Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Engineering Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, aerospace, semiconductors, and clean energy, with openings at every level from newly promoted team leads to senior directors overseeing multi-site organizations. The largest hiring markets are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Apple, Google, and Northrop Grumman maintain major engineering operations and regularly add engineering managers across hardware, software, and systems disciplines. Demand is especially strong in product engineering, software infrastructure, and embedded systems management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Claris is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apple and the leader in the workspace innovation platform space. We are advancing existing technologies and developing new and exciting products.
We are seeking a Sr Software Engineering Program Manager. This role entails managing the entire software development lifecycle across various functions including Software Engineering, Product Management, QA, Legal, Customer Success, Design, Finance, DevOps, IT, InfoDev and Marketing while fostering innovation, collaboration, and operational effectiveness. Your leadership will be crucial in delivering high-quality software solutions for Claris's SaaS Platform.
Description
We value great teammates with ability to operate and communicate at a strategic level as well as to dive into operational and tactical details of each deliverable. Daily tasks may include requirements gathering, facilitating design discussions, project planning, mocking up proof-of-concept, tracking and reporting on feature and product validations, performing data analysis, working with partners, building team readouts, and more. A successful candidate will drive initiatives from ideation through launch, and build out the vision into sustainable long term programs and products. Strong EPM fundamentals are a requirement, and we are looking for someone with a passion, patience, and track record for solving complex and dynamic operational and technical problems. If you have a growth mindset and the motivation to build critical products in a fast-paced environment - this role is for you!
","responsibilities":"Lead software development programs from planning through launch, building and maintaining project plans that track priorities, dependencies, risks, and timelines.
Partner with Product Management to define release strategies that deliver iterative value to customers through scalable architecture and cohesive user experiences.
Communicate program status, risks, and decisions to stakeholders and senior leadership, and resolve misalignments across teams.
Build cross-team relationships that support collaboration and shared problem-solving.
Define and implement project governance processes and metrics-driven reporting to improve program transparency.
Adapt project plans and priorities in response to changing business needs.
Support your team hands-on, helping to resolve blockers and keep programs moving forward.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Business Operations, Project Management or related.
Proficiency with a variety of project management tools, including Jira, Quip, Slack, Box, and Keynote.
Experience with Claris Platform Products: FileMaker, Connect, and Studio.
Familiarity with SaaS platform product development, cloud technologies and platform services.
Experience delivering software solutions to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Experience in developing and launching AI-enabled features.
Minimum Qualifications
8+ years of experience in software engineering project or program management.
Experience leading complex software programs from initiation through launch.
Experience managing processes across the full software development lifecycle, including tracking metrics to improve efficiency.
Pay & Benefits
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 $207,400 and $311,700, 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.
Claris is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apple and the leader in the workspace innovation platform space. We are advancing existing technologies and developing new and exciting products.
We are seeking a Sr Software Engineering Program Manager. This role entails managing the entire software development lifecycle across various functions including Software Engineering, Product Management, QA, Legal, Customer Success, Design, Finance, DevOps, IT, InfoDev and Marketing while fostering innovation, collaboration, and operational effectiveness. Your leadership will be crucial in delivering high-quality software solutions for Claris's SaaS Platform.
Description
We value great teammates with ability to operate and communicate at a strategic level as well as to dive into operational and tactical details of each deliverable. Daily tasks may include requirements gathering, facilitating design discussions, project planning, mocking up proof-of-concept, tracking and reporting on feature and product validations, performing data analysis, working with partners, building team readouts, and more. A successful candidate will drive initiatives from ideation through launch, and build out the vision into sustainable long term programs and products. Strong EPM fundamentals are a requirement, and we are looking for someone with a passion, patience, and track record for solving complex and dynamic operational and technical problems. If you have a growth mindset and the motivation to build critical products in a fast-paced environment - this role is for you!
","responsibilities":"Lead software development programs from planning through launch, building and maintaining project plans that track priorities, dependencies, risks, and timelines.
Partner with Product Management to define release strategies that deliver iterative value to customers through scalable architecture and cohesive user experiences.
Communicate program status, risks, and decisions to stakeholders and senior leadership, and resolve misalignments across teams.
Build cross-team relationships that support collaboration and shared problem-solving.
Define and implement project governance processes and metrics-driven reporting to improve program transparency.
Adapt project plans and priorities in response to changing business needs.
Support your team hands-on, helping to resolve blockers and keep programs moving forward.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Business Operations, Project Management or related.
Proficiency with a variety of project management tools, including Jira, Quip, Slack, Box, and Keynote.
Experience with Claris Platform Products: FileMaker, Connect, and Studio.
Familiarity with SaaS platform product development, cloud technologies and platform services.
Experience delivering software solutions to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Experience in developing and launching AI-enabled features.
Minimum Qualifications
8+ years of experience in software engineering project or program management.
Experience leading complex software programs from initiation through launch.
Experience managing processes across the full software development lifecycle, including tracking metrics to improve efficiency.
Pay & Benefits
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 $207,400 and $311,700, 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.
See All 703+ Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Manager JobsEngineering Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Google52
- Apple41
- Northrop Grumman33
- Lockheed Martin14
- Tesla13
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware12
- Technology & Software11
- Manufacturing5
- Consulting & Professional Services4
- Law & Legal Services3
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline
- Five or more years of engineering experience with two or more years in a people management role
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a California-based product or systems environment
- Experience with Agile, Scrum, or similar software or hardware development methodologies
- Strong background in roadmap planning, technical recruiting, and performance management
- Familiarity with California labor law requirements including meal breaks, overtime, and wage notice obligations
Engineering Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering manager in California?
Most engineering managers in California move into the role from senior individual contributor positions after building credibility as technical leads or staff engineers. California does not require a state-issued management license for most engineering manager roles, though engineering managers overseeing licensed engineering work may need a Professional Engineer license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. A bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical field is the standard baseline.
Which companies hire engineering managers in California?
Employers hiring engineering managers in California right now include Google, Apple, and Northrop Grumman, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's density of technology headquarters, aerospace primes, and semiconductor firms means engineering manager roles open across a wider range of industries here than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most engineering manager jobs?
San Francisco, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara have the most engineering manager openings in California. The Bay Area's concentration of technology headquarters drives the highest volume, while Los Angeles draws demand from aerospace, entertainment technology, and defense contractors, and San Diego's strong biotech and defense sectors keep a steady pipeline of openings in both hardware and software management.
Are there remote engineering manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 62% of engineering manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how much of the role centers on meetings, code reviews, planning sessions, and async communication rather than physical presence. Software and platform engineering management roles are the most likely to be fully remote, while hardware, manufacturing, and lab-focused management roles typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a engineering manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is transitioning from a senior engineer or tech lead role within an existing California employer, where internal promotions into engineering management are common at companies like Intel, Qualcomm, and large Bay Area technology firms. Candidates without formal management experience can strengthen their candidacy by leading a project, mentoring junior engineers, or completing a front-line leadership program. Roles titled technical lead, staff engineer, or engineering lead are the most common lateral moves that open the door to a first management title.
Where can I find and apply to engineering manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to engineering manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and metro areas. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to each one.
See All 703+ Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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