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Human Systems Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Provide System Engineering support with acquisition programs of record, including in-depth review of engineering documentation. Review how programs plan to ensure human capability is factored into ...

Provide System Engineering support with acquisition programs of record, including in-depth review of engineering documentation. Review how programs plan to ensure human capability is factored into ...

Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space ... Establish and maintain product breakdown structures and engineering lifecycle documentation ...

... human-rated commercial space stations This will be a full-time , exempt position located in our ... Establish and maintain product breakdown structures and engineering lifecycle documentation ...

Showing results 41-60

Human Systems Engineering information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$140.2K

$193.4K

How much do human systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for human systems engineering in California is $140,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,500.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you do with a human systems engineering degree?

A human systems engineering degree prepares individuals for roles that involve designing, analyzing, and improving complex systems involving human interaction, such as user experience, safety, and ergonomics. Graduates can work as human factors specialists, systems engineers, usability analysts, or in roles related to safety and performance optimization across industries like aerospace, healthcare, and technology. Strong skills in research, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like simulation software are often essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in human systems engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Systems Engineer, you need a solid understanding of human factors, systems engineering principles, ergonomics, and usually a degree in engineering, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools, usability testing software, and certifications like Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional are valuable. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills help navigate complex, interdisciplinary projects. These competencies enable successful design and integration of human-centered solutions that optimize system performance and user experience.

What are the typical challenges human systems engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Human Systems Engineers often collaborate with professionals from engineering, design, psychology, and management, which can present challenges in aligning goals, terminology, and priorities. Bridging the gap between user needs and technical constraints requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Successfully advocating for human-centered design decisions sometimes involves balancing project timelines and stakeholder expectations. However, this collaboration is rewarding, as it leads to innovative, effective solutions and provides valuable opportunities to learn from a diverse group of experts.

What is a human systems engineering?

A Human Systems Engineering job focuses on optimizing the interaction between people and complex systems to improve performance, safety, and user experience. Professionals in this field apply principles from psychology, engineering, and design to create user-friendly interfaces, enhance decision-making, and reduce human error. They work in industries such as aerospace, healthcare, defense, and technology, ensuring that systems align with human capabilities and limitations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Systems Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Human Systems Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Human Systems Engineering jobs in California? For Human Systems Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Systems Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Human Systems Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Human Systems Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Human Systems Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Human Systems Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 70% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,209 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Systems Engineering Project Manager

Bruker

Santa Barbara, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Bruker rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Bruker is enabling scientists to make breakthrough discoveries and develop new applications that improve the quality of human life. Bruker's high-performance scientific instruments and high-value analytical and diagnostic solutions enable scientists to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular, and microscopic levels. In close cooperation with our customers, Bruker is enabling innovation, improved productivity and customer success in life science molecular research, in applied and pharma applications, in microscopy and nanoanalysis, and in industrial applications, as well as in cell biology, preclinical imaging, clinical phenomics and proteomics research and clinical microbiology.

Today, worldwide more than +11000 employees are working on this permanent challenge at over 90 locations on all continents. Bruker continues to build upon its extensive range of products and solutions, its broad base of installed systems and a strong reputation among its customers. Being one of the world's leading analytical instrumentation companies, Bruker is strongly committed to further fully meeting its customers' needs as well as continuing to develop state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions for today's analytical questions.

The Systems Engineering Project Manager leads the design, development, and delivery of advanced thin-film optical metrology instrumentation. This hybrid technical/managerial role integrates deep systems engineering expertise with full lifecycle project leadership.You will architect next generation precision electromechanical and electro optical systems, develop and evaluate system models, and drive cross functional engineering programs from concept through commercialization. This role requires strong analytical capability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to guide multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast paced environment.

Responsibilities

Systems Engineering (Technical - ~70%)

  • Develop systemlevel architecture, specifications, and modeling for precision optical metrology platforms.
  • Lead design and evaluation of critical subsystems including:
    • Nanopositioning systems (piezos, voice coils, precision motors, flexures)
    • Highprecision sensors (optical, capacitive, interferometric, strainbased)
    • Electromechanical and optomechanical assemblies
  • Conduct advanced modeling, simulation, and system optimization using tools such as ZEMAX, ANSYS, MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, and LabVIEW.
  • Build, test, and characterize prototype systems using interferometers, vibrometers, and advanced test setups.
  • Drive systemlevel performance analyses, controlsystem tuning, and system stability evaluations.

Project Management (Leadership - ~30%)

  • Lead crossfunctional engineering development programs with full accountability for project success.
  • Define detailed project requirements aligned with customer, manufacturing, and business needs.
  • Create, monitor, and maintain project schedules, deliverables, and dashboards.
  • Coordinate engineering deliverables across hardware, optics, software, reliability, service, and manufacturing.
  • Identify risks, drive mitigation plans, resolve open issues, and keep programs on track.
  • Organize and maintain all technical documentation and ensure compliance with Bruker's NPD process.
  • Communicate project status clearly to management, customers, and development partners.
  • Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Technical Expertise

  • Strong background in optical, electromechanical, precision motion, and/or instrumentation systems.
  • Deep understanding of precision positioning (piezos, voice coils, motors) and sensor technologies (capacitive, optical, strainbased, encoders).
  • Experience with system modeling and control theories (Bode plots, statespace, digital control).
  • Proficiency with modeling tools such as ZEMAX, MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, Mathcad; finite element modeling tools like ANSYS preferred.

Project Leadership

  • Successful track record managing complex, interdisciplinary engineering programs.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize in fastpaced environments.
  • Skilled in structured problemsolving, datadriven decision making, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and project management platforms (e.g., Jira, MS Project).

Communication & Collaboration

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively across Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Service, and vendors.
  • Customerfacing communication experience is a strong plus.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Photonics, or related STEM field.
  • 8-15 years of combined experience in systems engineering and project management roles.
  • PMP certification preferred but not required.
  • Willingness to travel up to 5%.

At Bruker, base salary is part of our total compensation. The estimated base salary range for this full-time position is between $86,400 and $153,500 provides an opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base salary for the role will depend on a several job-related factors, including, but not limited to education, training, experience, the geographic location of the successful candidate, skills, competencies, job-related knowledge and travel requirements for this position. Full-time employees may also be eligible for a performance-related incentive in addition to a full range of benefits including 401(k) with company match, an employee stock purchase plan, medical and dental plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, employee assistance program and paid time off including vacation, sick time and holidays, and more.

Bruker is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and

other legally protected characteristics.

Certain positions at Bruker require compliance with export control laws and as a result, all interviewed candidates for all positions will be screened pre-interview to determine their eligibility in light of export control restrictions

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Employment Type: OTHER

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