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It System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Saic

IT Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC is looking for an IT Systems Engineer to support our US Navy customer provide ... Support the documentation and maintenance of system baselines, leveraging Agile DevOps ...

Vast

Senior IT System Administrator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $122K/yr

Vast is looking for a Senior IT System Administrator , reporting to the System Administrator ... Patch Management & Compliance Engineering * Design and implement enterprise patch management ...

Vast

Senior IT System Administrator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $122K/yr

As a Senior IT System Administrator, you will be responsible for the management, support, and ... Patch Management & Compliance Engineering * Design and implement enterprise patch management ...

Archer

Staff IT Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $190K/yr

We are seeking a highly experienced Staff IT Systems Engineer to support our Systems Engineering ... system administration, including deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting. Windows ...

Impulse Space

IT Systems Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · Hybrid

Description As an IT Systems Engineer at Impulse, you are responsible for designing, implementing ... Implement secure identity, access control, and system hardening practices. * Support compliance ...

Webhosting

IT Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$116K - $174K/yr

About the Role: We're hiring an IT Systems Engineer to help us improve the way our tools, systems, and processes work together. This role is hands-on and technical, with a focus on automation ...

Archer

Staff IT Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $190K/yr

We are seeking a highly experienced Staff IT Systems Engineer to support our Systems Engineering ... system administration, including deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting. Windows ...

LangChain, Inc

IT Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the role We are seeking our second IT Engineer to join our growing team in San Francisco. Our ... Build the fleet management systems now so they hold up as headcount, and the fleet, keep growing ...

Fin

IT Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $162K/yr

At Fin you'll be a Systems Engineer in IT, you will work on evolving our IT infrastructure with a ... Nice to have: * You have built robust, scalable integrations between billing and an ERP system ...

Red Cup IT, Inc.

Senior IT Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$112K - $154K/yr

Develop and implement strategies for system optimization, capacity planning, and scalability ... IT systems engineering, administration, or related roles. Extensive experience with Windows and ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsIt System Engineer JobsIt System Engineer Jobs in California

It System Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do it system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for it system 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 does an IT system engineer do?

An IT System Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and storage systems. They ensure that all systems are running efficiently, troubleshoot technical issues, and often play a key role in system upgrades and security management. IT System Engineers collaborate with other IT professionals to support business needs and may also be involved in planning for future technology needs. Their work helps ensure data integrity, security, and optimal system performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an IT system engineer?

To thrive as an IT System Engineer, you need a robust understanding of network infrastructure, server administration, and operating systems, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Active Directory, Linux/Windows servers, and certifications such as CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure system reliability, minimize downtime, and support organizational IT needs efficiently.

What are some common challenges IT system engineers face when managing complex network environments?

IT System Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, maintaining network security across multiple platforms, and ensuring consistent uptime. Managing these complexities requires strong troubleshooting skills, effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, and staying updated with evolving best practices. Additionally, balancing day-to-day support tasks with long-term infrastructure projects can be demanding but also provides valuable learning and growth opportunities.

What is the difference between It System Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectIt System EngineerNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and managing IT systems and infrastructureMaintaining and troubleshooting network hardware and connectivity
Employer & Industry UsageIT companies, large organizations, tech firmsBusinesses with extensive network needs, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve network and system knowledge, an It System Engineer focuses on designing and managing overall IT infrastructure, whereas a Network Administrator primarily maintains and troubleshoots network hardware and connectivity. The roles often overlap, but the System Engineer has a broader scope including system integration and architecture.

Is IT hard to be a systems engineer?

Becoming a systems engineer requires strong technical skills in networking, hardware, and software, as well as problem-solving abilities. The role can be challenging due to the need to troubleshoot complex issues and stay updated with evolving technologies, but it is manageable with proper training and experience.

Is an IT system engineer a high paying job?

IT system engineers often earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, certifications, and location. In general, they are considered to have a well-paying role within the technology sector, especially with specialized skills in network infrastructure, security, and system administration.

