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Biological Systems Engineering Jobs in California

Cellanome

Head of Systems Engineering

San Diego, CA

... and cell biology. * Leverage insights of system fundamentals to improve performance, and to ... Define and publish the systems engineering metrics that feed PDP stage gate reviews: requirement ...

New

Human Archive

Head of Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Humans are the most sophisticated biological systems we have ever observed, yet we still do not ... The engineer in this role will own integration across all layers of the system and drive ...

Human Archive

Head of Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Humans are the most sophisticated biological systems we have ever observed, yet we still do not ... The engineer in this role will own integration across all layers of the system and drive ...

1X Technologies AS

Biomechanics Researcher

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

The Biomechanics function sits at the intersection of biology and engineering. We use biological systems not as templates to copy, but as reference systems that reveal what high-performance ...

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All JobsBiological Systems Engineering JobsBiological Systems Engineering Jobs in California

Biological Systems Engineering information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$41.6K

$55.3K

How much do biological systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for biological systems engineering in California is $41,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $45,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is biological systems engineering?

Biological Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to biological and agricultural systems. Professionals in this field work on developing sustainable solutions for food production, environmental protection, bioenergy, and resource management. They integrate biology, chemistry, and engineering to design systems and technologies that improve the efficiency and sustainability of processes involving living organisms. Careers can include work in agriculture, environmental consulting, biotechnology, and renewable energy industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biological systems engineer?

To thrive as a Biological Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, biology, and mathematics, generally supported by a degree in biological systems engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, modeling tools like MATLAB, and knowledge of relevant industry standards or certifications (such as FE/EIT) is often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help professionals excel in multidisciplinary projects and effectively convey complex ideas. These skills and qualifications ensure engineers can develop sustainable solutions to biological and agricultural challenges, bridging the gap between engineering and life sciences.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations for biological systems engineers within an organization?

Biological Systems Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from a variety of fields, such as agronomists, environmental scientists, mechanical engineers, and computer scientists. These collaborations often focus on developing sustainable solutions for agricultural production, environmental protection, or bioenergy systems. Working in cross-functional teams helps Biological Systems Engineers address complex real-world challenges, integrate new technologies, and ensure that project outcomes are practical and scalable. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as projects may involve coordinating fieldwork, data analysis, and system optimization.

What is the difference between Biological Systems Engineering vs Agricultural Engineer?

AspectBiological Systems EngineeringAgricultural Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Biological Systems Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Agricultural Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, environmental systemsFarms, agricultural facilities, rural settings
Industry UsageBiotech, environmental, healthcare, manufacturingAgriculture, food production, rural infrastructure

Biological Systems Engineering focuses on applying engineering principles to biological systems across various industries, including healthcare and environmental management. Agricultural Engineers primarily work within the agriculture sector, designing systems for farming, irrigation, and food production. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

Are biological systems engineers well paid?

Biological systems engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions often start around the national average for engineering roles, with experienced professionals earning higher wages, especially in industries like biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental management. Certifications and specialized skills can also influence earning potential.

Is biological systems engineering a good major?

Biological systems engineering is a versatile major that combines biology, engineering, and technology to develop solutions in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental management. Graduates often find employment in research, manufacturing, or consulting, and the field values skills in problem-solving, systems analysis, and technical tools like CAD and data modeling.

What jobs can you get with a biological systems engineering degree?

Biological systems engineering graduates can pursue careers as biological or agricultural engineers, environmental engineers, or process engineers, often working in industries such as agriculture, healthcare, or environmental management. These roles typically require knowledge of biology, engineering principles, and often involve designing systems, managing projects, or improving processes using tools like CAD software and data analysis. Certification or licensing may be required for certain engineering positions.

What are popular job titles related to Biological Systems Engineering jobs in California?

For Biological Systems Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biological Systems Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Biological Systems Engineering jobs in California are:

Biological Systems Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biological Systems Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,554 per year, or $20 per hour.

Software Engineering Intern - Distributed Simulation Systems

Astera

Emeryville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

About Astera
Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.
Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.
Position Summary
Astera Institute is seeking a Software Engineering Intern to help build infrastructure for large-scale distributed simulation systems, including biological systems and physics-based environments.
This internship is ideal for someone excited about systems programming, simulation, distributed computing, or scientific infrastructure. You'll work closely with experienced engineers on real technical problems spanning simulation, networking, orchestration, and performance optimization.
You do not need prior professional experience in all of these areas - we care most about strong technical fundamentals, curiosity, and a willingness to learn quickly.
Areas you may work on include:
  • Distributed computing systems
  • High-performance C++ infrastructure
  • Biological system simulation
  • 3D physics simulation environments
  • Networking and communication systems
  • Simulation tooling and visualization

Responsibilities
  • Contribute to distributed simulation infrastructure and tooling
  • Help build networking and communication systems for multi-node simulations
  • Assist with development of MuJoCo-based or other 3D simulation environments
  • Work on systems for large-scale biological simulations
  • Improve simulation throughput and system reliability
  • Debug and profile performance bottlenecks
  • Build internal tools for orchestration, visualization, and developer workflows
  • Collaborate with researchers and engineers across simulation and infrastructure projects

Qualifications and Experience
  • Strong programming fundamentals
  • Experience with C++, Python, or similar systems languages
  • Familiarity with Linux development environments
  • Understanding of data structures, algorithms, and concurrency fundamentals
  • Interest in distributed systems, simulation, or systems engineering
  • Ability to learn quickly and work independently on technical problems

Nice to Have
  • Experience with C++ projects
  • Familiarity with networking or distributed systems concepts
  • Experience with physics simulators such as MuJoCo, Unity, or Unreal
  • Experience with Python, PyTorch, or scientific computing
  • Familiarity with GPU programming or CUDA
  • Open-source, research, robotics, or simulation project experience
  • Interest in biology, neuroscience, or scientific infrastructure

Location
This position is hybrid at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may occasionally be required for collaboration and team events.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.
Compensation
The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.
Cultural Alignment
  • Surprising problem-solver - you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.
  • Flexible by default - you don't draw hard lines around your job description and expect your role to evolve significantly over 6-12 months.
  • Bias to action - you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems.
  • High standards, internally driven - you believe you can build the world's best vehicle for unleashing extraordinary individuals to create public goods, and you hold yourself to that bar without benchmarking against others.
  • Open to feedback - You create opportunities to give and receive honest feedback, staying focused on both personal and team growth, and committing to transparency even when it's uncomfortable.
  • Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship -- you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.
  • Embrace the tools that define great work today - Astera is building for an AI-driven future and equips the team accordingly. We see these as genuine force multipliers, not optional extras, and we expect our people to use them.

Apply