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Lead Software Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Software Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Systems Engineer to join the SATCOM Mission Planning ...

Lead Software Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Systems Engineer to join the SATCOM Mission Planning ...

Lead Software Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Systems Engineer to join the SATCOM Mission Planning ...

Software Systems Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$143K - $238K/yr

Stakeholder Management - Lead technical meetings and discussions with customers, representing software systems engineering perspectives for trade studies and technical initiatives from concepts ...

Software Systems Engineer 4

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$166K - $197K/yr

Job #219262 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Software Systems Engineer (Level 4) for a contract ... Lead software development activities in the scaled agile methodology utilizing a DevSecOps ...

Software Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$184K - $218K/yr

OVERVIEW As a Set Top Box (STB) Software Systems Engineer, you are the bridge between the technical and business worlds as you shape our company's next generation video delivery platform. You should ...

Software Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

You'll lead working groups, evaluate technology options, and deliver recommendations to government ... Software Systems Engineer Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your technical leadership and ...

Software Systems Engineer

Northridge, CA · On-site

$95K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Software Systems Engineer to join our team and lead critical aspects of system design, integration, and validation. This role requires a strong ...

Engineer Positions, TS/SCI

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

We are seeking several engineering positions in support of this program including: -Model Based Systems Engineers and Senior Model Based System Engineers -Lead Software Systems Engineer -Senior ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Software Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$89.8K

$196.7K

$249.7K

How much do lead software systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software systems engineer in California is $196,717.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $164,800.00 and $249,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Lead Software Systems Engineer do?

A Lead Software Systems Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of complex software systems. They lead a team of engineers, coordinate project tasks, and ensure that software solutions meet technical and business requirements. This role often involves architectural planning, code reviews, and collaborating with stakeholders to define system functionalities. They also mentor junior engineers and help establish best practices within the development team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Software Systems Engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Software Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in software architecture, systems integration, and programming, usually backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), version control systems (Git), and frameworks for CI/CD, as well as certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, are highly valuable. Effective leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help guide teams and manage complex technical projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering robust, scalable solutions and ensuring successful project outcomes in dynamic environments.

How does a Lead Software Systems Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

As a Lead Software Systems Engineer, you will frequently work alongside product managers, QA specialists, and infrastructure teams to ensure that complex software systems are designed, developed, and deployed efficiently. Effective communication and coordination are vital, as you'll often translate business requirements into technical specifications, facilitate design reviews, and help resolve integration challenges across diverse teams. Success in this role depends on your ability to foster collaboration, balance multiple priorities, and provide technical leadership that guides the team toward project milestones while maintaining system quality and scalability.

What cities in California are hiring for Lead Software Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lead Software Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Lead Software Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $196,717 per year, or $94.6 per hour.

Lead Software Systems Engineer

Seal Beach, CA • On-site

Boeing
Aviation • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 618 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Lead Software Systems Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Systems Engineer to join the SATCOM Mission Planning Software Engineering team in Seal Beach, CA.

The SATCOM Mission Planning team is a critical part of the U.S. military's nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) network, providing nuclear-survivable connectivity. Our team develops software tools and services for advanced satellite and ground systems.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced development environment using modern, scalable technology and tools. Our team works in an Agile and CI/CD environment with automated testing, vulnerability scanning, and quality scanning capabilities.

The ideal candidate has software ecosystem experience, strong project background, sound judgment, and the ability to engineer new solutions and capabilities. Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills are essential.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Leads, develops and maintains requirements, architecture, algorithms, interfaces, and designs for high-performance APIs between front-end and back-end software services

  • Leads support software development activities in an Agile environment using DevSecOps methodologies, including integration of completed software components into a fully functional software system

  • Leads the development of critical features and take ownership of the full development lifecycle from design through deployment

  • Builds, architects, and consumes APIs and backend services as part of the platform ecosystem, with an emphasis on automation, testing, and security

  • Leads code reviews to maintain code quality, enforce best practices, and ensure compliance with established standards

  • Leads the creation and translation of design mockups into functional, visually appealing user interfaces using modern front-end frameworks and technologies

  • Advocates for improvements to product quality, security, and performance that positively impact the team and broader organization

  • Works effectively in ambiguous environments, provide mentoring, leadership to team and self-direct work as needed

Security Clearance:

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelors degree or higher

  • 5+ years' experience with software development for space systems and ground segments performing command, control, mission planning and data processing

  • 5+ years of development experience using Python

  • 3+ years' experience with JavaScript (e.g., Angular, JQuery)

  • 3+ years' experience working with TypeScript

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science and 9+ years of related work experience OR Bachelor's Degree and 13+ years of directly related work experience OR 17+ years of related, relevant experience

  • 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in software development, utilizing modern methodologies on government programs

  • 5+ years' experience with designing and developing intuitive user interfaces featuring real-time, 2D/3D geospatial visualization

  • 5+ years' experience in the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, integration, and test

  • 5+ years' experience with database technologies (Postgres, SQL/NoSQL)

  • 3+ years' experience with Java and FastAPI (Python API) languages

  • In-depth knowledge of Command and Control (C2) systems, mission planning, ground systems, and real-time application requirements

  • Strong experience using CI/CD pipelines, automate testing, builds, and deployment workflows

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Work Location:

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Travel:

Position may require travel up to 10% of the time.

CodeVue Coding Challenge:

To be considered for this position you will be required to complete a technical assessment as part of the selection process. Failure to complete the assessment will remove you from consideration.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeingis a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: USD $171,700 - $232,300

The Boeing 401(k) helps you save for your future, with contributions from Boeing that can help you grow your retirement savings. Our best-in-class retirement benefit features:

1. Best in class 401(k) plan: we'll match your contributions dollar for dollar, up to 10% of eligible pay with immediate 100% vesting

2. Student Loan Match:The Boeing 401(k) Student Loan Match allows eligible enrolled U.S. employees to have their qualified student loan debt payments counted, along with any match-eligible contributions they make, for purposes of determining the Company Match to employees' Boeing 401(k) accounts.

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Boeing

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At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US