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Earth System Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caltech

Software Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$85K - $135K/yr

Analyze problems, formulate mathematical models, and implement software solutions at the interface of computational science, applied mathematics, fluid dynamics, and Earth system science. * Apply ...

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Earth System Science information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$47.8K

$78K

How much do earth system science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for earth system science in California is $47,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $51,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Earth system scientist do?

An Earth system scientist studies the interactions among Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere to understand climate, environmental changes, and natural processes. They often use computer models, data analysis, and fieldwork to analyze complex systems and inform sustainable practices.

What can you do with an earth systems degree?

An Earth System Science degree prepares individuals for careers in environmental consulting, research, resource management, and policy development. Graduates often work as environmental scientists, climate analysts, sustainability specialists, or in roles that require data analysis, GIS skills, and understanding of ecological systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Earth System Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Earth System Scientist, you need a solid background in environmental science, geology, atmospheric science, and data analysis, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Expertise in technical tools such as remote sensing software, geographic information systems (GIS), climate modeling platforms, and programming languages like Python or R is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills help translate complex scientific data into actionable insights for diverse audiences. These skills are crucial for advancing our understanding of Earth's processes, informing policy, and addressing global environmental challenges.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations for professionals in Earth System Science?

Earth System Science professionals frequently collaborate with experts from fields like atmospheric science, oceanography, geology, ecology, and data science. These interdisciplinary partnerships are essential for addressing complex environmental challenges such as climate change, resource management, and natural hazard prediction. Teamwork often involves joint research projects, data sharing, and contributing specialized expertise to integrated models or policy recommendations. This collaborative environment not only broadens your skill set but also opens up diverse career advancement opportunities.

What careers are there in earth science?

Careers in earth science include roles such as geoscientist, environmental scientist, hydrologist, and climate analyst. These positions often require knowledge of geology, chemistry, and data analysis, and may involve fieldwork, laboratory research, or modeling using specialized software.

Is earth system science a good major?

Earth System Science is a multidisciplinary major that prepares students for careers in environmental research, policy, and resource management. Graduates often work in government agencies, research institutions, or environmental consulting, requiring skills in data analysis, modeling, and understanding complex ecological systems.

What is Earth System Science?

Earth System Science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the interactions between the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and human activities. It seeks to understand how these systems interact, influence each other, and change over time. By examining these complex relationships, Earth System Science helps us predict environmental changes, manage natural resources, and address challenges like climate change. Professionals in this field often use tools from physics, chemistry, geology, and biology to analyze data and build models of the Earth's processes.
What are popular job titles related to Earth System Science jobs in California? For Earth System Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Earth System Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Earth System Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Earth System Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Earth System Science job openings:
Earth System Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Earth System Science job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,757 per year, or $23 per hour.
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Caltech

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$85K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Software Engineer to develop, implement, and integrate components of the first Earth system model (ESM) that learns automatically from Earth observations and targeted high-resolution simulations of clouds, turbulence, and other elements of the Earth system. As a Climate Modeling Alliance (CliMA) Software Engineer at Caltech, you will work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of curious and creative scientists, engineers, and applied mathematicians, spanning the CliMA partner institutions.
Essential Job Duties
You will:
  • Work on an ambitious, high-profile scientific project with an opportunity to impact the climate sciences worldwide.
  • Analyze problems, formulate mathematical models, and implement software solutions at the interface of computational science, applied mathematics, fluid dynamics, and Earth system science.
  • Apply your expertise in computational science to design and develop innovative high-performance software suitable for the next generation of supercomputing hardware with heterogeneous manycore architectures.
  • Develop and implement innovative software solutions to climate modeling problems that represent the state-of-the-art in high-performance computing and are performant on GPUs.
  • Contribute to the design, performance specification, and development of an integrated open-source software system using modern languages and development techniques to ensure code health, scalability, and robustness.
  • Manage and coordinate software projects involving scientists, applied mathematicians, and engineers.
  • Work in a friendly and diverse environment, collaborating closely with researchers in climate science, machine learning, and applied mathematics.
Basic Qualifications
  • Completed a BS degree or equivalent degree in a quantitative field such as computer science, applied mathematics, physics, engineering, or Earth science.
  • Experience with at least two programming languages (e.g., C, C++, C#, Fortran, Python, Julia, Rust).
  • Experience developing large software projects in a distributed fashion, e.g., contributing to an open source project with distributed contributors.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with the Julia language, including package development and performance optimization.
  • Experience working with high-performance computing systems, including multicore processors, GPUs, or other accelerators.
  • Demonstrated expertise in numerical methods for partial differential equations and/or computational fluid dynamics, through coursework and/or research experience.
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and interacting cross-functionally with a wide variety of people.
Required Documents
  • Curriculum Vitae

Hiring Range
$85,000 to $135,000 per year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

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