Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA
Lead Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara are concentrated in Silicon Valley's core, with demand running strong across semiconductor design, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software in districts like Central Expressway, the Patrick Henry Drive corridor, and the Great America Parkway tech cluster. Employers actively hiring right now include Capgemini, NVIDIA, and Oracle. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At Capgemini Engineering, the world leader in engineering services, we bring together a global team of engineers, scientists, and architects to help the world’s most innovative companies unleash their potential. From autonomous cars to life-saving robots, our digital and software technology experts think outside the box as they provide unique R&D and engineering services across all industries. Join us for a career full of opportunities. Where you can make a difference. Where no two days are the same.
Location
This is an onsite role in Santa Clara, CA.
About the job you're considering
We are looking for an experienced Embedded Software Developer for RDK-B with strong expertise in broadband gateway technologies. In this role, you will design, develop, and integrate advanced networking features for home and business gateway products on RDK-B. You will work closely with chipset vendors, cross-functional teams, and customer support to deliver robust and scalable solutions.
Your skills and experience
- 3+ years of experience in embedded software development using C (C++ is a plus).
- Strong knowledge of RDK-B/OpenWRT/prplOS architecture and broadband gateway technologies.
- Hands-on experience with embedded Linux, including kernel-level concepts and system debugging.
- Solid understanding of TCP/IP stack, networking protocols (DHCP, DNS, HTTP), and packet flow.
- Experience with firewall/iptables, and IPv6 transition technologies.
- Familiarity with source control tools (Git/Gerrit) and debugging tools (gdb, valgrind, wireshark, tcpdump).
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in complex embedded environments.
Nice to have
- Experience with Wi-Fi technologies and IEEE 802.11 standards (802.11n/ac/ax).
- Knowledge of DOCSIS, MoCA, and other broadband technologies.
- Familiarity with TR-069/TR-181, SNMP, and remote management protocols.
- Exposure to chipset SDKs (Broadcom, Qualcomm, etc.).
- Understanding of security protocols (WPA3, RADIUS, SSL/TLS).
The base compensation range for this role in the posted location is: $53,580-$122,400.
Capgemini provides compensation range information in accordance with applicable national, state, provincial, and local pay transparency laws. The base compensation range listed for this position reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation Capgemini, in good faith, believes it may pay for the role at the time of this posting. This range may be subject to change as permitted by law.
The actual compensation offered to any candidate may fall outside of the posted range and will be determined based on multiple factors legally permitted in the applicable jurisdiction.
These may include, but are not limited to: Geographic location, Education and qualifications, Certifications and licenses, Relevant experience and skills, Seniority and performance, Market and business consideration, Internal pay equity.
It is not typical for candidates to be hired at or near the top of the posted compensation range.
In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for additional compensation such as variable incentives, bonuses, or commissions, depending on the position and applicable laws.
Capgemini offers a comprehensive, non-negotiable benefits package to all regular, full-time employees. In the U.S. and Canada, available benefits are determined by local policy and eligibility and may include:
- Paid time off based on employee grade (A-F), defined by policy: Vacation: 12-25 days, depending on grade, Company paid holidays, Personal Days, Sick Leave
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage (or provincial healthcare coordination in Canada)
- Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k) in the U.S., RRSP in Canada)
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee assistance programs
- Other benefits as provided by local policy and eligibility
Important Notice: Compensation (including bonuses, commissions, or other forms of incentive pay) is not considered earned, vested, or payable until it becomes due under the terms of applicable plans or agreements and is subject to Capgemini’s discretion, consistent with applicable laws. The Company reserves the right to amend or withdraw compensation programs at any time, within the limits of applicable legislation.
Capgemini is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging inclusion in the workplace. Capgemini also participates in the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program which supports meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities across Canada by promoting fairness, accessibility, inclusion and respect. We value the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and actively work to create a welcoming and respectful environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
This is a general description of the Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications required for this position. Physical, mental, sensory or environmental demands may be referenced in an attempt to communicate the manner in which this position traditionally is performed. Whenever necessary to provide individuals with disabilities an equal employment opportunity, Capgemini will consider reasonable accommodations that might involve varying job requirements and/or changing the way this job is performed, provided that such accommodation does not pose an undue hardship. Capgemini is committed to providing reasonable accommodation during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodation, please reach out to your recruiting contact.
Please be aware that Capgemini may capture your image (video or screenshot) during the interview process and that image may be used for verification, including during the hiring and onboarding process.
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem.
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Find Lead Software Engineer JobsLead Software Engineer Job Market in Santa Clara
Who's Hiring
- Capgemini78

- NVIDIA47

- Oracle47

- Dexmate16

- Siemens16

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software125
- Cybersecurity16
- Science & Research16
- Staffing & Recruiting16
Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a lead software engineer job in Santa Clara?
Focus your search on Santa Clara's dominant sectors: semiconductor and chip design firms along the Central Expressway corridor, cloud and networking companies near Great America Parkway, and enterprise software employers clustered around the Patrick Henry Drive area. Candidates who stand out typically bring hands-on distributed systems or embedded software experience, a portfolio of shipped products, and familiarity with the toolchains common in hardware-adjacent tech stacks that Santa Clara employers favor.
Which companies hire lead software engineers in Santa Clara?
Companies currently hiring lead software engineers in Santa Clara include Capgemini, NVIDIA, and Oracle, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Santa Clara's employer base skews heavily toward established semiconductor giants, networking equipment makers, and cloud infrastructure firms, making it distinct from neighboring cities with more startup density.
Are there remote lead software engineer jobs in Santa Clara?
Yes, though at the lead level many Santa Clara roles require on-site presence for cross-functional collaboration, architecture reviews, and mentoring. About 25% of lead software engineer openings tied to Santa Clara are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common at cloud and enterprise software employers in the Great America Parkway district rather than at chip design firms, which tend to require lab access.
How can I get a lead software engineer job in Santa Clara with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is stepping into a senior software engineer role at one of Santa Clara's mid-size networking or cloud infrastructure companies, then building toward a lead title internally. Santa Clara's semiconductor and hardware firms also hire associate engineers through university partnerships with nearby San Jose State and Santa Clara University, making those connections valuable. Demonstrating ownership of a complex system, even in a smaller scope, carries significant weight with local hiring managers.
Which industries hire the most lead software engineers in Santa Clara?
The sectors hiring the most lead software engineers in Santa Clara are Technology & Software, Cybersecurity, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Santa Clara's position at the geographic and historical center of Silicon Valley means these sectors are deeply rooted locally, with decades of supply chain, talent, and infrastructure investment that keeps employer demand concentrated in the city.
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