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Data Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Big Data Systems Engineer Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions (NSS) team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

You'll work closely with analytics, product, and engineering leadership to enable data-driven decision making at scale while building systems that serve millions of users and inform critical business ...

Software Engineer, Data Systems

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$134K - $162K/yr

You'll work closely with analytics, product, and engineering leadership to enable data-driven decision making at scale while building systems that serve millions of users and inform critical business ...

Data Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$134K - $161K/yr

Job title Data Engineer Position overview We are looking for an experienced Data Engineer to join ... Implement and manage big data systems, including but not limited to Kafka, EMR, and data pipelines ...

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Data Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do data systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for data systems 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 are some common challenges Data Systems Engineers face when integrating new data sources?

Data Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring data compatibility across diverse formats, maintaining data integrity during migration, and managing system performance while integrating new sources. Collaborating closely with data analysts, software developers, and database administrators is key to anticipating and addressing these issues. Successful integration frequently requires thorough testing, robust error handling, and establishing clear data governance protocols to prevent inconsistencies or data loss.

What are Data Systems Engineers?

Data Systems Engineers are professionals who design, build, and maintain the infrastructure and systems that manage and process large volumes of data within an organization. They ensure data flows efficiently between databases, applications, and users, often working with technologies such as databases, data warehouses, and cloud platforms. Their responsibilities include optimizing data pipelines, ensuring data security, and supporting analytics and business intelligence initiatives. Data Systems Engineers collaborate closely with data scientists, software engineers, and IT teams to create reliable, scalable, and secure data environments.

What does a data systems engineer do?

A data systems engineer designs, develops, and maintains the infrastructure for storing, processing, and analyzing large data sets. They work with database systems, data pipelines, and cloud platforms, often using tools like SQL, Python, and Hadoop to ensure data availability, security, and performance. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of data architecture are essential for this role.

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

To excel as a Data Systems Engineer, you need strong skills in data architecture, database management, and programming, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like SQL, Python, Hadoop, and cloud platforms, as well as certifications such as AWS Certified Data Analytics or Google Professional Data Engineer, is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and analytical thinking help you design robust, scalable data solutions and communicate effectively with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring data integrity, optimizing system performance, and supporting organizational decision-making.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior data systems engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in database management, cloud platforms, and programming can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large tech companies. Achieving this level often requires specialized certifications, leadership roles, and a strong track record of project success.

What is the difference between Data Systems Engineer vs Data Engineer?

AspectData Systems EngineerData Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS, certifications like AWS, AzureBachelor's in CS, certifications like AWS, Azure
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining data infrastructure, systems integrationBuilding data pipelines, ETL processes, data storage solutions
Industry UsageIT, tech companies, large enterprisesTech, finance, healthcare, any data-driven industry

Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, often working in data infrastructure environments. Data Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining data systems, while Data Engineers primarily build and optimize data pipelines. The roles are complementary and often overlap in organizations managing complex data architectures.

Is AI replacing data engineers?

AI is automating certain tasks within data engineering, such as data cleaning and pipeline management, but it does not replace the need for data engineers. Data engineers are essential for designing, building, and maintaining complex data systems, and their expertise in tools like SQL, Python, and cloud platforms remains critical for managing data workflows and ensuring data quality.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior data systems engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in cloud platforms, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with roles in large organizations, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities.
What job categories do people searching Data Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Data Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Data Systems Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.
Big Data Systems Engineer

Big Data Systems Engineer

KBR

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Big Data Systems Engineer

Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions (NSS) team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

KBR is seeking a Big Data Systems Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be part of the KBR team supporting the Test Resource Management Center's (TRMC) Big Data (BD) and Knowledge Management (KM) Team deploying BD and KM systems for DoD testing Ranges and various acquisition programs.

