Senior C Software Engineer Jobs in California
Senior C Software Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, embedded systems, automotive software, and enterprise infrastructure across a state that houses some of the world's densest engineering talent. The heaviest hiring happens in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, and Apple maintain large engineering workforces and consistently recruit for senior-level systems and embedded expertise. The most in-demand specialties are real-time systems programming, embedded firmware development, and high-performance computing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 57+ Senior C Software Engineer jobs
Who We Are:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud company advancing the way people live and work. We help companies connect, protect, analyze, and act on their data and applications wherever they live, from edge to cloud, so they can turn insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today’s complex world. Our culture thrives on finding new and better ways to accelerate what’s next. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good. If you are looking to stretch and grow your career our culture will embrace you. Open up opportunities with HPE.
Job Description:
Job Family Definition:
Designs, develops, troubleshoots and debugs software programs for software enhancements and new products. Develops software including operating systems, compilers, routers, networks, utilities, databases and Internet-related tools. Determines hardware compatibility and/or influences hardware design.
Management Level Definition:
Contributions include applying developed subject matter expertise to solve common and sometimes complex technical problems and recommending alternatives where necessary. Might act as project lead and provide assistance to lower level professionals. Exercises independent judgment and consults with others to determine best method for accomplishing work and achieving objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Designs enhancements, updates, and programming changes for portions and subsystems of systems software, including operating systems, compliers, networking, utilities, databases, and Internet-related tools.
- Analyzes design and determines coding, programming, and integration activities required based on general objectives and knowledge of overall architecture of product or solution.
- Writes and executes complete testing plans, protocols, and documentation for assigned portion of application; identifies and debugs, and creates solutions for issues with code and integration into application architecture.
- Leads a project team of other software systems engineers and internal and outsourced development partners to develop reliable, cost effective and high quality solutions for assigned systems portion or subsystem.
- Collaborates and communicates with management, internal, and outsourced development partners regarding software systems design status, project progress, and issue resolution.
- Represents the software systems engineering team for all phases of larger and more-complex development projects. Provides guidance and mentoring to less- experienced staff members.
- Provides guidance and mentoring to less- experienced staff members.
Education and Experience Required:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent.
- Typically 4-6 years experience.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Expertise in multiple software systems design tools and languages.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Designing software systems running on multiple platform types.
- Software systems testing methodology, including writing and execution of test plans, debugging, and testing scripts and tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; mastery in English and local language. Ability to effectively communicate product architectures, design proposals and negotiate options at management levels.
Accessibility
HPE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodation during any stage of the application or interview process, please submit your request by completing our secure form linked here.
Note: This option is reserved for applicants needing assistance/reasonable accommodation related to a disability.
What We Can Offer You:
Health & Wellbeing
We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.
Personal & Professional Development
We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have — whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your skills to another division.
Unconditional Inclusion
We are unconditionally inclusive in the way we work and celebrate individual uniqueness. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good.
Let's Stay Connected:
Follow @HPECareers on Instagram to see the latest on people, culture and tech at HPE.
Job:
EngineeringJob Level:
TCP_03
– United States of America: Annual Salary USD 116,000 - 220,000 in Colorado // 125,500 - 253,000 in California
The listed salary range reflects base salary. Variable incentives may also be offered."
Information about employee benefits offered in the US can be found at https://myhperewards.com/main/new-hire-enrollment.html
The estimated job application period closure is January 11 2027; this timeline is provided for transparency and internal planning purposes.HPE is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or any other protected category, and all decisions we make are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Our goal is to be one global team that is representative of our customers, in an inclusive environment where we can continue to innovate and grow together. Please click here: Equal Employment Opportunity.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is EEO Protected Veteran/ Individual with Disabilities.
HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring employers to consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.
Recruitment Fraud Alert
We have become aware of an increase in fraudulent recruitment activities in which individuals impersonate our company or authorized recruitment agencies to offer fake employment opportunities. These scams may occur through false websites, emails, social media, or chat-based applications and often aim to obtain personal information or money. Please note that Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and its authorized recruitment agencies/vendors will never charge a candidate a registration fee, hiring fee, or any other fee in connection with its recruitment and hiring process. We also never request personal information such as back account details, Social Security numbers, or national IDs via social media or chat applications.
All legitimate job opportunities will come through official company channels, and candidates are responsible for verifying the credentials of any third party claiming to represent the company. Any reliance on fraudulent communication is at the individual’s own risk, and HPE disclaims legal liability for any resulting damages. If you suspect recruitment fraud, do not share personal information or make any payments and report the incident to your local authorities immediately.
Who We Are:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud company advancing the way people live and work. We help companies connect, protect, analyze, and act on their data and applications wherever they live, from edge to cloud, so they can turn insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today’s complex world. Our culture thrives on finding new and better ways to accelerate what’s next. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good. If you are looking to stretch and grow your career our culture will embrace you. Open up opportunities with HPE.
Job Description:
Job Family Definition:
Designs, develops, troubleshoots and debugs software programs for software enhancements and new products. Develops software including operating systems, compilers, routers, networks, utilities, databases and Internet-related tools. Determines hardware compatibility and/or influences hardware design.
Management Level Definition:
Contributions include applying developed subject matter expertise to solve common and sometimes complex technical problems and recommending alternatives where necessary. Might act as project lead and provide assistance to lower level professionals. Exercises independent judgment and consults with others to determine best method for accomplishing work and achieving objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Designs enhancements, updates, and programming changes for portions and subsystems of systems software, including operating systems, compliers, networking, utilities, databases, and Internet-related tools.
