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Communications Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$108.4K

$177.6K

How much do communications systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications systems engineer in California is $108,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by communications systems engineers when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure?

Communications Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy systems and new technologies, managing potential disruptions during transitions, and meeting tight project deadlines. These professionals must carefully assess system requirements, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and implement thorough testing protocols to minimize risks. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as projects frequently involve collaboration with hardware specialists, software developers, and network administrators to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.

What is the difference between Communications Systems Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectCommunications Systems EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field; certifications like CCNA, Cisco, or CompTIABachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like CCNA, Cisco, or CompTIA
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and maintaining communication systems such as radio, satellite, and fiber opticsDesigning, implementing, and managing computer networks and infrastructure
Industry UsageTelecommunications, defense, aerospace, governmentIT, corporate, service providers, data centers

While both roles require similar certifications and often work in related industries, Communications Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining communication infrastructure, whereas Network Engineers primarily manage computer networks. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Communications Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, digital signal processing, and telecommunications, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB, network protocols, RF test equipment, and certifications such as CCNA or similar are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help in collaborating on complex projects and explaining technical concepts to non-experts. These skills are vital to designing, optimizing, and maintaining reliable communication systems critical for modern connectivity.

What does a communications systems engineer do?

A Communications Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that enable the transmission of information, such as voice, data, and video, over various communication networks. They work with technologies like satellite, radio, fiber optics, and wireless systems to ensure reliable and efficient communication. Their role often involves system analysis, troubleshooting, optimization, and integration of hardware and software components to meet specific communication requirements. They may also collaborate with other engineers and stakeholders to develop new technologies or improve existing systems.
What are popular job titles related to Communications Systems Engineer jobs in California? For Communications Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Communications Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Communications Systems Engineer jobs in CA? For Communications Systems Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Communications Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,440 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Sr. Principal Space Communications Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Description
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 Space Systems is seeking a Sr. Principal Communications Systems Engineer to work in Redondo Beach, California. This role requires, at minimum, TS clearance and the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance. SCI clearance is preferred and will be needed for the duration of the role.
This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) along with acquiring and maintaining customer and/or business funding. Furthermore, this position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.
The engineer will be expected to have a command on core communications systems engineering concepts from their electrical engineering degree to perform analysis, devise requirements for communications systems and the units that comprise it and verify requirements by analyzing test data for applicable metrics. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Perform architecture trades, design analysis, and performance modeling.
  • Provide systems engineering technical support for hardware development efforts.
  • Perform trade studies, specification development, requirements definition and allocation to the unit and sub-unit levels.
  • Perform Internal Design Review planning, development, and presentations.
  • Perform unit verification planning.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering discipline and 8+years of engineering experience OR Master's of Science degree in Electrical Engineering discipline with 6 years of engineering experience...or PhD in Electrical Engineering and 4 years of engineering experience.
  • Practical working experience with system architecture design, trade studies, and performance analysis and simulation
  • Technical experience with supporting hardware development utilizing antenna, RF, digital, and microelectronic technologies.
  • Strong Communication Systems and Link Analysis: Signal Analysis via frequency domain and time domain, experience in RF and/or digital hardware systems engineering, familiarity with antenna principles, familiarity analyzing hardware specifications (e.g., VSWR, Gain, Noise Figure, etc.). Experience analyzing system performance, modeling performance parameters to estimate performance.
  • Systems Engineering: Requirement allocation and management, working knowledge of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or prior experience with IBM Rational DOORS, knowledge of developing standards and processes, project lifecycle understanding
  • Active Top Secret Clearance AND the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at time of application.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Candidates have completed specialty or relevant coursework in Communication Theory, Digital Signal Processing, and Networking
  • Network Engineering Fundamentals: Understanding of TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), and standard communication protocols (FTP, SSH, etc.) and wireless technologies. Experience configuring and managing network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and access points. Ability to work with monitoring tools like Wireshark.
  • Experience with baseband and digital signal processing, waveform design, and network design
  • Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience with developing requirements and testing requirements using core systems engineering principles.
  • Active TS with SCI clearance

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space.
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:
-Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
-401k
-Educational Assistance
-Life Insurance
-Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
-Paid Time Off
-Health & Wellness Resources
-Employee Discounts
-Flexible Schedules: for example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.
#LosAngelesSpace
#LI-DB1
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

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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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