Responsibilities:

  • The Big Data Systems Engineer will work on the deployment and integration of a highly visible data analytic project called Cloud Hybrid Edge-to-Enterprise Evaluation Test & Analysis Suite (CHEETAS) at multiple DoD ranges and labs.
  • As a Big Data Systems Engineer, you will be a critical part of our technical team responsible for deploying CHEETAS within customer environments. You will be the frontline interface that customers will have when first experiencing CHEETAS within their DoD Range and lab environments.
  • This position will require you to work closely with system administrators and software developers to communicate, document and ultimately resolve deployment issues as they arise.
  • You will deploy CHEETAS within disparate DoD testing Ranges and acquisition programs environments (on different non-standard hardware stacks and integrated into different existing ecosystems) sometimes located within DoD vaults with no outside internet connectivity.
  • Work on the deployment and integration of a highly visible data analytic project called Cloud Hybrid Edge-to-Enterprise Evaluation Test & Analysis Suite (CHEETAS) at multiple DoD ranges and labs
  • Deploy CHEETAS within customer environments
  • Work closely with system administrators and software developers to communicate, document and ultimately resolve deployment issues as they arise
  • Deploy CHEETAS within disparate DoD testing Ranges and acquisition programs environments (on different non-standard hardware stacks and integrated into different existing ecosystems) sometimes located within DoD vaults with no outside internet connectivity

Work Environment:

  • Location: Remote - The candidate can either work in one of KBR's facilities or work from home, with a stable internet connection.
  • Travel Requirements: This position is anticipated to require travel of 25% with surges possible up to 50% to support end users located at various DoD Ranges and Labs across the US (including Alaska and Hawaii).
  • Working Hours: Standard

Basic Qualifications/Knowledge:

  • Must have an active TS/SCI Security Clearance to be considered for this position.
  • This position requires a bachelor's degree in a STEM Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics or related, technical field, and 10 years of DoD experience. Entry level Big Data Engineers will NOT be considered due to the breadth of knowledge necessary to be successful in the position.
  • Previous experience must include three (3) years of hands-on experience in the integration with and configuration of: SQL Server Big Data Cluster, CentOS, Ubuntu, RedHat, Windows Server, VMWare, etc.)
  • Previous experience must include five (5) years of hands-on experience in big data environments.
  • Must be adept at deploying and configuring Big Data and Knowledge Management tools in an enterprise environment.
  • Must have extensive technical expertise in the configuration and troubleshooting of big data ecosystems.
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable assisting customers with installation and configuration of their big data infrastructure.
  • Must have strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to become a CHEETAS deployment subject matter expert.
  • Must be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders and functional teams at various levels of experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and strong personal motivation are necessary to succeed within this position.
  • Experience with installation, configuration, integration with and usage of the following tools and technologies: NFS, SMB, S3, SQL Server, Windows Server, Windows 10/11, Linux (CentOS, Ubuntu, RedHat).
  • Must be prepared to learn new business processes or CHEETAS application nuances every Agile sprint release (roughly every 6 weeks) prior to deploying to customer sites.
  • Ability to problem solve, debug, and troubleshoot while under pressure and time constraints is required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively about technical topics to both experts and non-experts at both the management and technical level is required.
  • Ability to work independently and provide appropriate recommendations for optimal design, analysis, and development.
  • Excellent verbal communications skills are required, as the Integration Engineer will be in frequent contact with the project technical lead, be taking direction from various government leads, and will frequently be interacting with end users to gather requirements and implement solutions while away from other team members.
  • Excellent testing, debugging and problem-solving skills are required to be successful in this position.
  • Experience designing, building, integrating with and maintaining both new and existing big data systems and solutions.
  • Ability to speak and present findings in front of large groups.
  • Ability to document and repeat procedures.
  • This position is anticipated to require travel of 25% with surges possible up to 50% to support end users located at various DoD Ranges and Labs across the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working in government/defense labs and their computing restrictions.
  • Experience working with major DoD acquisition programs.
  • Knowledge of the Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA), the Joint Mission Environment Testing Capability (JMETC) and distributed testing and training.
  • Experience with working in distributed team environment.
  • Ability to teach and mentor engineers with a variety of skill levels and backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity policies.

Basic Compensation:

$142,400 - $180,000 (For the Denver, CO Area only)

$148,900 - $200,000 (For the Los Angeles, CA Area Only)

$148,900 - $200,00 (For the Washington, DC Area Only)

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's working location, knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience, clearance level, contract affordability and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998