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Software Tech Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Software Development The services offered cover Custom Software Development, Application ... Qualifications Location San Jose, CA Pay Rate on corp to crop Duration: 6 months+ Java Tech Lead ...

Echo IT Solutions is seeking an experienced Tech Lead to provide technical leadership and hands-on expertise in designing and delivering high-quality software solutions. The role focuses on ...

SuperDial is looking for a Tech Lead, Full Stack Engineering to build and scale our AI-powered healthcare platform. This role is ideal for an engineer who is strong across the stack, with deep ...

Tech Lead - ToolHound (Embedded, Beacon Software) Where the work is Beacon buys great vertical software businesses and makes them dramatically more valuable, not by squeezing them, but by giving them ...

Sonsoft Inc. is growing at a steady pace specializing in the fields of Software Development, Software Consultancy and Information Technology Enabled Services. At least 2 years of experience in ...

ClifyX is a company seeking a Java Tech Lead with extensive experience in Core Java J2EE ... Write software and participate in code reviews in debugging and coding to resolve issues • ...

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Software Tech Lead information

See California salary details

$26

$63

$84

How much do software tech lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for software tech lead in California is $63.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.16 and $71.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software tech lead?

Software Tech Leads are experienced software engineers who provide technical guidance, oversee development teams, and ensure the successful delivery of software projects. They bridge the gap between management and technical staff, helping to define project architecture, enforce coding standards, and mentor team members. Tech Leads also collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into actionable tasks. Their role is crucial for maintaining code quality, fostering team collaboration, and driving innovation within software development teams.

How does a software tech lead balance hands-on coding with leadership responsibilities?

As a Software Tech Lead, you'll often juggle writing code with overseeing the technical direction of the team. While you'll still contribute to core development tasks, a significant portion of your time will involve mentoring team members, conducting code reviews, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure project alignment. Effective time management and clear communication are essential, as you'll need to support the team's growth while also driving technical excellence and delivering on deadlines. It's common to shift between deep technical work and high-level strategic planning throughout the week.

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

To thrive as a Software Tech Lead, you need strong expertise in software development, architecture design, and leadership, typically backed by a degree in computer science or related field and extensive hands-on coding experience. Familiarity with tools like Git, CI/CD pipelines, cloud platforms, and frameworks such as React or Spring Boot, as well as relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect), is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, mentorship, and problem-solving skills set outstanding Tech Leads apart by enabling effective team collaboration and project delivery. These capabilities are crucial for guiding technical direction, fostering team growth, and ensuring successful project outcomes.
Infographic showing various Software Tech Lead job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,056 per year, or $63.5 per hour.

Firmware/Software Technology Lead

San Jose, CA • On-site

Astera Labs
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

  • Astera Labs is hiring a Tech Lead Design Engineer to help architect and deliver the connectivity silicon powering the world’s largest AI clusters. You’ll own design execution on complex blocks across our purpose-built products, working at the cutting edge of PCIe, CXL, Ethernet, and emerging rack-scale interconnect technologies
  • This is a high-impact technical role at a hyper-growth company. You’ll partner closely with architecture, verification, DFT, and physical design teams to take features from spec to silicon, while contributing to the design methodology that scales with our roadmap. If you want to ship silicon that defines AI infrastructure, this is the team
  • RTL Design & Implementation
  • Own RTL design for assigned blocks from microarchitecture through synthesis sign-off
  • Develop high-quality, synthesizable Verilog/SystemVerilog with strong attention to PPA
  • Drive design reviews, lint, CDC, and timing closure activities to silicon-ready quality
  • Cross-Functional Execution
  • Partner with architecture to translate specifications into implementation-ready microarchitecture
  • Collaborate with verification on testplans, coverage closure, and bug triage
  • Work with DFT and physical design teams on scan, BIST, floorplanning, and timing closure
  • Technical Leadership & Quality
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to design methodology, scripts, and best practices
  • Debug complex pre-silicon and post-silicon issues across RTL, gate-level, and emulation environments
  • Drive structured, data-driven design decisions in support of aggressive tapeout schedules
Benefits
  • Flexible time off in the US
  • Parental leave
  • 401K
  • Retirement and pension plans
  • Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of digital design experience, including at least one full chip from spec to tapeout
  • Solid understanding of high-speed serial interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, or similar) and SoC integration
  • Hands-on experience with timing closure, CDC, lint, and low-power design techniques
  • Strong proficiency in Verilog/SystemVerilog, RTL coding, and synthesis flows
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
  • Experience with PCIe Gen5/Gen6, CXL, UALink, UCIe, or Ethernet MAC/PCS designs
  • Familiarity with formal verification, emulation, or assertion-based methodologies
  • Background in advanced process nodes (7nm, 5nm, or below)
  • Strong debug skills across pre-silicon and post-silicon environments
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