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Lead Software Systems Engineer Jobs in California

As a Senior Software System Engineer you will actively participate in the development of radio ... Whether you are an individual contributor or you lead a large team, each of us leads at SPX. What ...

Software Engineer-Systems 5

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$166K - $197K/yr

Job #218955 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Software Engineer-Systems 5 for a contract opportunity in El ... Lead software development activities in the scaled agile methodology utilizing a DevSecOps ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Principal Software Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems Sector has an opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer with a primary focus on Interface Control Document (ICD) definition and management.

The position is located on site in Rancho Bernardo, CA, El Segundo, California or Palmdale, CA. The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team construct. The candidate will be responsible for performing analysis while working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) structure to update and maintain a detailed set of software Interface Control Document (ICD) artifacts.

The selected candidate will collaborate across engineering disciplines to integrate and communicate interface definition needs with internal stakeholders and external customers across multiple simultaneous Modernization and Sustainment efforts. This position will be in our Systems Engineering organization. In this role, your primary roles and responsibilities will include: Serve as the ICD lead engineer, owning definition, documentation, update, and configuration control of system and subsystem Interface Control Documents (ICDs).

Develop and maintain hardware, software, and data interfaces between internal subsystems and external stakeholders, ensuring consistency with system architecture and requirements. Coordinate and lead interface working groups and technical interchange meetings to resolve interface issues and drive convergence across multi-disciplinary teams. Use full knowledge of software and hardware disciplines to define and decompose interface from system-level requirements.

Perform Systems Engineering activities, such as functional analysis, interface definition, and verification. Work on Agile programs and methodology using Jira, including backlog refinement of interface-related tasks and stories. Interface and present to program leadership and/or customers using strong written and oral communication skills, including status of ICD maturity, risks, and impacts.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience.

Active USG Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment to be able to completely support statement of work. Experience in DOORS, XML tooling (e.g., XSD editors, XML validators), Atlassian Tool Suite. Preferred Qualifications Ability to work in a dynamic, fast paced environment, Action Oriented, Strong Attention to Detail, Communicates Effectively

Programming Skills in C/C++/Python/VBA including experience generating, parsing, and validating XML. Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills.

Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and Systems Thinking mindset. Proven ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders. Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools (CAMEO).

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results

Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date.

However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939