1

System Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Design Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Dublin, CA (Onsite) Key Requirements: * Advanced degree in ... Strong background in system design, integration, verification & validation * Preferably with ...

Systems Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

As a Systems Design Engineer, you will be an integral part of the Data Center Platform Engineering ... Potential for professional growth and skill development in hardware and system debugging.

IP Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

IP Design Engineer Work Location: 100% Remote Interview: Via MS Teams Client is looking for someone ... Integrate third-party IP cores into FPGA systems, create custom RTL wrappers, and interface with IP ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 21, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, systems, and hardware engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in technology and aerospace industries.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software engineering, systems engineering, and petroleum engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. Roles in high-demand industries like technology, oil and gas, and aerospace typically offer compensation at this level or higher.

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

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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, systems engineering, or hardware engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology or finance. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, and compensation may include bonuses and stock options.

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 architecture diagrams, and selecting appropriate components. They often use modeling tools and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system functionality, reliability, and efficiency throughout the design process.
What cities in California are hiring for System Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most System Design Engineer job openings:
Phone System Design Engineer - Power Modeling

Phone System Design Engineer - Power Modeling

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

The iPhone Hardware System Design Team is seeking an enthusiastic Electrical Engineer to drive and influence future iPhone innovations. In this role, you will be at the center of iPhone product development, developing system power consumption and usage models, with a critical impact on overall design. Are you ready for the challenge?
Description
This position starts at iPhone product concept and continues through design phases to post product ramp. You will publish system level power estimates for various customer usage scenarios to drive battery life and thermal design discussions, own system-level power validation, analyze next-generation hardware with various cross-functional teams across Apple, perform hands-on lab investigations, and debug power-related issues to identify power-saving opportunities. Throughout the iPhone development cycle, you will work with the team to constantly improve our power modeling and validation methodologies. Position may require some international travel
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
Knowledge in system architecture power and performance metrics for computer (CPU, GPU, memory, radio) technologies, battery powered devices, and power electronics.
Hands-on lab experience with multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, analog circuits, and prototype rework.
Proficiency in automation, programming and scripting (e.g. Matlab or Python), with the ability to process and analyze large datasets for power model development.
Preferred Qualifications
Relevant experience in consumer hardware or electronics industries.
Hardware / software power analysis and optimization experience.
Familiarity with battery modeling and management concepts.
Familiarity with feedback and control systems.
Understanding of statistical tools for field data analysis.
Familiarity with LLM based tools

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

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