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Computer Systems Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Computer Vision Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118.40K - $139.60K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Video Systems, HW Architecture General Summary: Qualcomm's Computer Vision Systems team is building the intelligence behind the world's most advanced Snapdragon ...

Computer Vision Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118.40K - $139.60K/yr

Required : • Bachelor's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related ...

Senior Engineer, Systems Engineering

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$111.30K - $152.30K/yr

Knowledge of signal/image processing, computer vision, tracking, machine learning, or object recognition * Opto‑mechanical engineering principles, embedded computing, control systems, or ...

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Computer Systems Engineering information

See California salary details

$52.3K

$100K

$175.2K

How much do computer systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer systems engineering in California is $99,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Computer Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, hardware and software integration, and systems analysis, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with operating systems, networking protocols, programming languages, and tools like MATLAB, Linux, or VMware, as well as relevant certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills that set top professionals apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex computer systems that meet organizational needs efficiently and securely.

What are some common challenges faced by Computer Systems Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure?

Computer Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy systems and new technologies, managing downtime during transitions, and addressing security vulnerabilities that may arise from integration. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, thorough testing, and detailed planning are essential to mitigate these risks. Additionally, staying updated on industry best practices helps engineers anticipate and resolve potential obstacles efficiently.

What is Computer Systems Engineering?

Computer Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of electrical engineering, computer science, and software engineering to design, develop, and manage complex computer systems. Professionals in this field work on integrating hardware and software components to ensure systems function efficiently and reliably. They may be involved in areas such as embedded systems, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and system optimization. Computer Systems Engineers play a critical role in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and information technology.

What is the difference between Computer Systems Engineering vs Computer Hardware Engineering?

AspectComputer Systems EngineeringComputer Hardware Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Systems, Electrical, or Computer EngineeringBachelor's in Electrical, Computer, or Hardware Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigning, integrating, and managing computer systems and networksDesigning and testing physical hardware components
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, IT firms, system integratorsHardware manufacturing, electronics companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Computer Systems Engineering focuses on designing and managing integrated computer systems and networks, while Computer Hardware Engineering emphasizes designing and developing physical hardware components. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are often found in tech and electronics industries, but they differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Systems Engineering jobs in California? For Computer Systems Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Computer Systems Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Computer Systems Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Systems Engineering job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,960 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
Systems Engineering Lead, Air Vehicle Systems

Systems Engineering Lead, Air Vehicle Systems

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 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.
WHY WE'RE HERE:
The systems engineering team is looking for experienced Systems Engineering Lead to support a Group 5 aircraft program at Anduril. The ideal candidate will have experience leading a team of systems engineering working on air vehicle systems. Ideally they have worked with complex unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and will have a strong background in systems engineering for unmanned platforms.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
We are hiring a Lead Systems Engineer with a background in air vehicle systems to support ongoing development of a group 5 autonomous aircraft.
  • Shape customer needs into air vehicle and subsystem requirements in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Develop System Engineering artifacts, including system model, to trace from stakeholder inputs through design in a digital thread. Incorporate input from system safety, software engineering, and other disciplines to shape system architecture and support airworthiness certification.
  • Communicate and manage program risks in conjunction with Chief Engineer and Program Management.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • B.S. in aerospace, mechanical, computer science or similar engineering or technical field
  • 10+ years Engineering Experience across the life cycle for an UAS with specific focus on aircraft systems
  • 3+ years of leading a systems engineering team working on air vehicle systems
  • Familiarity and experience with the following standards and handbooks: MIL-HDBK-516C, MIL-STD-882E, ARP-4761, ARP-4754A, DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-881
  • Experience developing subsystem requirements and interfaces; including mission systems
  • Experience on mature Aircraft development programs including operational testing and airworthiness certification.
  • 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...
  • Outstanding communication skills to include presentation of developed artifacts
  • Must hold an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with Cameo MagicDraw or similar systems engineering software
  • Experience with Digital Engineering workflows and Integrated Modeling Environments (i.e. Teamwork Cloud)
  • Demonstrated High ownership and autonomy across the end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle.
  • Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

US Salary Range
$191,000-$253,000 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.

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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