- Analyzes design and determines coding, programming, and integration activities required based on general objectives and knowledge of overall architecture of product or solution.
- Writes and executes complete testing plans, protocols, and documentation for assigned portion of application; identifies and debugs, and creates solutions for issues with code and integration into application architecture.
- Leads a project team of other software systems engineers and internal and outsourced development partners to develop reliable, cost effective and high quality solutions for assigned systems portion or subsystem.
- Collaborates and communicates with management, internal, and outsourced development partners regarding software systems design status, project progress, and issue resolution.
- Represents the software systems engineering team for all phases of larger and more-complex development projects. Provides guidance and mentoring to less- experienced staff members.
- Provides guidance and mentoring to less- experienced staff members.
Education and Experience Required:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent.
- Typically 4-6 years experience.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Expertise in multiple software systems design tools and languages.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Designing software systems running on multiple platform types.
- Software systems testing methodology, including writing and execution of test plans, debugging, and testing scripts and tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; mastery in English and local language. Ability to effectively communicate product architectures, design proposals and negotiate options at management levels.
Accessibility
HPE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodation during any stage of the application or interview process, please submit your request by completing our secure form linked here.
Note: This option is reserved for applicants needing assistance/reasonable accommodation related to a disability.
What We Can Offer You:
Health & Wellbeing
We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.
Personal & Professional Development
We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have — whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your skills to another division.
Unconditional Inclusion
We are unconditionally inclusive in the way we work and celebrate individual uniqueness. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good.
Let's Stay Connected:
Follow @HPECareers on Instagram to see the latest on people, culture and tech at HPE.
Job:
EngineeringJob Level:
TCP_03
– United States of America: Annual Salary USD 116,000 - 220,000 in Colorado // 125,500 - 253,000 in California
The listed salary range reflects base salary. Variable incentives may also be offered."
Information about employee benefits offered in the US can be found at https://myhperewards.com/main/new-hire-enrollment.html
The estimated job application period closure is January 11 2027; this timeline is provided for transparency and internal planning purposes.HPE is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or any other protected category, and all decisions we make are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Our goal is to be one global team that is representative of our customers, in an inclusive environment where we can continue to innovate and grow together. Please click here: Equal Employment Opportunity.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is EEO Protected Veteran/ Individual with Disabilities.
HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring employers to consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.
Recruitment Fraud Alert
We have become aware of an increase in fraudulent recruitment activities in which individuals impersonate our company or authorized recruitment agencies to offer fake employment opportunities. These scams may occur through false websites, emails, social media, or chat-based applications and often aim to obtain personal information or money. Please note that Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and its authorized recruitment agencies/vendors will never charge a candidate a registration fee, hiring fee, or any other fee in connection with its recruitment and hiring process. We also never request personal information such as back account details, Social Security numbers, or national IDs via social media or chat applications.
All legitimate job opportunities will come through official company channels, and candidates are responsible for verifying the credentials of any third party claiming to represent the company. Any reliance on fraudulent communication is at the individual’s own risk, and HPE disclaims legal liability for any resulting damages. If you suspect recruitment fraud, do not share personal information or make any payments and report the incident to your local authorities immediately.
See All 57 Senior C Software Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior C Software Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior C Software Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software13
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Aerospace & Defense1
- Staffing & Recruiting1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior C software engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
- Five or more years of production-level C programming experience in systems or embedded environments
- Deep knowledge of memory management, pointers, and low-level hardware interfaces
- Experience with real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or POSIX-compliant systems
- Proficiency with debugging tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and embedded development environments
- Familiarity with version control systems and collaborative development workflows such as Git
Senior C Software Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior c software engineer in California?
Senior c software engineer roles in California do not require a state-issued license, but the path to senior-level positions typically runs through a computer science or electrical engineering degree followed by several years writing production C in embedded, systems, or aerospace environments. California employers in defense and aerospace often require or strongly prefer candidates who can obtain a federal security clearance, which adds an additional qualification layer. Building a portfolio of firmware or systems projects and contributing to open-source C repositories significantly strengthens a candidacy for senior roles at California companies.
How much do senior C software engineers make in California?
Senior 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 senior c software engineers in California?
Employers hiring senior c software engineers in California right now include Esri, Snap, and VSolvit, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor companies, and defense contractors makes it one of the deepest markets in the country for senior-level C engineering talent.
Which California cities have the most senior c software engineer jobs?
The cities with the most senior c software engineer openings in California are Redlands, Los Angeles, and Santa Clara. The distribution reflects California's major engineering corridors: the Bay Area's dense concentration of semiconductor and infrastructure companies drives volume in the north, while San Diego's established defense and wireless industry base and Los Angeles's aerospace and entertainment technology sectors sustain strong demand in the south.
Are there remote senior c software engineer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many engineering disciplines, though the share depends heavily on the sub-specialty. About 48% of senior c software engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that some systems work is lab-bound. The roles most likely to be fully remote are those focused on application-layer C development, toolchain engineering, or platform work that does not require physical access to hardware.
How can I get hired as a senior c software engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an associate or junior embedded software engineer role, then building toward senior standing over time. Large California defense and aerospace employers like Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin run new-graduate hiring programs that accept strong computer engineering or computer science graduates with relevant coursework in operating systems and C. Candidates who come from adjacent roles such as hardware verification engineer, firmware test engineer, or systems integration engineer have a concrete path sideways into C development. A personal portfolio of embedded or systems projects on GitHub gives a candidate without commercial experience a tangible signal of capability.
Where can I find and apply to senior c software engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior c software engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across defense, semiconductor, automotive, and enterprise sectors. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 57 Senior C Software Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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