ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

System Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Helix School

Development Manager

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Strong project management, organization, systems-thinking, and problem-solving skills ... The Development Manager collaborates regularly with Marketing Manager, vendors, school staff and ...

The Helix School

Development Manager

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Strong project management, organization, systems-thinking, and problem-solving skills ... The Development Manager collaborates regularly with Marketing Manager, vendors, school staff and ...

The Helix School

Development Manager

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Strong project management, organization, systems-thinking, and problem-solving skills ... The Development Manager collaborates regularly with Marketing Manager, vendors, school staff and ...

The Helix School

Development Manager

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$200K/yr

Strong project management, organization, systems-thinking, and problem-solving skills ... The Development Manager collaborates regularly with Marketing Manager, vendors, school staff and ...

Aro Homes

Development Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Aro Homes is seeking a dynamic leader and construction management professional with an understanding of systems and procedures to support our site operations as a Development Manager. Aro Homes ...

Aro Homes, Inc

Development Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Aro Homes is seeking a dynamic leader and construction management professional with an understanding of systems and procedures to support our site operations as a Development Manager. Aro Homes ...

Socket.dev

Business Development Manager

Modesto, CA · On-site

$100 - $180/hr

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... We're expanding our dynamic team and seeking a driven Business Development Manager (BDM) to fuel ...

New

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSystem Development JobsSystem Development Manager JobsSystem Development Manager Jobs in California

System Development Manager information

See California salary details

$59.2K

$107.6K

$163.3K

How much do system development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for system development manager in California is $107,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a system development manager?

A System Development Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of software systems within an organization. They manage teams of developers, set project goals, allocate resources, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Additionally, System Development Managers collaborate with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into technical requirements. Their role is crucial in ensuring that software systems are reliable, scalable, and aligned with organizational objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system development manager?

To thrive as a System Development Manager, you need a solid background in software engineering, project management, and systems architecture, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development frameworks, Agile methodologies, and tools like JIRA, as well as certifications such as PMP or ScrumMaster, are often required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage teams and stakeholder expectations effectively. These capabilities ensure successful project delivery, team cohesion, and alignment with business goals in a dynamic tech environment.

What are some common challenges faced by system development managers in leading cross-functional teams?

System Development Managers often oversee projects that require collaboration across various departments, such as QA, product management, and operations. One common challenge is aligning diverse teams with different priorities and technical backgrounds toward a unified project vision. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are essential to manage expectations, address resource constraints, and ensure timely delivery. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technology and managing distributed teams can require strong organizational and leadership abilities.

What is the difference between System Development Manager vs Software Development Manager?

AspectSystem Development ManagerSoftware Development Manager
Primary FocusOverseeing the development of entire systems, including hardware, software, and integrationManaging software development projects, coding, and software team coordination
Required SkillsSystems architecture, project management, cross-disciplinary knowledgeProgramming, software design, Agile methodologies
Work EnvironmentIT departments, system integration firms, enterprise solutionsSoftware companies, tech startups, application development teams
CertificationsITIL, PMP, systems architecture certificationsCertified ScrumMaster, PMP, programming certifications

The System Development Manager focuses on managing entire system projects, including hardware and software integration, while the Software Development Manager concentrates on leading software teams and coding projects. Both roles require strong project management skills, but their technical expertise and project scope differ significantly.

What does a system development manager do?

A system development manager oversees the planning, design, and implementation of software systems and applications. They coordinate development teams, ensure project deadlines are met, and often use project management tools and programming knowledge to deliver technical solutions efficiently.

What cities in California are hiring for System Development Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most System Development Manager job openings:

System Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Development Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,578 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Technical Program Manager - Advanced System Development

General Atomics

Poway, CA • On-site

$132K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Technical Program Manager in the Advanced Sensors Group.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Responsible for the planning, managing and technical performance of one or more Research and Development (R&D) program(s) contained at a single location.
  • Manage all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition, planning, and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained.
  • Lead cross functional technical team and diverse support team from a matrixed organization to meet program requirements.
  • Apply innovative technology and creative solutions to solve customer's technical challenges.
  • Participate with engineering to establish design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration.
  • Ensure technical leadership and excellence is maintained by participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent.
  • Interact with internal and external stakeholders at various levels concerning resolution of technical and scheduling issues.
  • Act as the primary customer contact for program activities, lead customer program reviews to include cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Manage the development of and ensure the security of proprietary technology and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Participate with technical staff and/or Division/Group executive management to develop and implement current, annual, and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives for the program(s). May also contribute to the development of Group/Company objectives.
  • Contribute to the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities.
  • Lead planning and preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets, and financial terms/conditions of contract(s). Influence contract acquisitions, negotiations and modifications.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field as well as eleven or more years of progressively complex program administration experience with at least five of those years managing programs. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
  • Requires an in-depth technical knowledge of Electronic Warfare (EW), radio communications, networked communication systems and RF/digital engineering.
  • Requires knowledge of DoD operations to include operational/tactical use of EW and surveillance systems, intelligence and information exploitation.
  • Demonstrates system level technical or operational expertise in advanced sensor system operation and technology development.
  • Demonstrates technical expertise and application of program management principles, concepts, and practice as well as program management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Must be able to develop solutions to problems that require coordination of technologies across program requirements.
  • Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
  • Customer focused, must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment, and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance is required.

What General Atomics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

General Atomics logo

About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

View All General Atomics Jobs

Apply