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Autonomous System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wayve

Systems Engineer, AI Validation

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$209K - $266K/yr

The role Wayve's Engineering Validation team builds confidence in the autonomy systems we deliver to product and customer teams. As a Systems Engineer, you will own a core part of the behavior ...

Wayve

Systems Engineer, AI Validation

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

$209K - $266K/yr

The role Wayve's Engineering Validation team builds confidence in the autonomy systems we deliver to product and customer teams. As a Systems Engineer, you will own a core part of the behavior ...

Joby Aviation

Staff Autonomy Systems Engineer

Concord, CA · On-site

$201K - $238K/yr

At Joby, Systems Engineers manage the end-to-end design, integration, and execution of complex ... You will provide technical guidance and coordination across the Autonomous Aircraft's Systems, from ...

Apple

Senior System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

We work in complex codebases where autonomy, strong debugging skills, and the willingness to dive ... with strong systems programming background Deep familiarity with Unix environments, system ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsAutonomous System Engineer JobsAutonomous System Engineer Jobs in California

Autonomous System Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do autonomous system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous system engineer in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an autonomous system engineer do?

An Autonomous System Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that can operate independently with minimal human intervention. This typically involves integrating hardware and software components, developing algorithms for perception, planning, and control, and ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous systems like self-driving cars, drones, or robotics. They also work on testing, simulation, and troubleshooting to improve system performance and adapt to new scenarios.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autonomous system engineer?

To thrive as an Autonomous System Engineer, you need a strong background in robotics, computer science, and control systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, simulation tools such as ROS or Gazebo, and experience with embedded systems are crucial, alongside certifications in AI or machine learning being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are essential to design, implement, and maintain reliable autonomous systems capable of operating safely and efficiently in complex environments.

What are some common challenges autonomous system engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Autonomous System Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy infrastructure and cutting-edge autonomous technologies. Balancing system safety, reliability, and real-time performance while integrating new hardware or software can be complex. Additionally, it requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including software developers, data scientists, and hardware engineers—to address interoperability and compliance with industry standards. Successfully overcoming these hurdles is key to deploying robust, scalable autonomous solutions.

What is the difference between Autonomous System Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectAutonomous System EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires Cisco, Juniper, or similar certifications, along with networking degreesOften holds Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent certifications and networking degrees
Work EnvironmentFocuses on large-scale internet infrastructure, ISPs, and data centersWorks on enterprise, corporate, or service provider networks
Industry UsagePrimarily in internet service providers, large data centers, and telecom companiesUsed across various industries including corporate, healthcare, and education
Job FocusDesigning, managing, and optimizing autonomous systems and routing protocolsConfiguring and maintaining network hardware and connectivity

While both roles involve networking expertise, Autonomous System Engineers specialize in large-scale internet routing and autonomous systems, whereas Network Engineers focus on broader network infrastructure management across different environments.

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous System Engineer jobs in California?

For Autonomous System Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autonomous System Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Autonomous System Engineer jobs in California are:

Autonomous System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous System Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Systems Engineer, Mission Autonomy, Active Clearance

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,501 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
We are working on cutting-edge autonomous airpower systems that need to operate in the most demanding environments. To support our development and deployment tasks, we are building a Systems Engineering team to guide Digital Engineering strategy and complement our Mission Software Engineering, Product Engineering, and Business Development teams. This team will provide Model Based Systems Engineering and Requirements Based Testing artifacts which will be used in support of product development, delivery, and sustainment of advanced mission autonomy systems.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • You will be a systems engineer who interfaces with stakeholders including internal programs and external customers
  • You will develop artifacts based on stakeholder needs and work closely with functional areas to ensure artifacts are complete and accurate. Model Artifacts will often be contractual deliverables and require demonstration at stakeholder meetings and events
  • This role will be a critical interface between Anduril and government customer in providing real Systems Engineering and Mission Systems Integration capabilities
  • Participate in the development of our Digital and Systems Engineering Strategy and Implementation
  • Develop a deep understanding of Anduril platforms, autonomy, simulation, and perception products through the creation and maintenance of systems engineering artifacts

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • B.S. in aerospace, mechanical, computer science or similar engineering or technical field
  • 2+ years Systems Engineering Experience across the life cycle. The more, the better
  • Understanding of interoperability and integration challenges in defense systems
  • Understanding of Mission Autonomy use cases, behaviors, and methods (Teaming, Formation Flight, etc...)
  • Experience with requirements analysis and system design in a government context
  • Experience with Systems Engineering, Requirements Elicitation and Management, Integration, and Test Activities on complex systems - DoD Weapon Systems, Space Systems, etc...
  • Experience with SysML, DoDAF, UAFP, or similar
  • Experience developing various model based system engineering artifacts - Operational Viewpoints, System Viewpoints, activity diagrams, use case diagrams, BDDs, IBDs, parametric diagrams, etc...
  • Experience with Cameo MagicDraw or similar systems engineering software (Rhapsody, SparxEA, etc...)
  • Experience with Digital Engineering workflows and Integrated Modeling Environments (i.e. Teamwork Cloud)
  • Outstanding communication skills to include presentation of developed artifacts
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience as a contributor of the A-GRA standard or as an implementer of an adopting Mission Autonomy solution
  • Experience defining or implementing Mission Autonomy behaviors through UCI
  • Experience with requirements based testing frameworks
  • Experience with mission systems integration, particularly for AI-driven decision-making systems
  • Understanding of sensor fusion techniques and their application in autonomous systems
  • Experience with automation in Cameo or Python relevant to Systems Engineering use cases
  • INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Certification

US Salary Range
$146,000-$194,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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