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Staff Software Engineer Salaries Jobs in Riverside, CA

Software Engineer

Claremont, CA · Remote

$100K - $125K/yr

Software Engineer Flash Biometrics | Hybrid/Remote - Claremont, CA Salary Range: $100,000-$125,000 About Flash Biometrics Flash Biometrics is transforming event admissions with fast, secure, and ...

Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Full Stack Software Engineer to join our engineering team. In ... The Company's salary ranges are determined by role, level, location and alignment with market data.

Software Engineer, Robotics

Irvine, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Above all, Software Engineers on Air Defense are driven by a "Whatever It Takes" mindset-executing ... Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or ...

Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$110K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Are you a seasoned software engineer with a passion for optimizing workflows and driving innovation ... Competitive salary range: $110,000 - $145,000 based on experience * Comprehensive benefits package ...

Procom is a leading provider of professional IT services and staffing to businesses and governments in Canada. They are seeking a Software Engineer to develop software for currency handling devices ...

Job Title : Software Engineer -Power Systems Software Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type ... C++ * iOS or Android application development Salary Range: 74,000.00 - 123,000.00 USD Annual This ...

Job Title : Software Engineer -Power Systems Software Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type ... C++ * iOS or Android application development Salary Range: 74,000.00 - 123,000.00 USD Annual This ...

Job Title : Software Engineer - (ETAP Infrastructure) Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type ... Strong understanding of linear algebra Salary Range: $ 74,000.00 - $123,000.00 Annual This pay ...

Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$123K/yr

Job Title : Software Engineer - (ETAP Infrastructure) Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type ... Strong understanding of linear algebra Salary Range: $ 74,000.00 - $123,000.00 Annual This pay ...

Software Engineer III

Riverside, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Riverside, CA Salary Range: $120,000 - $145,000 Position Summary The Software Engineer III is responsible for the design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of software systems and ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $167K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for motivated, driven, and collaborative Software Engineer with experience in ... The salary range of $100,000 to $167,000 is just one component of Panasonic's total package. The ...

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Job type: Full-time - Hybrid Overview ... Salary Range: $104,500.00 -$174,500.00 This pay range represents the minimum and maximum ...

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$104K - $174K/yr

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Job type: Full-time - Hybrid Overview ... Salary Range: $104,500.00 -$174,500.00 This pay range represents the minimum and maximum ...

Showing results 41-60

Staff Software Engineer Salaries information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$63.1K

$168.1K

$229.5K

How much do staff software engineer salaries jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff software engineer salaries in Riverside, CA is $168,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,300.00 and $198,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by staff software engineers in balancing technical leadership with hands-on development?

Staff Software Engineers often encounter the challenge of balancing their responsibilities as technical leaders with their passion for hands-on coding. They are expected to architect solutions, mentor team members, and drive technical strategy, while also contributing directly to codebases. This balancing act requires strong time management skills and effective prioritization to ensure both team guidance and project delivery remain high-quality. Additionally, Staff Engineers frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, requiring excellent communication to align technical goals with business objectives.

What does a staff software engineer do?

A staff software engineer designs, develops, and maintains complex software systems, often leading technical projects and mentoring junior engineers. They typically have advanced coding skills, expertise in system architecture, and collaborate across teams to ensure scalable and reliable solutions.

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

To thrive as a Staff Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in software development, strong problem-solving abilities, and an extensive understanding of system architecture, typically backed by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Proficiency with programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), cloud platforms, and development tools, as well as familiarity with CI/CD systems and code review processes, is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and mentorship abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are essential for designing scalable solutions, guiding teams, and ensuring technical excellence across projects.

What is the difference between Staff Software Engineer Salaries vs Senior Software Engineer Salaries?

AspectStaff Software EngineerSenior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in CS or related field, extensive experienceBachelor's or Master’s in CS, 5+ years experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, mentor teams, influence technical decisionsDevelop features, troubleshoot, contribute to codebase
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large tech companies, startups, consulting firmsCommon across tech companies, startups, enterprise firms

Staff Software Engineers typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and influence over technical strategy compared to Senior Software Engineers. They often lead projects and mentor teams, whereas Senior Software Engineers focus on developing and maintaining software. Salary differences reflect these roles' scope and responsibilities.

What are typical salaries for staff software engineers?

Staff Software Engineers are senior-level professionals, and their salaries can vary widely based on location, industry, and company size. In the United States, the average base salary ranges from $150,000 to $220,000 annually, with total compensation (including bonuses and stock options) sometimes exceeding $300,000 at top tech companies. Staff Software Engineers often receive additional benefits such as equity, performance bonuses, and comprehensive health coverage. Factors like experience, expertise in specific technologies, and negotiation skills can also impact the total compensation package.

What are popular job titles related to Staff Software Engineer Salaries jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Staff Software Engineer Salaries jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Staff Software Engineer Salaries jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Staff Software Engineer Salaries job openings:

Infographic showing various Staff Software Engineer Salaries job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,120 per year, or $80.8 per hour.

Staff/Principal Flight Software Engineer (IV/V)

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system – you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Flight Software Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Flight Software Engineering Manager, the Flight Software Engineer will become an integral part of our dynamic team, driving the development of cutting-edge nano-satellite vehicle solutions across a variety of exciting projects. Your expertise will be pivotal in advancing our innovative technologies and contributing to the success of our mission-critical initiatives.

This role is preferred to work on-site for team synergy and access to hardware, however remote work is possible after a sufficient period of onboarding.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements
  • Perform as the technical lead of a satellite program
  • Lead a team of junior software engineers, providing mentorship and tasking
  • Design, develop, and maintain simple, reliable, and fault-tolerant software
  • Develop software for unique payloads, such as imagers, image processors, communication devices, and various astronomical science instruments.
  • Create comprehensive unit and regression tests in existing frameworks
  • Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight vehicle, and hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Communicate with the customer in technical working groups
  • Potential 10% travel to visit customers or vendors for Design Reviews and collaborative technical work

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent field.
  • 8+ years (Staff Engineer - Level 4) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or critical systems.
  • 12+ years (Principal Engineer - Level 5) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or critical systems.
  • Prior experience using GitHub or similar Git tool.
  • Highly motivated, self-starting, responsible, thorough, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Additional Differentiators

  • Hands‑on Linux kernel development experience, specifically with low‑level driver subsystems.
  • Demonstrated expertise working with UART or serial communication drivers within the Linux kernel.Experience integrating or modifying kernel interactions with hardware abstraction layers such as PIM modules or equivalent middleware.Ability to debug and trace kernel‑space issues related to device communication paths (UART, SPI, I2C, etc.).Experience supporting early‑stage or evolving hardware/firmware platforms (e.g., FCM+ or similar module frameworks).
  • Experience using ARM and Texas Instruments platforms for embedded systems.
  • Experience with test equipment, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Experience with Linux and GNU tools such as make GCC and debuggers such as GDB.
  • Experience with scripting languages such as bash and Python.
  • Familiarity with build pipelines, deployment and testing on-target.
  • Familiarity with Serial Communications - CAN, RS-422/485, I2C, SPI, PCI, SpaceWire.

Salary Ranges

Staff Flight Software Engineer (Level IV) - $150k to $190k

Principal Flight Software Engineer (Level V) - $170k to $210k

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range
$150,000—$210,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.