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Cdr Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Outpost

Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$125K - $160K/yr

Develop CDR-level design packages: CAD, drawings, specifications, analysis, and test plans. * Define and manage hardware requirements, interface with mission operations and payload customers.

Outpost

Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

Develop CDR-level design packages: CAD, drawings, specifications, analysis, and test plans. * Define and manage hardware requirements, interface with mission operations and payload customers.

Outpost

Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

Develop CDR-level design packages: CAD, drawings, specifications, analysis, and test plans. * Define and manage hardware requirements, interface with mission operations and payload customers.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCdr JobsCdr Jobs in California

Cdr information

See California salary details

$26.6K

$57.1K

$100.2K

How much do cdr jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for cdr in California is $57,111.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $68,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cdr vs Marine Engineer?

AspectCdrMarine Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certification, and competency examsEngineering degree, certifications, and maritime licenses
Work EnvironmentOffshore oil rigs, construction sites, or industrial plantsShips, marine vessels, and port facilities
Industry UsageOil & gas, construction, industrial sectorsShipping, maritime transport, shipbuilding
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Cdr and Marine Engineer require engineering qualifications and certifications. Cdrs typically work in offshore and industrial environments, focusing on construction and oil & gas projects, while Marine Engineers work on ships and maritime vessels. The roles overlap in technical expertise but differ mainly in work setting and industry focus.

What are some common challenges faced by a Cdr in managing team dynamics and mission objectives?

As a Cdr. (Commander), a primary challenge is balancing the needs and strengths of diverse team members while ensuring mission objectives are met under strict timelines and high-pressure situations. Commanders must foster clear communication, resolve conflicts quickly, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Additionally, they are responsible for making critical decisions with limited information and ensuring their team maintains high morale and discipline. The role requires strong leadership and the ability to motivate personnel while upholding organizational standards.

What is a Cdr?

CDR stands for 'Commander,' which is a senior officer rank in many naval and air forces around the world, including the United States Navy. Commanders are responsible for leading and managing larger units or vessels, such as frigates, destroyers, or squadrons, and often serve as executive officers or department heads. Their duties include overseeing operations, personnel management, and ensuring mission success. Achieving the rank of Commander typically requires years of service, leadership experience, and demonstrated excellence in prior roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cdr, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commander, you need extensive leadership experience, strategic decision-making abilities, and a strong military education, often supported by advanced officer training and requisite service years. Familiarity with military command systems, operational planning software, and secure communications technology is typically required. Outstanding communication, resilience under pressure, and the ability to inspire and manage teams are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure mission readiness, effective unit leadership, and successful execution of complex operations.
What are popular job titles related to Cdr jobs in California? For Cdr jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cdr jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cdr jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cdr jobs? Cities in California with the most Cdr job openings:
Cdr jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cdr job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,111 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Sr Principal Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
The Engineering & Sciences organization at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a highly skilled Systems Engineer to join our team based in Woodland Hills, CA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems-engineering principles and extensive experience delivering technology programs through rigorous design review and verification sell-off campaigns. This role requires the ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage configuration baselines and ensure successful transition of hardware-software systems to production.
What You'll Get to Do:
  • Be responsible for the technical baseline development by capturing, analyzing, and finalizing the functional and performance requirements baseline; maintain full traceability in DOORS and confirm verifiability ahead of the Critical Design Review (CDR).
  • Develop functional and physical system architectures, conduct trade-off studies, and select optimal solutions that advance system maturity toward production readiness.
  • Organize and lead internal design-review meetings; facilitate external CDR sessions with customers, suppliers, certification bodies and other partners, collecting feedback, documenting decisions and driving corrective actions to closure.
  • Collaborate with integration and test teams on schedules, maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and create comprehensive test verification matrices that cover hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) scenarios.
  • Lead verification execution, analyze test and analysis results, resolve discrepancies and close verification loops to satisfy CDR baseline requirements and subsequent system qualification.
  • Manage baseline configuration items, enforce version control and conduct impact analyses for changes throughout system verification and validation.
  • Author and maintain critical CDR artifacts-System Requirements Document, ICD, Design Description, Test Plans, Risk Register-and produce regular status reports and executive-level presentations on CDR and verification readiness, risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers; actively participate in cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with program objectives and promote knowledge sharing across mechanical, electrical and software disciplines.
  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies, proposing updates to configuration-management practices and contributing to lessons-learned documentation for future programs.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline + 8 years of related experience; Master of Science in a STEM discipline + 6 years of related experience; or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline + 4 years of related experience
  • Demonstrated systems-engineering experience, preferably in aerospace or defense.
  • Proficient with systems-engineering tools such as DOORS, CAMEO, MATLAB, or comparable software.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
  • Collaborative team player who actively contributes to cross-functional projects.
  • Meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to high-quality, reliable work.
  • Agile and adaptable, thriving in fast-changing, fast-paced environments.
  • A current/active U.S. Government Secret clearance.
  • Availability to work onsite full-time in Woodland Hills, California.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or PhD in a STEM field or in technical management.
  • Solid understanding of inertial navigation and related products.
  • Proven track record executing program milestones, including Systems Requirements Review (SRR), System Functional Review (SFR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR).

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
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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