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System Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kandou Bus

System Architect

Santa Clara, CA

$287K/yr

We are actively seeking a System Architect based in US (Bay Area or Austin preferred), EU considered. * Own the SoC and Product Specification stack for a 1.6T retimer SoC and the AEC product it ...

Kandou Bus

System Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$287K/yr

We are actively seeking a System Architect based in US (Bay Area or Austin preferred), EU considered. * Own the SoC and Product Specification stack for a 1.6T retimer SoC and the AEC product it ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

System Architect

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$258K/yr

Booz Allen Hamilton is a consulting firm that seeks a System Architect to create and integrate digital models of products throughout their lifecycle. The role involves developing innovative solutions ...

Firestorm

System Architect

San Diego, CA · On-site

$258K/yr

As a System Architect, you will own the end-to-end software system architecture, ensuring coherent integration of product definitions, manufacturing software, and automation layers. Responsibilities ...

Micron Technology

System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$146K - $286K/yr

Micron is seeking a System Architect to lead performance modeling and analysis of next-generation memory architectures for AI, server, data center, and mobile platforms. In this role, you'll conduct ...

Voltai

System Architect

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$285K/yr

About this Role You will define the architecture for advanced compute and hardware systems -- integrating AI co-design, performance modeling, and cross-domain optimization. You'll translate system ...

Voltai, Inc

System Architect

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$285K/yr

About this Role You will define the architecture for advanced compute and hardware systems - integrating AI co-design, performance modeling, and cross-domain optimization. You'll translate system ...

Micron

System Architect

San Jose, CA

$146K - $286K/yr

Micron is seeking a System Architect to lead performance modeling and analysis of next-generation memory architectures for AI, server, data center, and mobile platforms. In this role, you'll conduct ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

System Architect

El Segundo, CA

$86K - $198K/yr

System Architect The Opportunity: Create, integrate, and apply interdisciplinary digital models of products from concept throughout the product lifecycle. Apply advanced consulting skills or ...

Nvidia

System Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$285K/yr

We are looking for a Systems Architect to lead and drive power solutions for NVIDIA products, ensuring reliable solutions for the short-term engineering designs and developing new power solutions for ...

Nvidia Corporation

System Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$285K/yr

We are looking for a Systems Architect to lead and drive power solutions for NVIDIA products, ensuring reliable solutions for the short-term engineering designs and developing new power solutions for ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

System Architect

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

System Architect The Opportunity: Create, integrate, and apply interdisciplinary digital models of products from concept throughout the product lifecycle. Apply advanced consulting skills or ...

Wayve

System Architect - Sensors

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$252K - $298K/yr

The Role Wayve is seeking a Sensor Systems Architect within the Product & Delivery (P&D) organisation to own the definition and integration of sensor systems as part of the end-to-end autonomy stack.

Hark

Operating System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

About the Role We're looking for a Principal Embedded OS Architect to own the operating system strategy and software architecture across our consumer electronics portfolio, from early architecture ...

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All JobsSystem Architect JobsSystem Architect Jobs in California

System Architect information

See California salary details

$85.4K

$221.4K

$240.3K

How much do system architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for system architect in California is $221,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $239,800.00 and $239,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a System Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a System Architect, you need a deep understanding of system design, software engineering principles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with architectural frameworks (such as TOGAF), modeling tools (like UML), and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), as well as relevant certifications, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and leadership abilities help System Architects translate business requirements into technical solutions and guide development teams. These skills are crucial for creating scalable, secure, and efficient systems that align with organizational goals.

What does a system architect do?

A system architect designs and oversees the structure of complex IT systems, ensuring they meet business requirements and are scalable, reliable, and secure. They analyze technical needs, create architecture diagrams, and collaborate with development teams, often using tools like UML and architecture frameworks. Strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and certifications such as TOGAF or AWS are common in this role.

What is the average salary for a systems architect?

The average salary for a systems architect typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $160,000 per year.

Are system architects in demand?

System architects are in high demand due to the increasing complexity of IT infrastructure and the need for strategic technology planning. Organizations seek professionals with expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems to design scalable and efficient solutions. Strong technical skills and relevant certifications can enhance job prospects in this field.

What is the difference between System Architect vs Network Architect?

