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Infrastructure Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Meta

Software Systems Engineer

Fremont, CA

$144K/yr

Architect scalable infrastructure automation frameworks that reduce manual operational toil and ... Mentor other engineers on systems software design patterns, debugging methodologies, and production ...

Esri

Systems Engineer- Compute Infrastructure

Redlands, CA

$108K - $141K/yr

Overview We are looking for a talented, self-motivated, and experienced systems engineer to help ... Ensure managed infrastructure meets all internal and regulatory security standards * Collaborate ...

Esri

Systems Engineer- Compute Infrastructure

Redlands, CA · On-site

$108K - $141K/yr

They are seeking a talented systems engineer to support their private cloud and enhance DevSecOps ... Required : • 2+ years of infrastructure operations or DevOps engineering experience • ...

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All JobsInfrastructure Systems Engineer JobsInfrastructure Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Infrastructure Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$125.4K

$179.6K

How much do infrastructure systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for infrastructure systems engineer in California is $125,402.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $139,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Infrastructure Systems Engineers face when managing complex IT environments?

Infrastructure Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing the need for system reliability with ongoing updates and maintenance tasks. They must troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly to minimize downtime, while also planning and implementing upgrades for scalability and security. Coordinating with cross-functional teams, such as network administrators and application developers, is essential to ensure system compatibility and performance. Adapting to rapidly changing technologies and managing multiple projects simultaneously are also typical aspects of the role.

What are Infrastructure Systems Engineers?

Infrastructure Systems Engineers are IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining an organization's IT infrastructure. This includes servers, networks, cloud services, storage, and other foundational systems that support applications and business operations. They ensure systems are reliable, secure, and scalable, often troubleshooting issues, optimizing performance, and planning for future technology needs. Their work is crucial for the smooth operation and security of a company's technology environment.

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

To thrive as an Infrastructure Systems Engineer, you need expertise in systems administration, networking, virtualization, and a solid understanding of operating systems, usually supported by a relevant degree or certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft. Familiarity with tools such as VMware, Hyper-V, Linux/Windows servers, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and monitoring systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure reliable infrastructure performance, efficient troubleshooting, and seamless integration of new technologies to support business operations.

What does an infrastructure engineer do?

An infrastructure systems engineer designs, implements, and maintains the hardware, software, and network systems that support an organization's IT environment. They troubleshoot system issues, optimize performance, and often work with cloud platforms, servers, and networking tools to ensure reliable and secure infrastructure operations.

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

AspectInfrastructure Systems EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIA
Work EnvironmentData centers, enterprise IT environments, cloud infrastructureNetwork operations centers, enterprise networks, service providers
ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, and maintain IT infrastructure, servers, and cloud systemsConfigure, troubleshoot, and optimize network hardware and connectivity

While both roles involve network and infrastructure knowledge, Infrastructure Systems Engineers focus on overall IT infrastructure, including servers and cloud systems, whereas Network Engineers specialize in network hardware and connectivity. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior infrastructure systems engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and automation can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often reflects leadership roles, advanced certifications, and working in large organizations or high-demand industries.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior infrastructure systems engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in cloud platforms, cybersecurity, or large-scale network management can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost living areas or with executive responsibilities. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, leadership roles, and a strong track record of managing complex systems.

How much do infrastructure engineers get paid?

Infrastructure systems engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in cloud platforms or network security can command higher salaries. Compensation also varies based on the complexity of the infrastructure and the size of the organization.
What are popular job titles related to Infrastructure Systems Engineer jobs in California? For Infrastructure Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Infrastructure Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Infrastructure Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
Infrastructure Systems Engineer jobs near you

Founding Systems Engineer

Sage Recruiting

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$300K - $350K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Founding Systems Engineer

Remote Across the U.S. | San Francisco HQ Optional



About the Company

Our client is an early-stage, venture-backed infrastructure startup building foundational tooling for the next generation of AI-native software development. Their platform is rethinking how developers and AI agents collaborate on code, workflows, and large-scale knowledge systems.

Led by repeat founders with deep experience across developer tooling and distributed infrastructure, the company is backed by top-tier technical investors and is already seeing strong traction from engineering teams and AI-forward organizations.

This is an opportunity to join extremely early and help shape the technical foundation of a category-defining product.


The Opportunity

We’re hiring a Founding Systems Engineer to help build core infrastructure powering distributed developer systems at scale. This role is highly hands-on and ideal for engineers who thrive in low-level systems work, distributed architectures, and performance-critical environments.

You’ll work directly on foundational platform components including:

  • Distributed systems infrastructure
  • Version control and storage systems
  • Virtual/distributed filesystem architecture
  • Runtime and build infrastructure
  • Performance optimization and concurrency
  • Developer tooling and observability systems

This is a high-ownership engineering role where you’ll influence architecture, product direction, and technical strategy from the ground up.


What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for engineers who are deeply technical, highly autonomous, and excited by ambitious infrastructure problems. Strong candidates will likely have experience in areas such as:

  • Distributed systems and backend infrastructure
  • Systems programming in Rust, C++, or similar languages
  • Storage systems, databases, or filesystem internals
  • High-performance or low-latency systems
  • Concurrency, networking, or runtime infrastructure
  • Developer platforms, tooling, or build systems

Additional experience that would stand out includes:

  • Open-source contributions
  • Git internals or version control systems
  • FUSE/filesystem experience
  • Infrastructure platforms at scale
  • Strong CS fundamentals and systems design depth


Ideal Profile

You may be a strong fit if you:

  • Care deeply about engineering craftsmanship and product quality
  • Enjoy solving technically difficult infrastructure problems
  • Prefer ownership and autonomy over rigid process
  • Are motivated by building foundational technology from scratch
  • Thrive in fast-moving startup environments
  • Want to work alongside highly technical builders

Tech Stack

Current technologies include:

  • Rust
  • TypeScript
  • Bazel
  • Pulumi


Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary ranging from $200,000–$450,000 USD
  • Meaningful founding-level equity package (approximately 0.2%–1%+ equity)
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Monthly wellness stipend
  • Flexible remote-first work environment across the U.S.
  • Opportunity to work directly with highly technical founders and investors on deeply ambitious infrastructure problems


Location

This role is fully remote across the United States. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and team members occasionally meet onsite for collaboration sessions and team gatherings.