Back End Developer Jobs in California
Back End Developer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in enterprise software, fintech, cloud infrastructure, and entertainment technology at every level from junior to staff engineer. The densest hiring is in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Google, Salesforce, and Apple maintain large engineering organizations and consistently recruit back end talent. The most in-demand specialties include distributed systems, API development, and cloud-native architecture on AWS or Google Cloud. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.
As a Senior Java Backend Developer at Pacific Life, you will assist in the development of backend services, APIs, and microservices essential to our Workforce Benefits Division’s digital infrastructure. This role requires a deep understanding of Java, a strong knowledge of the insurance domain, and proficiency in tools such as Kraken, OpenL, and Flowable. You’ll be responsible for designing robust backend solutions, optimizing processes, and supporting a configuration-driven environment to enhance our administration system’s functionality, performance, and scalability. A strong foundation in microservices and API development will empower you to build reliable, secure integrations and support system interoperability across multiple platforms.
We are actively seeking a skilled Senior Java Backend Developer to join our Workforce Benefits Division team in Newport Beach, CA.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Backend Development: Aid in the design, development, and optimization of Java-based backend services within the insurance platform, supporting our configuration-focused environment.
- System Integration: Collaborate with frontend developers, UX/UI designers, and business stakeholders to ensure seamless integration across all systems.
- Technical Leadership: Provide mentorship to junior developers, instilling best practices for secure, scalable applications.
- Microservices & API Development: Design and implement microservices and RESTful APIs to support secure, efficient integrations.
- Performance Optimization: Monitor and address performance bottlenecks, ensuring optimal system response times and scalability.
- Problem Solving: Lead troubleshooting efforts and drive continuous improvements in backend development processes.
Insurance-Specific Responsibilities
- Member, Policy, and Product Domain Logic: Build and enhance services related to member enrollment, policy administration, plan configuration, and product rules within a group benefits context.
- Policy Lifecycle Support: Implement functionality supporting policy issuance, endorsements, renewals, terminations, and reinstatements.
- Configuration-Driven Logic: Work with configurable platforms to interpret and apply benefit rules, premium calculations, and eligibility validations.
- Billing and Claims Readiness: Contribute to backend readiness for billing schedules, invoice generation, and downstream claim enablement based on policy and product configuration.
- Group Insurance Alignment: Align development with the unique requirements of group insurance products, including multi-coverage, multi-tier, and employer-level constructs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience: 6+ years in Java-focused backend development, with strong knowledge of API and RESTful services.
- Version Control: Proficient in Git for version control.
- Tools Knowledge: Experience with Kraken, OpenL, and Flowable is preferred.
- Industry Background: Knowledge of insurance is preferred.
COMPENSATION
- Base Pay Range: $124,830.00 - $152,570.00
The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.
YOUR BENEFITS START DAY 1
Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.
- Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
- Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
- Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation
You Can Be Who You Are
We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
EEO Statement:
Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.
See All 154+ Back End Developer Jobs in California
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Find Back End Developer JobsBack End Developer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Back End Developer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Canonical7

- Oracle6

- Pacific Life6

- Esri5

- SIDRAM TECHNOLOGIES5

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software98
- Consulting & Professional Services14
- Electronics & Hardware14
- Insurance8
- Healthcare & Medical Services5
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in back end developer jobs across California.
- Proficiency in at least one backend language such as Python, Java, Go, or Node.js
- Experience designing and maintaining RESTful or GraphQL APIs for production systems
- Hands-on work with relational and NoSQL databases including PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB
- Familiarity with cloud platforms, particularly AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or Azure
- Understanding of containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field
Back End Developer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a back end developer in California?
Back end development has no state-issued license in California, so the path runs through education and demonstrated technical skill. Most employers accept a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering, though California's tech industry also widely recognizes coding bootcamp graduates who can show a strong project portfolio. Building experience through open-source contributions, internships, or contract work is a practical way to meet the bar California employers typically set.
How much do back end developers make in California?
Back end developers in California earn a median of about $174,410 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $105,060 for the lowest 10% to over $272,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire back end developers in California?
Employers hiring back end developers in California right now include Canonical, Oracle, and Pacific Life, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of enterprise software, cloud, and media companies means back end roles appear across a wide range of industries beyond traditional tech.
Which California cities have the most back end developer jobs?
San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Clara have the most back end developer openings in California. San Francisco leads because of its density of enterprise software and fintech headquarters, Los Angeles draws volume from entertainment technology and e-commerce platforms, and San Diego contributes through its growing cluster of defense technology and biotech firms that rely heavily on backend infrastructure.
Are there remote back end developer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 23% of back end developer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how thoroughly this work can be done off-site. Fully remote roles are most common in API development, microservices, and cloud infrastructure, where output is measured in code rather than physical presence.
How can I get hired as a back end developer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate software engineer or junior developer roles at mid-size California technology companies that run structured new-grad programs, such as those commonly posted by companies headquartered in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Adjacent roles like QA engineer, DevOps associate, or data engineer offer a lateral route in. A portfolio of deployed projects on GitHub and familiarity with one major cloud platform give early-career candidates a concrete edge in California screening processes.
Where can I find and apply to back end developer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to back end developer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 154+ Back End Developer Jobs in California
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