ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Level 5 Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Security Level 5

Executive Admin

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

About Security Level 5 Security Level 5 is a Bay Area AI security nonprofit working with AI labs and US intelligence agencies to defend frontier models from priority nation-state-level threats. We ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 8, 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 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 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 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.

Mechanical Design Engineer Level 5

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$161K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
Northrop Grumman is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer Level 5 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The Marine Systems organization, part of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, is searching for Mechanical Design engineers in support of rapid growth in the Launcher Hardware organization. You will have the opportunity to be part of an expanding team of dedicated engineers directly supporting the engineering development of innovative launcher hardware for weapons systems on a variety of Navy platforms.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Develop designs concept and generate solid models that reflect those concepts
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders balancing technical, schedule, and cost requirements
  • Conduct trade studies to select and evaluate best design approaches to fulfill requirements
  • Oversee the generation of engineering drawings using common GD&T practices
  • Identify procurement needs, support hardware fabrication, and support hardware nonconformance disposition
  • Provide assembly checkout and test support
  • Generate task plans and support proposal efforts
  • Occasional domestic travel may be required

The qualified candidate will possess the following skills:
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written
  • Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment

Basic Qualifications for a Staff Engineer Mechanical (Level 5):
  • Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) discipline with 12 or more years engineering experience; Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 10 or more years of experience; or PhD with 8 years of experience
  • Solid background in machine design and drawing generation
  • Ability to plan tasks and execute to the established schedule
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, supporting multiple projects simultaneously
  • Proficiency in using common engineering design, production, analysis, and office tools
  • Must be a US citizen
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with CAD modeling (NX, CREO, SolidWorks, or equivalent)
  • Experience in ASME Y14.5 GD&T Standard and ASME Y14.100 Dimensioning, Tolerancing, and Engineering Drawing Practices
  • Experience in developing design concepts, performing trade studies, and conducting evaluations and analyses
  • Strong background in machine design, strength of materials, and materials technology
  • Experience in technical presentation and interfacing with customers
  • Experience in working with vendors and suppliers
  • Experience in production support
  • Design and operational knowledge of navy programs
  • An active US Government Secret Clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00
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

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply