UsageIT companies, software firms, tech departmentsSoftware companies, tech startups, IT departments

The main difference is that a Software Project Manager oversees project planning, coordination, and client communication, while a Software Developer focuses on writing and testing code. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their responsibilities and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Project jobs in California?

The most popular types of Software Project jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Software Project Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Software Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,466 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Project Manager, Software Development

VYNYL

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Role

As a Project Manager, you'll lead cross-functional software teams from discovery through launch and iteration. The work will span from modernizations and stabilizing "project rescues" to developing exciting new products. A significant portion of our work involves cutting-edge AI and data initiatives, including AI-native and enabled product experiences, data platform and integration work, and analytics/automation that turn insights into impact. You'll keep scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality in balance while keeping clients confident and informed.

What You'll Do
  • Manage end-to-end delivery across multiple engagements, agile ceremonies, roadmaps, and iterative releases with measurable outcomes.
  • Meet regularly with clients representing our team, so strong client-facing skills are essential.
  • Translate business objectives into clear requirements and acceptance criteria; ensure tickets are unambiguous and testable. Demonstrated ability to produce logic (truth tables, etc).
  • Keep abreast of the rapidly developing use and deployment of AI tools and techniques, and collaborate with your team and company leadership to integrate this knowledge into our approach.
  • Coordinate across disciplines to ensure data readiness, evaluate and integrate AI model outputs, and ensure alignment with explainability, trust, and governance practices.
  • Plan and track work (milestones, risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies), budgets, and delivery signals (e.g., burnup/burndown, velocity).
  • Mitigate risks proactively; lead issue triage and escalation paths.
  • Coordinate the day-to-day work of our engineers, designers, and product leaders, and work with client partners to ensure seamless collaboration and quality delivery.
  • Partner with account leaders to manage scope and client expectations (draft SOWs, identify scope changes, identify opportunities for growth, escalate issues, validate invoices, etc.).
  • Willing to do what is needed to help the company succeed. Partner with company leadership to help draft new business proposals, RFPs, and participate in new business pitches.
What You'll Bring
  • 4+ years of software product management / development experience or in a related role in a consultancy/agency or product organization delivering custom software.
  • People like working with you. You are the type of person who engenders trust and confidence.
  • The ability to understand the client's real goals and constraints in order to focus your team on identifying opportunities and unlocking business value.
  • The ability to rapidly understand new business models and product ideas.
  • Strong command of agile delivery (usually Scrum or Kanban), while being flexible to the requirements of our clients. You are a Jira expert (though there are some new and interesting alternatives), and adept at managing backlogs, epics, sprints, tickets, releases... and expectations.
  • Technical fluency, including familiarity with common tools and technology stacks; comfortable collaborating with engineering leads.
  • Design fluency, including design thinking, rapid prototyping, UX, and familiarity with common tools (e.g., Figma); comfortable collaborating with product and design leads.
  • Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams (engineering, design, business), including distributed collaborators.
  • Exposure to regulated domains (e.g., healthtech, fintech, govtech, edtech) is a plus.
  • Excellent written communication skills. Using AI is great, but you know how to make sure outputs say what you actually mean them to say, with clarity and good taste. This means you could do it yourself, independent of AI.
  • The ideal candidate probably has prior, hands-on experience as a software/data engineer, UX/UI designer, or product manager embedded in a software development team.
How We Work (and what you can expect)
  • Small, senior teams; zero big reveals: frequent demos, transparent progress, tight feedback loops.
  • Regulated-industry rigor: healthcare, government, and financial services engagements often include compliance-oriented processes and documentation.
  • AI & Data focus: AI-native product experiences and robust data platforms/analytics when they create measurable value.
  • Mainly remote work: seeking candidates in the greater Los Angeles area to mainly work remotely with some on-site work required at times.
Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $100,000 to $160,000