Software Developer Jobs in California
Software Developer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, enterprise software, fintech, and defense, with openings at every level from entry-level to principal and staff engineer. The largest hiring markets are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers like Google, Apple, and Salesforce maintain major engineering operations. Full-stack development, cloud infrastructure, and machine learning engineering are the most in-demand specializations across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Job Overview:
We are seeking a Senior Systems Software Engineer to design, implement, and optimize software systems for our autonomous surface vessels. This role will involve working closely with cross-functional teams to develop robust software solutions that meet the unique challenges of maritime operations.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and maintain software systems using NixOS for autonomous navigation, control, and communication of autonomous surface vessels
Collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate software with vessel systems, ensuring seamless operation
Implement algorithms for controls and sensor fusion
Optimize network communications for low bandwidth/high latency environments
Conduct software testing and validation to ensure reliability, robustness, and performance in real-world maritime environments
Participate in code reviews and maintain high coding standards, ensuring scalability and maintainability of software
Troubleshoot and debug complex software issues, providing timely resolutions
Document software designs, processes, and test results for compliance and knowledge sharing
Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in autonomous systems
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
Senior Engineers: 3+ years of experience in software engineering, preferably in autonomous systems or robotics
Staff Engineers: 8+ years of experience in software engineering, including architecture, cross-functional leadership, or platform ownership in autonomy, robotics, or embedded systems. Experience programming in C/C++ or Rust
Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design patterns
Experience with embedded Linux systems and embedded software development
Experience with low-level serial protocols (e.g., RS-232, CAN) is a plus
A strong understanding of networking principles and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP) is a plus
Familiarity with sensors, control systems, and maritime operations is a plus
Knowledge of DoD standards and regulations related to software development is advantageous
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Benefits
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
Saronic pays 100% of employees' insurance premiums and 80% of dependents' premiums
Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
Physical Demands
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Occasional standing and walking within the office.
Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.
Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.
Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).
If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
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Find Software Developer JobsSoftware Developer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Developer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Google77

- TikTok46

- Apple30

- Speechify28

- NVIDIA25

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software29
- Electronics & Hardware9
- Automotive2
- Manufacturing2
- Law & Legal Services2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software developer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field
- Proficiency in one or more languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, or Go
- Experience with cloud platforms including AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure
- Familiarity with agile development methodologies and version control using Git
- Ability to design, build, and maintain scalable APIs and distributed systems
- Strong collaboration and communication skills for cross-functional engineering teams
Software Developer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software developer in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as a software developer. The standard path is a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field from a California university system such as UC or CSU, followed by an internship or junior engineering role. Candidates who complete coding bootcamps accredited by California's Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education also compete effectively, particularly with a strong portfolio of projects.
How much do software developers make in California?
Software developers 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 software developers in California?
Employers hiring software developers in California right now include Google, TikTok, and Apple, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters and defense contractors means software developer hiring is distributed across both high-growth startups in the Bay Area and large enterprise employers in Los Angeles and San Diego.
Which California cities have the most software developer jobs?
The California cities with the most software developer openings are San Jose, San Francisco, and Sunnyvale. The San Francisco Bay Area leads because it is home to the headquarters and major engineering campuses of many of the world's largest technology companies, while Los Angeles draws volume from entertainment technology, aerospace, and a growing fintech sector, and San Diego is anchored by defense contractors and biotech firms with substantial engineering teams.
Are there remote software developer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 63% of software developer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how naturally suited the role is to distributed work. Backend, cloud, and data engineering positions tend to offer the most fully remote arrangements, while roles requiring hardware integration or on-site collaboration with product teams are more likely to require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a software developer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a junior or associate software engineer role by applying directly to California's large technology employers, many of which run structured new-graduate hiring programs through their university recruiting partnerships with UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Cal Poly. Internship-to-full-time conversion is common at companies like Cisco and Intel. Candidates moving laterally from QA engineering or technical support, with a portfolio of personal or open-source projects, are consistently competitive for entry-level openings.
Where can I find and apply to software developer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to software developer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find roles that fit your experience and location preference and apply directly from the listing.
See All 841+ Software Developer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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