C Software Engineer Jobs in California

C Software Engineer jobs in California are in strong demand, concentrated in defense and aerospace, embedded systems, automotive technology, and high-performance computing, with openings at every level from entry-level to principal and staff engineer. The largest hiring hubs are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers such as Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, and Apple maintain deep engineering organizations with persistent need for C expertise. Systems programming, real-time operating systems, and firmware development are the most sought-after specialties across these markets. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

Find C Software Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open roles47+
Top employerEsri
Top cityRedlands, CA
Cities hiring19
Work type64% On-site
Top industryTechnology

Showing 5 of 47+ C Software Engineer jobs

Esri
C/C++ Software Development Engineer II
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Esri
Added 3w ago
C/C++ Software Development Engineer II
Esri
Redlands, California
Software Engineering
$101k - $167k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Esri
C++ Software Developer II
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Esri
Added 3w ago
C++ Software Developer II
Esri
Redlands, California
Software Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Backend Engineering
$101k - $167k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Esri
Principal C++ Software Engineer
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Esri
Added 3w ago
Principal C++ Software Engineer
Esri
Redlands, California
Software Engineering
Backend Engineering
$151k - $247k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Esri
C/C++ Software Development Engineer II
We won't show you this job again
Esri
Added 3w ago
C/C++ Software Development Engineer II
Esri
Redlands, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Backend Engineering
$101k - $167k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Esri
Sr. C++ Software Development Engineer
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Esri
Added 3w ago
Sr. C++ Software Development Engineer
Esri
Redlands, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Technical Product & Program Management
Technical Program Management
$123k - $202k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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See All 47 C Software Engineer Jobs in California

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C Software Engineer Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Redlands
12 jobs
Irvine
4 jobs
San Jose
4 jobs
Sunnyvale
4 jobs
Los Angeles
3 jobs
San Francisco
3 jobs
Concord
2 jobs
Mountain View
2 jobs
Palo Alto
2 jobs

C Software Engineer Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Esri
    Esri8
  • HAZEN AND SAWYER
    HAZEN AND SAWYER7
  • Environmental Systems Research Institute
    Environmental Systems Research Institute4
  • Figma
    Figma2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Technology & Software25
  • Consulting & Professional Services12
  • Manufacturing3
  • Electronics & Hardware2
  • Aerospace & Defense1

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in C software engineer jobs across California.

  • Proficiency in C programming with experience in systems or embedded development
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
  • Experience with real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or Linux kernel
  • Familiarity with hardware-software integration, debugging tools, and low-level memory management
  • Knowledge of version control systems such as Git and collaborative development workflows
  • Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and performance optimization techniques

C Software Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a c software engineer in California?

Most c software engineers in California enter the field with a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for software engineers, though some roles in aerospace, defense, or safety-critical systems may require security clearances or employer-specific certifications. Building a portfolio of C projects, contributing to open-source systems software, and targeting California's large embedded and systems engineering employers strengthens a candidate's position significantly.

How much do C software engineers make in California?

C software engineers 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 c software engineers in California?

Employers hiring c software engineers in California right now include Esri, HAZEN AND SAWYER, and Environmental Systems Research Institute, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, semiconductor companies, and consumer electronics firms means demand for C expertise is spread across a wide range of established engineering organizations.

Which California cities have the most c software engineer jobs?

The cities with the most c software engineer openings in California are Redlands, Irvine, and San Jose. The Bay Area draws the highest volume because of its density of semiconductor and systems software companies, while Los Angeles and San Diego reflect California's large aerospace and defense contracting base, where C programming is a core engineering requirement.

Are there remote c software engineer jobs in California?

Yes, and more than many engineering specialties, because C development for non-hardware-dependent applications can be done entirely remotely. About 36% of c software engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the role's strong software component. Work involving hardware-in-the-loop testing, lab equipment, or classified systems is most likely to require on-site presence.

How can I get hired as a c software engineer in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying to new-grad software engineer roles at California-based defense and semiconductor companies, which run structured internship-to-hire and rotational engineering programs for candidates without professional experience. Employers such as Northrop Grumman and Qualcomm recruit directly from California university engineering programs. Lateral entry from adjacent roles in IT, QA engineering, or technical support is also common. A strong GitHub portfolio featuring low-level C projects, contributions to open-source firmware, or university capstone work in embedded systems gives candidates a clear edge.

Where can I find and apply to c software engineer jobs in California?

You can find and apply to c software engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to each one.

See All 47 C Software Engineer Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find C Software Engineer Jobs