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Senior Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Senior Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

Title: Senior Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

DZYNE Technologies

Senior Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Work Arrangement: On-Site Position Summary As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will lead the systems engineering activities for Long Endurance ISR UAS ...

DZYNE Technologies LLC.

Senior Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Work Arrangement: On-Site Position Summary As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will lead the systems engineering activities for Long Endurance ISR UAS ...

Cellares

Senior Systems Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $137K/yr

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you are expected to readily learn and adapt to Cell Shuttle technologies, take ownership of various tasks, and successfully drive them to completion. In your daily work ...

Prescient Edge

Senior Systems Engineer

Riverside, CA · On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

Job Title Senior Systems Engineer Location Riverside, CA US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Staff Education Bachelor's Degree Travel None ...

Cellares

Senior Systems Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $137K/yr

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you are expected to readily learn and adapt to Cell Shuttle technologies, take ownership of various tasks, and successfully drive them to completion. In your daily work ...

2K

Senior Systems Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Position Summary The Senior Systems Engineer is a high-level individual contributor specializing in Perforce Helix Core to support, enhance, and optimize critical source control infrastructure. This ...

Cellares

Senior Systems Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $137K/yr

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you are expected to readily learn and adapt to Cell Shuttle technologies, take ownership of various tasks, and successfully drive them to completion. In your daily work ...

2K

Senior Systems Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Position Summary The Senior Systems Engineer is a high-level individual contributor specializing in Perforce Helix Core to support, enhance, and optimize critical source control infrastructure. This ...

T2Group

Sr. Systems Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

As Senior Systems Engineer, you will serve as the lead onsite technical anchor and trusted IT advisor for our premier VIP client in Costa Mesa, CA. Backed by our remote senior cloud architects, you ...

Relativity Space

Senior Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

As a Senior Systems Engineer you will be leading the creation, development, streamlining, and or eliminating Systems Engineering processes across the company to support an efficient, product-focused ...

The Rockridge Group

Senior Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$115K - $158K/yr

Job Description Sr . Systems Engineer General Description: Hands on virtualization/network/security engineer. Includes the implementation and design of hardware and software. Principal Responsi ...

Moog

Senior Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$111K - $177K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Reporting To: Head, Engrg. Sect. Work Schedule: Onsite - Santa Barbara, CA To be considered for this role, here's what you'll need to bring with you: * BS with an emphasis in ...

Moog, Inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$111K - $177K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Reporting To: Head, Engrg. Sect. Work Schedule: Onsite - Santa Barbara, CA To be considered for this role, here's what you'll need to bring with you: * BS with an emphasis in ...

VTG

Senior Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA

$94K - $178K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking Senior Systems Engineers to serve as subject matter experts on the AN/SQQ-89(V) Undersea Warfare combat system in San Diego, CA, and Hampton Roads, VA . These positions lead ...

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Senior Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$55.3K

$123.1K

$173.7K

How much do senior systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems engineer in California is $123,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior systems engineer?

A senior systems engineer is an IT (information technology) professional tasked with designing and maintaining network systems and security. Examples include large server or storage systems, computer networks, and mainframes. As a systems engineer, your primary duties are to oversee the daily operations of your facility and lead a team of engineers in designing new systems to replace old ones. You may work for a company that provides engineering services and solutions for other businesses, or you may be part of a large university or other institution's IT department. Skills needed for the career include the ability to work independently, leadership, and analytical problem-solving. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or IT and significant experience in a lower systems engineering position are essential qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Systems Engineer, you need expertise in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and network administration, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of relevant experience. Familiarity with virtualization platforms, cloud services (like AWS or Azure), automation tools (such as Ansible or PowerShell), and certifications like CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco are often required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you lead initiatives and collaborate effectively across teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring system reliability, scalability, and security in complex IT environments.

What are some common challenges faced by senior systems engineers when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure?

Senior Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy systems and new technologies, minimizing downtime during migrations, and addressing unforeseen security vulnerabilities. Effective integration requires thorough planning, cross-team collaboration, and detailed testing to avoid disruptions to business operations. Staying current with emerging technologies and adopting best practices for change management are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth implementation.

What is the difference between Senior Systems Engineer vs Systems Administrator?

AspectSenior Systems EngineerSystems Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certificationsCompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and troubleshooting complex systemsManaging daily system operations and user support
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise environmentsIT support, small to medium businesses

While both roles involve working with IT systems, Senior Systems Engineers focus on designing and implementing complex infrastructure, whereas Systems Administrators handle routine maintenance and user support. The senior role typically requires more advanced certifications and experience, and often involves strategic planning and system architecture.

More about Senior Systems Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Systems Engineer jobs in California?

For Senior Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Systems Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Systems Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Systems Engineer jobs in CA?

For Senior Systems Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,099 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. 

SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER I

We are currently seeking a Senior Systems Engineer I for our systems engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division, and lead cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Systems engineers are responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. They also work hands-on with flight hardware, and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Develop and maintain:
    • Technical budgets for vehicle performance
    • System requirements and verification techniques
    • Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
    • Test methods and data analysis
  • Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
  • Assist with program and product management
  • Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER I: 

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
  • 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
  • Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs
  • U.S citizenship required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Master's or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated components, including: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
  • Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
  • Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
  • Experience with satellite operations
  • Experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the loop (HITL) testing
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

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