Backend Software Developer Jobs in San Diego, CA
Backend Software Developer jobs in San Diego are concentrated in Sorrento Valley, UTC, and Downtown's emerging tech corridor, with strong hiring across defense technology, biotech software, and consumer apps. Employers actively filling roles right now include Tillster, Qualcomm, and Apple. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Backend Software Developer jobs









The Developer Publications Content Engineering team is responsible for creating world-class developer tools and framework-level support for the documentation workflows in Xcode and Appleʼs developer website. We are looking for a senior software engineer with experience in backend software engineering to help scale and improve our existing technology, while also innovating on new products, infrastructure, and tooling. The ideal candidate is experienced in backend technologies, databases, API design, and architecting reliable systems. As a member of the team, you will work alongside a small, geographically distributed, impactful team that works closely with other departments at Apple. You will help mentor your fellow engineers, and contribute to architecture discussions, code reviews, and proposals. We value candidates from all experiences and backgrounds; donʼt hesitate to apply if you donʼt meet all the key qualifications below.
Description
This is your opportunity to join a highly motivated team that values collaboration and is committed to building reliable backend systems. We are passionate about the products we build and are dedicated to delivering high-performance software that exceeds our customersʼ expectations. In this role, you will: * Collaborate closely with software developers, designers, technical writers and program managers to define and scope backend infrastructure that underpins core documentation workflows * Model great software engineering practices by producing well tested, performant, and reliable code to the multiple systems we maintain * Write detailed architecture and design proposals * Participate in the team culture and engage in code review, pair programming, and architecture discussions with other members of the team * Work cross functionally with teams across Apple, to ensure our tools and systems integrate seamlessly * Constantly seek areas of improvement
Minimum Qualifications
- Years of experience: 7 - 10+
- Excellent understanding of the software development lifecycle
- Experience shipping high quality, performant and reliable products and features
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, understand needs, and define test strategies
- Excellent communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering (or equivalent experience)
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficient in Swift, Java, Vapor, RESTful APIs, PostgreSQL, Docker, Kubernetes, and similar technologies
- Experience with test-driven development, continuous integration and delivery
- Ability to discuss technical tradeoffs across the stack, including: system architecture, database design, API design, and infrastructure
- Knowledge of and familiarity with developing in Apple’s ecosystem, including Xcode, macOS, and Linux
- Experience in Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD pipelines and deployments
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,000 and $308,500, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace
Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
See All 10 Backend Software Developer Jobs in San Diego
Find roles in San Diego that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBackend Software Developer Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring



Backend Software Developer Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a backend software developer job in San Diego?
Focus your search on San Diego's defense tech contractors in Sorrento Valley, biotech and healthtech firms in Torrey Pines, and fintech and consumer software companies in UTC and Downtown. Fluency in cloud infrastructure, API design, and distributed systems gives you a clear edge here. Attending local meetups tied to UCSD's engineering community and the San Diego tech scene also puts you in front of hiring managers before roles are posted publicly.
Which companies hire backend software developers in San Diego?
Employers hiring backend software developers in San Diego right now include Tillster, Qualcomm, and Apple, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Diego's mix of defense contractors, life sciences software firms, and Series B-to-D consumer tech startups means backend roles show up across a wide range of company sizes and verticals.
Are there remote backend software developer jobs in San Diego?
Yes, backend software development is well-suited to remote and hybrid arrangements given its desk-based, screen-driven nature. About 80% of backend software developer openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the strongest remote flexibility found in SaaS and consumer app companies rather than defense or regulated healthcare software roles.
How can I get a backend software developer job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is targeting junior engineering roles at early-stage startups in the Downtown and UTC corridors, where smaller teams are more willing to invest in developers who show strong fundamentals. Building a portfolio with projects that demonstrate REST API design, database work, or cloud deployment resonates with local employers. UCSD Extension and local bootcamp graduates regularly land associate backend roles at San Diego healthtech and fintech companies as a first step.
Related Jobs in California
See All 10 Backend Software Developer Jobs in San Diego
Find roles in San Diego that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs