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Associate Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Boeing

Associate Systems Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$98K - $133K/yr

Associate Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (BDS), Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems (SI&WS), is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer (Level 2) to ...

Boeing

Associate Systems Engineer

Seal Beach, CA

$98K - $133K/yr

Associate Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (BDS), Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems (SI&WS), is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer (Level 2) to ...

Boeing

Associate Systems Engineer

Seal Beach, CA

$98K - $133K/yr

Associate Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (BDS), Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems (SI&WS), is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer (Level 2) to ...

Boeing

Associate Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$98K - $133K/yr

Associate Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (BDS), Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems (SI&WS), is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer (Level 2) to ...

Boeing

Associate Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$98K - $133K/yr

Associate Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (BDS), Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems (SI&WS), is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer (Level 2) to ...

L3HHCM20

Sr Associate, Systems Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$80K - $149K/yr

SrAssociate, Systems Engineer Job Code: 41391 Job Location: Carlsbad, CA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off * Perform ...

New

L3HHCM20

$80K - $149K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Associate, Systems Engineering Job Code: 42102 Job Location: Onsite at our Canoga ... We are currently seeking a Specialist Systems Engineer to join our team, focused on specifying ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Systems Engineer JobsAssociate Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate systems engineer in California is $81,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate systems engineer?

Associate Systems Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems and networks for organizations. They work under the guidance of senior engineers to troubleshoot technical issues, configure hardware and software, and ensure systems run efficiently. These engineers also help with system upgrades, security protocols, and documentation. Their role is vital in supporting IT infrastructure and ensuring smooth technology operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate systems engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Systems Engineer, you need a solid understanding of computer systems, networking, and operating systems, often backed by a relevant degree such as computer science or information technology. Familiarity with system administration tools, scripting languages, and certifications like CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco enhances technical proficiency. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure you can efficiently support system infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with teams to maintain reliable IT operations.

What opportunities for career growth are typically available for an associate systems engineer?

As an Associate Systems Engineer, you'll gain hands-on experience with system configurations, troubleshooting, and working closely with senior engineers. Over time, this foundational role often leads to advancement opportunities such as Systems Engineer, Senior Systems Engineer, or specialized paths in network, cloud, or security engineering. Many organizations provide mentorship, training, and certification support to help you expand your technical expertise and take on greater responsibilities. Proactive learning and collaboration within your team can significantly accelerate your career trajectory in this field.

What is the difference between Associate Systems Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectAssociate Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; some certificationsBachelor's degree; often more certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, support rolesMore complex projects, system design, implementation
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, IT departmentsUsed across industries for system design and maintenance
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level roles, career progressionAdvanced roles, technical expertise

The main difference between an Associate Systems Engineer and a Systems Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Associate Systems Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on support and learning, while Systems Engineers handle more complex system design and implementation tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Systems Engineers usually have more experience and certifications, enabling them to manage advanced projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Systems Engineer job openings:

Associate Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Associate Systems Engineer / Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$76K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer / Systems Engineer as an individual contributor within a multi-disciplinary engineering team. Responsibilities include conducting research, writing requirements, developing models, defining interfaces and performing analysis while working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) structure to drive the development of new program requirements, refine existing program requirements, and influence the pursuit of future technologies and capabilities.
The selected candidate will collaborate across the engineering disciplines and technology areas to integrate and communicate technical capabilities and analyses with internal stakeholders and external customers across Modernization and Sustainment efforts.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Perform requirements development, allocation, verification/validation planning and manage interface definition efforts.
  • Write complex specifications, interface control documents, and engineering reports.
  • Support interface/communication with program, functional and subsystem leads.
  • Maintain Systems Engineering artifacts following proper configuration management procedures.
  • Coordinate with key stakeholders to ensure proper verification and validation of Systems Engineering artifacts
  • Possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills with excellent communications skills to support coordination across IPTs and with external customers.
  • Solicit input from various stakeholders and team members to synthesize data and communicate findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

This position may be filled at either the Associate Systems Engineer (Level 1) OR Systems Engineer (Level 2).
Basic Qualifications:
  • Associate Systems Engineer (Level 1) - Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline AND 0 years of related professional/military experience in Systems Engineering, OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline.
  • Systems Engineer (Level 2) - Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline AND 2 years of related professional/military experience in Systems Engineering, OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline AND 0 years of related professional/military experience in Systems Engineering.
  • Ability to obtain a DOD Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
  • Experience with Python or other scripting language

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with requirements development and verification planning
  • Familiarity with Systems Engineering tools, such as DOORS and Cameo
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
  • Experience with software development
  • Experience with HW/SW integration testing
  • Experience with Agile execution
  • Active DoD Secret or Top Secret Clearance
  • Active/current SAP clearance (any SAP)

Primary Level Salary Range: $62,300.00 - $112,700.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $76,200.00 - $137,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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