What cities in California are hiring for It System Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most It System Engineer job openings:

It System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various It System Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Senior IT Systems Engineer - JobID-0280

San Diego, CA • On-site

Innovative Defense Technologies
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Innovative Defense Technologiesexternal

$135K - $273K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Senior IT Systems Engineer - JobID-0280
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: San Diego, CA
Compensation: $135,000 - $273,000 / year
Description
About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Systems Engineer to be part of our Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) team and based out of our San Diego, CA location.
This Senior IT Systems Engineer will work with a fast-paced team of mission-focused engineers to solve some of the Navy's toughest challenges. Initiative, creativity, reliability, efficiency, and teamwork will be required to successfully deliver innovative solutions in this dynamic customer space. The Senior IT Systems Engineer will be responsible for leading a team to maintain Linux and Windows based computing systems intended to support virtualized testing of Naval Tactical Systems.
Responsibilities will include IT infrastructure assembly, troubleshooting, and system maintenance, and Naval tactical applications troubleshooting and support. Duties will also include maintaining documentation for processes and procedures, while also providing support to internal engineers or customers on-site.
Clearance & Location Requirements:
  • All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
  • This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 4 days in office, based out of our San Diego, CA location and nearby government facilities.

Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do:
  • Lead, mentor, and task a team of matrixed systems and network engineers, enforcing high engineering standards and directing engineering workflows.
  • Provide IT systems support on IDT and government physical and virtualized environment assets located within IDT and Navy labs.
  • Install and provision newly purchased pieces of hardware equipment and evaluate future hardware needs. Conduct market research and recommend hardware and software architectures and modifications to meet or exceed project and IDT requirements.
  • Implement, maintain, and review security processes to maintain compliance and ensure user permissions are set accordingly, leading the team in updating DISA STIG checklists and preparing systems for RMF assessments
  • Interact with technical members from multiple internal and external organizations in a team environment. Establish roles and responsibilities, collective performance objectives and schedule goals to meet requirements.
  • Establish and maintain up-to-date documentation on system infrastructures.
  • Troubleshoot basic issues on end-user, infrastructure, and customer applications.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Who You Are (Required):
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or equivalent full-time professional experience
  • 7+ year's of experience with one or more of the following:
    • IT system production planning and workflow
    • Network architecting, hardware optimization and planning
    • Platform integration and support system integration
    • Vulnerability scanning and remediation, applying STIG's and jhardening systems
    • Networking concepts - TCP/IP, Switching, Routing, Firewalls, Subnetting.
    • Virtualization Infrastructure, VMware and/or OpenShift Virtualization.
    • Working multiple projects in an agile work environment.
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed

What Makes You Stand Out:
  • 5+ year's of experience working with DoD and Naval C4I or combat systems
  • Security+, CCNA, or equivalent IAT Level II certification (IAT Level III is a plus).
  • Strong Understanding of Red Hat or similar Linux distributions.
  • Experience working with networking within a tactical system.
  • Experience with Cisco Switching to include Virtual Port Channeling, VLANs, VRFs, etc.
  • Desire to stay current with industry trends and best practices. Openness to new tools and concepts, showing initiative, innovation and creativity
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations Strong analytical abilities, sense of ownership, urgency and drive

If you see yourself reflected in this role and are excited about the impact you could make, we encourage you to apply! If you know someone who may be a great fit, please feel free to share this opportunity with your network.
Pay Range*: $135,000 - $231,000 or $164,000 - $273,000
*Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162, IDT is required to disclose the "pay scale" or "pay range" associated with a job posting. Notably, however, this amount may not be reflective of actual compensation that may be earned as pay is dependent on a candidate's experience, skills, and education. The posted range does not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits. Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 1162. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.
Job Benefits
Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):
IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack-filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including:
  • Generous benefits package
  • Competitive PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching
  • 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month)
  • Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program
  • Professional Development Resources
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
  • Organization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards
  • Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches

EEO Statement:
IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.

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