AspectSystem ArchitectNetwork Architect
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, IT, or related; certifications like TOGAF, AWSBachelor's in CS, IT, or related; Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP)
Work EnvironmentDesigns overall IT systems, collaborates with multiple teamsDesigns and implements network infrastructure, works closely with network teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across IT, software, and enterprise sectorsPrimarily in telecommunications, large enterprises, data centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for system design and architecture rolesCompared for network infrastructure planning roles

While both roles involve designing technical infrastructure, a System Architect focuses on overall IT systems and software solutions, whereas a Network Architect specializes in designing and implementing network infrastructure. Both require strong technical skills and certifications, but their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

How does a System Architect typically collaborate with other teams during a project lifecycle?

System Architects play a central role in bridging technical and business teams throughout a project's lifecycle. They work closely with stakeholders to understand requirements, coordinate with developers to ensure technical feasibility, and consult with operations teams to plan for deployment and maintenance. Regular meetings, documentation reviews, and design workshops are common ways System Architects maintain alignment and ensure the system's architecture meets both functional and non-functional needs. Successful collaboration often relies on strong communication skills and a deep understanding of both business goals and technical constraints.

What is the highest salary of a system architect?

The highest salaries for system architects can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand industries and locations. Senior system architects with specialized skills in cloud computing, security, or enterprise architecture often earn the top compensation levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of System Architect jobs in California? The most popular types of System Architect jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to System Architect jobs in California? For System Architect jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching System Architect jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for System Architect jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for System Architect jobs? Cities in California with the most System Architect job openings:
What are popular job titles related to System Architect jobs in CA? For System Architect jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
System Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Architect job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $221,396 per year, or $106.4 per hour.

System Architect

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING
At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences-from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you'll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world's most important challenges-striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.
THE ROLE:
We are seeking a hands-on System Architect to lead the end-to-end architecture for our next-generation products. In this role, you will be the technical authority responsible for defining system requirements, architecture, and integration strategies across hardware, firmware, software, and operational aspects. You will ensure that all subsystems work cohesively to achieve functional, performance, security, and reliability goals, while guiding teams on best practices throughout the product lifecycle. The System Architect will collaborate with engineering leads, product managers, operations teams, and customer stakeholders to align technical solutions with business objectives.
THE PERSON:
You are a recognized subject matter expert in system architecture with a track record of influencing technical direction across programs. You bring broad cross-domain experience and strong communication skills to align hardware, firmware, software, mechanical, and manufacturing stakeholders. You are comfortable making pragmatic tradeoffs among performance, cost, schedule and risk, and you mentor engineers on architecture principles, design patterns and system-level thinking. Your decisions are data-driven, and you elevate engineering quality through clear guidance and coaching.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Define and maintain the overall system architecture for complex hardware/software integrated products.
  • Translate product and market requirements into system-level specifications, functional decomposition, and architecture artifacts.
  • Conduct trade-off analyses incorporating performance, scalability, security, reliability, power, thermal, and cost considerations.
  • Select and recommend technologies for processors, memory, storage, networking, management controllers, and other core system elements.
  • Establish and enforce system interface standards and interoperability guidelines.
  • Collaborate with platform architects, chief engineers, and subsystem owners to ensure design consistency and integration quality.
  • Lead architecture reviews and manage cross-domain technical risks.
  • Support engineering teams during design, validation, manufacturing readiness, and deployment phases.
  • Drive alignment with relevant industry standards and protocols.
  • Mentor engineering staff in system-level thinking, architecture methods, and technical decision-making processes.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Proven architectural leadership in complex compute or embedded products.
  • Strong understanding of hardware/software co-design, distributed systems integration, and lifecycle engineering.
  • Expertise in multiple relevant domains: compute architecture, networking/interconnect, power and thermal management, system security.
  • Familiarity with industry standards such as PCIe, Ethernet, NVMe, IPMI/Redfish, SMBus/I²C, SPI, and emerging protocols.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives and resolve integration challenges.
  • Excellent communication skills for interacting with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experienced in producing architectural documentation, designing diagrams, compiling requirements matrices, and providing technical justifications.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience with high-density servers, telecommunications gear, industrial embedded platforms, or aerospace systems.
  • Knowledge of cyber-security and regulatory compliance for system-level architecture.
  • Exposure to manufacturing processes and field support for large-scale deployments.
  • Capability to work effectively with geographically distributed teams.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.

Location:
  • Santa Clara, CA
  • Austin, TX
  • Seattle, WA

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
#LI-JE1
Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's "Responsible AI Policy" is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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