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System Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

System Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$122K - $214K/yr

In this role, you will own and drive the electrical and physical design of multi-layer boards for prototype systems, developing reference designs that meet stringent area, cost, and performance ...

Apple

System Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$122K - $214K/yr

In this role, you will own and drive the electrical and physical design of multi-layer boards for prototype systems, developing reference designs that meet stringent area, cost, and performance ...

Apple

System Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$175K - $308K/yr

In this role, you will own and drive the electrical and physical design of multi-layer boards for prototype systems, developing reference designs that meet stringent area, cost, and performance ...

Apple

System Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

In this role, you will own and drive the electrical and physical design of multi-layer boards for prototype systems, developing reference designs that meet stringent area, cost, and performance ...

Apple

System Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$175K - $308K/yr

In this role, you will own and drive the electrical and physical design of multi-layer boards for prototype systems, developing reference designs that meet stringent area, cost, and performance ...

Apple

System Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

In this role, you will own and drive the electrical and physical design of multi-layer boards for prototype systems, developing reference designs that meet stringent area, cost, and performance ...

KLA Corporation

System Design Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

There is never a dull moment with us. /Preferred Qualifications System Design Engineers are core to KLA's technology, while we do not currently have an opening, we are always building our System ...

Orbotech

System Design Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA

$136K - $231K/yr

There is never a dull moment with us. /Preferred Qualifications System Design Engineers are core to KLA's technology, while we do not currently have an opening, we are always building our System ...

KLA Corporation

System Design Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

There is never a dull moment with us. /Preferred Qualifications System Design Engineers are core to KLA's technology, while we do not currently have an opening, we are always building our System ...

PsiQuantum

Senior System Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

The Senior Systems Design Engineer is a hands-on role which drives and supports design and execution of electro-optic systems. This engineer will work in the System Design team and collaborate cross ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSystem Design Engineer JobsSystem Design Engineer Jobs in California

System Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$117K

$171.2K

How much do system design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for system design engineer in California is $117,037.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a system design engineer?

A System Design Engineer is a professional responsible for creating and overseeing the architecture and integration of complex systems, often combining hardware, software, and network components. They work on the conceptualization, design, and implementation phases to ensure that all parts of a system function together effectively. Their duties typically include requirements analysis, system modeling, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable and scalable solutions. System Design Engineers are crucial in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and telecommunications. Their work ensures that products and systems meet technical specifications and user needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system design engineer?

To thrive as a System Design Engineer, you need a solid background in systems engineering, electrical or mechanical engineering principles, and a relevant degree such as a BS or MS in engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications (e.g., INCOSE) are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. Mastering these skills ensures that complex systems are designed efficiently, meet client requirements, and integrate seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams.

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

System Design Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, managing unforeseen technical constraints, and balancing performance with cost. Effective communication with cross-functional teams is essential to align requirements and mitigate risks early in the design process. Adaptability and thorough testing are key to overcoming integration issues and delivering robust, scalable solutions.

What does a system design engineer do?

A system design engineer develops and plans complex systems by analyzing requirements, creating detailed designs, and integrating hardware and software components. They use tools like CAD and simulation software, and often collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system functionality, reliability, and efficiency. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles are essential for this role.
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System Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,037 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

System Design Engineer

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$122K - $214K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? Do you like changing the game? Envision what you could do here. At Apple, we believe new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. In this role, you will own and drive the electrical and physical design of multi-layer boards for prototype systems, developing reference designs that meet stringent area, cost, and performance requirements for product development.
Description
Work with cross-functional team to understand system requirements, from both physical design limitations and performance requirements Develop physical design implementations meeting stringent power and signal integrity requirement Drive co-optimization of physical design on MLB and package Provide implementation guidelines and feedback to silicon, package, and system design groups Perform feasibility study, design verification, and sign-off.","responsibilities":"Create custom PDN and SI routing feasibility on the system level for product PI/SI performance verification and help develop droop requirements for the system.
Work with cross functional teams to incorporate requirements and system constraints to MLB routing feasibility layouts.
Use BKM to create layouts satisfying droop requirements for PI.
Work with Package team on codesign areas between MLB and Package design.
Preferred Qualifications
4+ years experience in physical design of multi-layer boards (MLBs).
Experience in circuit design, schematic capture, and system integration.
Strong physical understanding of power and signal integrity fundamentals.
Experience in the physical design of Power Delivery Networks (PDNs) and high-speed signals at PCB level.
Familiar with Cadence APD/Allegro for physical design.
Familiar with High Density Interconnect (HDI) PCB and Flip-Chip (FC) BGA package substrate technologies. Ability to work and communicate effectively in a multi-functional team.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $122,700 and $214,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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