Software Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Software Engineering Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, consumer technology, and defense-adjacent systems development across seniority levels from first-time manager through distinguished principal manager. The largest hiring metros are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Google, Apple, and Salesforce maintain major engineering operations. Most in-demand specialties include platform engineering leadership, machine learning infrastructure, and distributed systems management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 526+ Software Engineering Manager jobs
It all started when engineer Fred Luddy wrote code that automated a tedious task for his coworker, Phyllis. She cried tears of joy. That moment inspired Fred to build a company that could do that for everyone—freeing people from busywork so they could focus on meaningful work. Today, ServiceNow is the AI control tower for business reinvention. Our ServiceNow AI platform brings together any AI, any data, and any workflow— helping 85% of the Fortune 500® work smarter, faster, and better. We're building an AI-native culture where technology and talent are unstoppable together. And we're just getting started.
Join us to put AI to work for people.
Job Description
The ServiceNow Security Organization (SSO)
The ServiceNow Security Organization (SSO) delivers world-class, innovative security solutions to reduce risk and protect the company and our customers. We enable our customers to migrate their most sensitive data and workloads to the cloud, accelerating our business so that we are the most trusted SaaS provider. We create an environment where our employees are proud to work and can make a positive impact.
ServiceNow runs mission-critical workflows for a large share of the world's enterprises. Cyber Defense Engineering protects ServiceNow and the platform our customers run on. Cyber defense doesn't scale through headcount alone. It scales when systems make defenders exponentially more effective. Data is how we get there.
As Principal Software Engineer & Architect, you will own the technical direction of the data and platform systems behind detection, investigation, hunting, response, and AI-driven defense. Several engineering teams will build against your architecture, and your decisions will show up in measurable security outcomes.
What You'll Do
- Own the architecture of our multi-system security data platform, from ingestion to access, including the data that powers detection, investigation, hunting and risk analytics. Decide what data lives where, weighing business value, performance, retention, and cost, and remove duplication across systems.
- Define shared schemas, data models, and data contracts so telemetry from different sources is consistent, trustworthy, and joinable for both people, automation and AI.
- Build the data foundation for applied AI in security operations: data and feature pipelines, model evaluation, retrieval, and governed data access for AI agents that investigate and respond to threats.
- Build access control, data protection, auditability, and compliance into the architecture so the platform is secure by design.
- Lead technical design across teams, resolve tradeoffs on shared platforms, and keep the architecture coherent as the organization grows. Drive major decisions to closure through design and decision documents.
- Set engineering standards for source control, CI/CD, testing, and observability. Mentor engineers through design and code review.
- Tie platform investments to measurable outcomes: detection coverage; time to detect, investigate, and mitigate; data quality and freshness; and more.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a similar field.
- 10+ years of software engineering experience, with 3+ years in a principal, staff, or architect role.
- Proven experience designing and operating large-scale cloud data platforms in production, including data modeling, data warehouse design, and high-volume streaming and batch telemetry pipelines across multiple systems.
- Hands-on ML/AI experience, including shipping ML or LLM-based systems to production, and working knowledge of how data quality, freshness, and lineage limit model performance.
- Proficiency in SQL and at least one general-purpose language (Python, Go, or Java).
- A record of setting technical direction across teams without formal authority.
- Clear, concise writing and a habit of documenting decisions and their rationale.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience applying ML and graph-based analysis to security problems, such as anomaly detection, entity correlation, incident investigations, or attack path analysis.
- Experience in security operations, such as SIEM platforms, security datalakes, detection engineering, or incident response.
- Knowledge of secure data access patterns such as RBAC/ABAC, masking, and policy-as-code.
- Advanced degree in machine learning, AI, or a related field.
#SecurityJobs
For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $221,200 - $387,100, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.
Additional Information
Work Personas
We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements.
Accommodations
We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact globaltalentss@servicenow.com for assistance.
Export Control Regulations
For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities.
From Fortune. ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
It all started when engineer Fred Luddy wrote code that automated a tedious task for his coworker, Phyllis. She cried tears of joy. That moment inspired Fred to build a company that could do that for everyone—freeing people from busywork so they could focus on meaningful work. Today, ServiceNow is the AI control tower for business reinvention. Our ServiceNow AI platform brings together any AI, any data, and any workflow— helping 85% of the Fortune 500® work smarter, faster, and better. We're building an AI-native culture where technology and talent are unstoppable together. And we're just getting started.
Join us to put AI to work for people.
Job Description
The ServiceNow Security Organization (SSO)
The ServiceNow Security Organization (SSO) delivers world-class, innovative security solutions to reduce risk and protect the company and our customers. We enable our customers to migrate their most sensitive data and workloads to the cloud, accelerating our business so that we are the most trusted SaaS provider. We create an environment where our employees are proud to work and can make a positive impact.
ServiceNow runs mission-critical workflows for a large share of the world's enterprises. Cyber Defense Engineering protects ServiceNow and the platform our customers run on. Cyber defense doesn't scale through headcount alone. It scales when systems make defenders exponentially more effective. Data is how we get there.
