1

Level 5 Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... + 5+ year of post-grad security related experience; or PhD in a relevant technical field + 2+ years of post-grad security related experience * Expertise in one of the following domains ...

... + 5+ year of post-grad security related experience; or PhD in a relevant technical field + 2+ years of post-grad security related experience * Expertise in one of the following domains ...

... + 5+ year of post-grad security related experience; or PhD in a relevant technical field + 2+ years of post-grad security related experience * Expertise in one of the following domains ...

Showing results 21-40

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 16, 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 cities in California are hiring for Level 5 jobs?

Cities in California with the most Level 5 job openings:

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.

Staff Software Engineer - Level 5

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$177K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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's Space Sector is seeking a Staff Software Engineer - Level 5 to join our team of highly qualified, diverse professionals within the Western Region Software Engineering Directorate. This position is located onsite in Redondo Beach, CA.
The job responsibilities of the Staff Software Engineer - Level 5 include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Design, develop, document, integrate, test, and debug software solutions for end-user customers.
• Support the architecture, development, and lifecycle management of embedded and real-time systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams-including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test-within an Agile development environment.
• Analyze system capabilities to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to program intent, output requirements, data acquisition, programming methods, and control strategies.
• Work in a fast-paced lab environment with rapid development cycles.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 12+ years of software development experience; Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 10+ years of software development experience; Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of software development experience.
• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at the time of application.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ development.
• Extensive experience with VxWorks Real-Time Operating System.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience supporting Directed Energy programs
  • Image processing experience
  • Linux/Red Hawk Linux experience
  • Experience with low-level development
  • Experience with Curtis-Wright VPX processors
  • Experience with Acromag AcroPack interface VPX cards
  • Prior experience with MATLAB
  • Experience with adaptive optics processing

Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00
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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

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