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Smart Systems Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We build smart systems and infrastructure for homes, businesses, and municipalities that transform food scraps from landfill-bound waste into valuable resources, including chicken feed. Tens of ...

We build smart systems and infrastructure for homes, businesses, and municipalities that transform food scraps from landfill-bound waste into valuable resources, including chicken feed. Tens of ...

$61.90 - $141/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience integrating Marine Corps networks and fires command and control systems including AFATDS, JADOCS, JFN, and Maven Smart Systems (MSS) * Experience with Marine Corps operations * Experience ...

New

Smart Home Consultant

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll activate systems, educate customers on our app and features, and ensure every solution fits their unique needs. You will: • Deliver in-home consultations and assessments • Recommend smart ...

Smart Home Consultant

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll activate systems, educate customers on our app and features, and ensure every solution fits their unique needs.You will: Deliver in-home consultations and assessments Recommend smart home and ...

Smart Home Consultant

San Jose, CA · On-site

$105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll activate systems, educate customers on our app and features, and ensure every solution fits their unique needs. You will: • Deliver in-home consultations and assessments • Recommend smart ...

Showing results 21-40

Smart Systems information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do smart systems jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for smart systems in California is $27.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are smart systems?

Smart systems are technology-driven solutions that use sensors, software, and data processing to automate tasks, make decisions, and improve efficiency. They often incorporate artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to collect and analyze data from their environment. Examples include smart home devices, intelligent transportation systems, and automated manufacturing. These systems are designed to adapt to changing conditions and learn from experience, resulting in smarter and more responsive operations.

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

To excel as a Smart Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in systems engineering, embedded systems, IoT technologies, and typically a degree in electrical, computer, or systems engineering. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or C++), automation platforms, and smart device integration tools is essential, along with relevant certifications like Cisco CCNA or IoT-focused credentials. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this multidisciplinary field. These skills are crucial for developing, integrating, and maintaining intelligent systems that optimize efficiency and innovation in various industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in smart systems roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Smart Systems roles often encounter challenges such as integrating diverse hardware and software components, ensuring system security, and managing large volumes of data. Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams—such as data scientists, engineers, and IT specialists—is crucial to address these challenges. Staying current with emerging technologies and industry standards also helps in developing robust and scalable smart systems. Continuous learning and proactive problem-solving are key strategies for overcoming these obstacles and advancing in the field.

What is the difference between Smart Systems vs Automation Technician?

AspectSmart SystemsAutomation Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in engineering, computer science, or related field; certifications in smart technology or IoT are commonVocational training or associate degree; certifications in PLC programming, control systems, or automation are common
Work EnvironmentDesign, install, and maintain integrated smart technology systems in buildings, homes, or industrial settingsInstall, troubleshoot, and repair industrial automation equipment and control systems in manufacturing or processing plants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by tech firms, building management companies, and industrial facilities focusing on IoT and smart infrastructureEmployed by manufacturing, processing, and industrial companies focusing on automation and control systems

Smart Systems professionals focus on designing and managing integrated intelligent systems, often involving IoT and smart technology. Automation Technicians primarily install and maintain industrial control systems. While both roles require technical skills, Smart Systems roles tend to involve more design and integration, whereas Automation Technicians focus on hands-on troubleshooting and repair.

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

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

Infographic showing various Smart Systems 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 $56,437 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Lead Hardware Systems Engineer

Mill

San Bruno, CA • On-site

$195K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Mill is a waste prevention technology company reimagining what it means to eliminate waste, starting with food. We build smart systems and infrastructure for homes, businesses, and municipalities that transform food scraps from landfill-bound waste into valuable resources, including chicken feed. Tens of thousands of Mill's residential food recyclers are already helping households divert millions of pounds of food scraps every year, paving the way for our upcoming launch of Mill Commercial-the industry's first end-to-end solution for managing, understanding, and preventing food waste in commercial environments (e.g. grocery, restaurants, food services). At Mill, we are passionate about building easy-to-use, beautifully designed technologies that keep food in the food system and out of landfills.
About this Role:
As a Lead Systems Engineer at Mill, you will be responsible for helping ideate, test and define the next generation of Mill's commercial food recycler technology. We are a small team and you will work cross-functionally with Electrical/Mechanical Engineers, Algorithms and Product Teams to deliver world class industrial products designed to keep food waste out of landfills. This is a hands-on role and best suited for someone who has a history of working on interdisciplinary projects involving thermal, fluids or chemical processes from concept through production.
Responsibilities:
  • Owns system performance: Tech lead for test engineers on the experimental optimization and characterization of system parameters such as temperatures, flow rates, and heat transfer to improve energy efficiency and throughput. Collaborates on analysis and helps derive conclusions and next steps from experimental data.
  • Work collaboratively with algorithms and firmware teams to develop control schemes for the system processes to optimize energy consumption and drying time while ensuring reliable function
  • Identify opportunities to improve the system design to deliver improved performance or reliability.
  • Oversee and direct external simulations work such as CFD, thermal and multiphysics models to help improve system design and performance.
  • Determine the system requirements for various components such as fans, condensers, heaters, flow meters and sensors. Collaborates with other systems engineers to ensure these are well documented and have visibility to other stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineers to optimize custom hardware such as mixing paddles, air deflectors and cutting/shredding technology core to the drying and grinding chamber.
  • Collaborate with operations and global supply chain managers on sourcing components that will meet our specifications at production volumes.
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineers to facilitate the transition of prototype parts and bench top proof of concept to high volume manufacturing methods.

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years experience working hands on as a systems or in a lead role with significant thermal and fluid handling aspects. Ideal past experience would include taking new processes from concept through to production.
  • An ability to work cross functionally, and interface with a wide range of disciplines to enable cross functional collaboration. Strong communications skills through written, verbal and graphical presentation techniques.
  • Ability to leverage python to analyze time series data is preferred, but other means (R, Ai ect) are also acceptable.
  • Past experience managing cross functional engineering projects spanning a number of technical disciplines including electrical, mechanical, thermal, and controls.
  • Hands-on experience with electromechanical integration and part selection such as blowers, valves, fans and sensors
  • BS and or MS degree in related engineering field preferably with focus on Process, Thermal, mechanical or Chemical Engineering. Masters or higher is preferred.
  • Some prior startup experience is highly preferred.
  • Strong communications skills through written, verbal and graphical presentation techniques
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across the entire company as needed

The estimated base salary range for this position is $195k to $255k, which does not include the value of benefits or a potential equity grant. A wide range of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, market conditions, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and business and organizational needs.