As Principal Software Engineer & Architect, you will own the technical direction of the data and platform systems behind detection, investigation, hunting, response, and AI-driven defense. Several engineering teams will build against your architecture, and your decisions will show up in measurable security outcomes.
What You'll Do
- Own the architecture of our multi-system security data platform, from ingestion to access, including the data that powers detection, investigation, hunting and risk analytics. Decide what data lives where, weighing business value, performance, retention, and cost, and remove duplication across systems.
- Define shared schemas, data models, and data contracts so telemetry from different sources is consistent, trustworthy, and joinable for both people, automation and AI.
- Build the data foundation for applied AI in security operations: data and feature pipelines, model evaluation, retrieval, and governed data access for AI agents that investigate and respond to threats.
- Build access control, data protection, auditability, and compliance into the architecture so the platform is secure by design.
- Lead technical design across teams, resolve tradeoffs on shared platforms, and keep the architecture coherent as the organization grows. Drive major decisions to closure through design and decision documents.
- Set engineering standards for source control, CI/CD, testing, and observability. Mentor engineers through design and code review.
- Tie platform investments to measurable outcomes: detection coverage; time to detect, investigate, and mitigate; data quality and freshness; and more.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a similar field.
- 10+ years of software engineering experience, with 3+ years in a principal, staff, or architect role.
- Proven experience designing and operating large-scale cloud data platforms in production, including data modeling, data warehouse design, and high-volume streaming and batch telemetry pipelines across multiple systems.
- Hands-on ML/AI experience, including shipping ML or LLM-based systems to production, and working knowledge of how data quality, freshness, and lineage limit model performance.
- Proficiency in SQL and at least one general-purpose language (Python, Go, or Java).
- A record of setting technical direction across teams without formal authority.
- Clear, concise writing and a habit of documenting decisions and their rationale.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience applying ML and graph-based analysis to security problems, such as anomaly detection, entity correlation, incident investigations, or attack path analysis.
- Experience in security operations, such as SIEM platforms, security datalakes, detection engineering, or incident response.
- Knowledge of secure data access patterns such as RBAC/ABAC, masking, and policy-as-code.
- Advanced degree in machine learning, AI, or a related field.
#SecurityJobs
For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $221,200 - $387,100, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.
Additional Information
Work Personas
We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements.
Accommodations
We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact globaltalentss@servicenow.com for assistance.
Export Control Regulations
For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities.
From Fortune. ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
See All 526+ Software Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSoftware Engineering Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Engineering Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple59
- Google38
- NVIDIA18
- Salesforce17
- Sony Interactive Entertainment15
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software40
- Electronics & Hardware10
- Media & Entertainment5
- Manufacturing4
- Gaming & Esports4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software engineering manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field
- At least five years of hands-on software engineering experience before moving into management
- Demonstrated experience directly managing software engineers or leading cross-functional technical teams
- Strong proficiency with modern software development practices including agile, CI/CD, and code review processes
- Experience driving engineering roadmaps in collaboration with product managers and senior leadership
- Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure in a production engineering environment
Software Engineering Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software engineering manager in California?
Becoming a software engineering manager in California typically follows a path from individual contributor engineer to a tech lead or staff engineer role before stepping into management. California employers, especially in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, most commonly promote from within or recruit candidates who have led engineering projects or mentored junior engineers. No state-issued license is required, but a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or engineering, combined with a strong code and leadership record, is the standard baseline California hiring managers expect.
Which companies hire software engineering managers in California?
Employers hiring software engineering managers in California right now include Apple, Google, and NVIDIA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's deep concentration of technology headquarters and research centers means the state consistently generates some of the highest volumes of these openings nationwide across both large enterprise employers and growth-stage companies.
Which California cities have the most software engineering manager jobs?
The California cities with the most software engineering manager openings are San Francisco, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto. The San Francisco Bay Area dominates the distribution because of its density of technology headquarters and venture-backed engineering teams, while Los Angeles draws openings through its expanding tech and entertainment-technology sector, and San Diego contributes through its defense technology and biotech software organizations.
Are there remote software engineering manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 69% of software engineering manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how central distributed engineering teams have become across the California technology industry. The parts of the role most likely to stay fully remote are those focused on roadmap planning, code review, and cross-team coordination, rather than roles that require regular on-site presence with hardware or lab environments.
How can I get hired as a software engineering manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a tech lead or engineering lead role first, which gives you people management exposure without requiring a formal manager title. Large California employers including Google, Meta, and Apple run structured rotational and associate programs that develop senior engineers into managers, and many mid-size Bay Area and Los Angeles companies promote strong individual contributors who proactively mentor peers. Building a portfolio of cross-functional projects, leading a meaningful open-source initiative, or completing a recognized leadership development program can strengthen a candidacy considerably in California's competitive market.
Where can I find and apply to software engineering manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to software engineering manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring right now. Search for roles that match your experience level, location preference, and specialty area, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 526+ Software Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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