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Level 5 Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Acoustic Analyst Level 5

Sunnyvale, CA

$177K - $265K/yr

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an Acoustic Analyst level 5 to support the development and ongoing support of world-class US Navy machinery (turbines, generators, motors, and other system ...

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Acoustic Analyst Level 5

Sunnyvale, CA

$177K - $265K/yr

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an Acoustic Analyst level 5 to support the development and ongoing support of world-class US Navy machinery (turbines, generators, motors, and other system ...

Lockheed Martin

Systems Engineer - Level 5

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$128K - $226K/yr

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is seeking a full-time Systems Engineer - Level 5 to join the Skunk Works Communication, Navigation, and Identification (CNI) Systems team. In this role, you will be ...

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All JobsLevel 5 JobsLevel 5 Jobs in California

Level 5 information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$85.5K

$111.5K

How much do level 5 jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for level 5 in California is $85,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a level 5?

Level 5 positions typically refer to mid-senior roles within an organization's job grading system. These roles often require substantial experience, leadership abilities, and specialized knowledge in a given field. Employees at Level 5 may lead teams, manage projects, or hold significant responsibility over business operations. The exact duties and qualifications can vary by company, but Level 5 roles usually indicate a level of authority above entry and intermediate positions.

What is the difference between Level 5 vs Level 4?

CriteriaLevel 4Level 5
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or associate degreeUsually requires a diploma, associate degree, or relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice, retail, or industrial settingsSimilar environments with increased responsibilities
Employer UsageCommonly used in retail, hospitality, and entry-level rolesUsed in similar industries for advanced entry-level or specialist roles
Search IntentCompare entry-level roles with slightly higher responsibilitiesUnderstand progression or differentiation within similar roles

Level 5 roles typically involve more responsibilities and may require additional certifications compared to Level 4 positions. Both levels are common in various industries like retail, hospitality, and customer service, with Level 5 often representing a more advanced entry point or specialized role within the same job category.

What are the common responsibilities and expectations for a level 5 engineer in a technical team?

As a Level 5 engineer, you are typically expected to take on both complex technical tasks and leadership responsibilities within your team. This often includes designing and implementing scalable solutions, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as product management and quality assurance. You may also be involved in code reviews, architectural decisions, and helping to set technical direction for projects. The role requires balancing hands-on work with guiding others, making communication and organizational skills as important as technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a level 5 software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Level 5 Software Engineer, you need advanced expertise in software development, system design, and a strong track record of leading complex technical projects, usually backed by several years of experience and a relevant degree. Proficiency in programming languages, cloud platforms, and familiarity with tools like Git, CI/CD pipelines, and architectural frameworks are standard requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication skills set you apart in this role. These competencies are vital for driving technical vision, mentoring teams, and delivering robust, scalable solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Level 5 jobs in California?

For Level 5 jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Level 5 jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Level 5 jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Level 5 jobs?

Cities in California with the most Level 5 job openings:

Level 5 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Level 5 job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,531 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Level 5 Vehicle Operator

Continuum Resource Network

Atwater, CA • On-site

$22 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Location: Atwater, CA, United States

Work environment: In-person

Expected pay: 34.00 USD Per Hour

Schedule: Full-time (usually 30+ hours/week)

Assignment length: Contract

We are helping an on-demand, autonomous ride-hailing company hire a Level 5 Vehicle Operator to test and validate the hardware and software deployed on the company’s autonomous vehicle, which will go into production in the very near future.
In this role, you’ll operate the L5 vehicle, supporting vehicle readiness, completing software and hardware tests, and, when needed, representing the company as an ambassador to the public—all while upholding the highest safety standards.
You’ll also assist and interact with multiple teams across the company, including computer vision, infrastructure, sound design, strategy, vehicle engineering, and ride operations. Working at the company will give you the opportunity to learn the Level 5 autonomous platform and how the system works as a whole. You will have a front-row seat to the operational complexities of realizing autonomous mobility while being a key component of contributing to the future of the company and the industry as a whole.
We’re looking for operators who are disciplined, are team players, and believe in doing whatever it takes to accomplish the mission. They should be motivated and driven individuals with excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
You’ll be responsible for software deployment, vehicle preparation, test execution, and troubleshooting issues before, during, and after testing. Operations will include data acquisition and annotation, ensuring test equipment readiness, and setting up the tests as directed by the test coordinator.
As a Level 5 Vehicle Operator, you will:

  • Operate and complete test missions on the L5 autonomous vehicle platform.
  • Maintain a high level of safety awareness at all times, providing input to improve processes.
  • Support the software team in the execution of key software operation tasks.
  • Support missions through a wide variety of roles, in and out of vehicles.
  • Assist with documentation and metrics capture.
  • Provide accurate written and oral feedback to engineering teams.
  • Support the Mission Readiness team with basic vehicle preventative maintenance checks, services, and repairs.
  • Provide logistical support for the movement and storage of vehicles and equipment.
  • Monitor devices during testing and troubleshoot issues.
  • Follow documented procedures and escalate to the test coordinator when issues arise.
  • Drive 4–8 hours a day with a priority for safety.

Requirements

  • Experience working with and troubleshooting complex technical systems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent driving history and no criminal history.
  • Must have a driver's license and means of transportation to and from test sites.
  • Proactive mindset and resourcefulness.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Must be able to maintain composure and handle frequent changes or unexpected disruptions.
  • Proven track record of working with little supervision, solving problems, and meeting deadlines.

Benefits

  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Employer-subsidized healthcare benefits
  • Flexible Spending Account for healthcare costs
  • All costs covered for short- and long-term disability and life insurance
  • 401k package