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System Engineer Phd Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ... Familiarity with systems engineering plans and processes including Risk Management, Change ...

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ... Familiarity with systems engineering plans and processes including Risk Management, Change ...

Sensor System Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$142.20 - $213.20/hr

PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field. * Works in the lab, can use hazardous chemicals (e.g., glue, machinery). Required Qualifications * 2+ years of hands‑on ...

Camera System Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122.50 - $183.70/hr

Masters/PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. * Strong background in image processing, computer vision, or camera systems. * Experience with ...

OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field. *Works in the lab, can use hazardous chemicals (e.g., glue, machinery). Required Qualifications * 2+ years of hands-on ...

Camera System Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122K - $183K/yr

Masters/PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. * Strong background in image processing, computer vision, or camera systems . * Experience with ...

Description As a Home Prototyping System Engineer, you will be responsible for the electrical ... Preferred Qualifications MS or PhD in electrical engineering or similar field Experience leading ...

... OR PhD degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 1+ years of ... System Engineering activities such as: o Software requirements development o Requirements ...

System Engineer, DSP

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$166K - $195K/yr

Our systems are engineered for deployment in real networks -- not theoretical environments. We ... MS with 5+ years or PhD with 3+ years of relevant industry experience. * Experience modeling and ...

Requirements: * 5+ years of experience or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or ... Experience in embedded system development. Salary Range: $110,000 - $250,000 / year TetraMem ...

Neuronetwork System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $250K/yr

Requirements: * 5+ years of experience or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or ... Experience in embedded system development. Salary Range: $110,000 - $250,000 / year TetraMem ...

Neuronetwork System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $250K/yr

Requirements: * 5+ years of experience or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or ... Experience in embedded system development. Salary Range: $110,000 - $250,000 / year TetraMem ...

Requirements * 5+ years of experience or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or ... Experience in embedded system development. Salary Range $110,000 - $250,000 / year TetraMem ...

$110 - $250/hr

Requirements * 5+ years of experience or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or ... Experience in embedded system development. Salary Range $110,000 - $250,000 / year TetraMem ...

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System Engineer Phd information

What is a system engineer PhD?

System Engineer PhDs are professionals who have earned a doctoral degree (PhD) in systems engineering or a closely related field. They specialize in designing, analyzing, and managing complex systems across various industries, such as aerospace, defense, IT, and manufacturing. Their advanced education enables them to conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and lead multidisciplinary teams to tackle large-scale engineering challenges. System Engineer PhDs often work in academia, research institutions, or high-level industry roles, focusing on optimizing system processes and integration.

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

To thrive as a System Engineer PhD, you need advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles, research methodologies, and typically a doctorate in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink), systems engineering software (e.g., IBM DOORS), and relevant industry certifications are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you lead complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving innovation, ensuring robust system design, and successfully managing sophisticated engineering challenges.

What are common challenges system engineer PhDs face when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

System Engineer PhDs often encounter challenges when shifting from academic research to industry, such as adapting to faster project timelines and working within cross-functional teams. In industry, there is typically a greater emphasis on practical application and collaboration, rather than theoretical exploration. Adjusting to structured workflows and aligning technical solutions with business objectives are also key transitions. However, this environment offers opportunities to see the tangible impact of your work and to advance into senior technical or leadership roles.

What is the difference between System Engineer Phd vs Network Engineer?

AspectSystem Engineer PhdNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsPhd in Engineering or related field, possibly with certifications like Cisco or CompTIAAssociate's or Bachelor's in Computer Science or related, with certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNP
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, or advanced technical teams in tech companiesNetwork operations centers, IT departments, or telecommunications firms
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, or organizations requiring advanced system designTelecom providers, enterprise IT, or service providers

The main difference between a System Engineer Phd and a Network Engineer lies in their focus and qualifications. System Engineers with a Phd typically engage in advanced system design, research, and development, often in research or high-tech environments. Network Engineers focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure, usually with industry certifications. Both roles are essential in tech industries but serve different technical needs and expertise levels.

What can I do with a PhD in system engineer?

A PhD in system engineering prepares individuals for advanced roles in research, development, and systems design across industries such as aerospace, defense, technology, and manufacturing. Graduates often work as systems engineers, research scientists, or technical consultants, utilizing skills in systems analysis, modeling, and simulation, and may pursue careers in academia or industry innovation.

What job categories do people searching System Engineer Phd jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for System Engineer Phd jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for System Engineer Phd jobs?

Cities in California with the most System Engineer Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various System Engineer Phd job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

System Engineer

General Atomics

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide Systems Engineering support across various programs throughout the design, development, integration, and test phases.

  • Develop system requirements, specifications, interface control documents, and other system engineering artifacts.

  • Perform integration and test activities, including developing verification test plans, procedures, and reports.


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 (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.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic systems, related power generation equipment, and other high technology products for a variety of government and commercial applications. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Systems Engineering Integration department for a full-time Systems Engineer (SE) to join our team located in San Diego, CA.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide Systems Engineering support across various programs as needed, which may include laser systems, space and airborne payloads, optical command & training systems, and other prototype systems, throughout the design, development, integration, and test phases of the product life-cycle.
  • May also support Systems Engineering across other GA products such as tactical missiles, projectiles, radiation monitoring systems, complex aerospace systems, internal development projects, and new business opportunities as needed.
  • Provide adaptable support to the systems engineering organization. Responsibilities may include direct program systems engineering support, proposal development, or support to internal development tasks.
  • Provide support to proof-of-concept programs and tailoring the Systems Engineering "V" to fit the contract needs
  • Use a SysML tool, like Cameo, to produce system models which includes developing the standard 9 diagrams of activity, block definition, internal block, package, parametric, requirement, sequence, state machine and use cases.
  • Lead the development of system requirements and specifications, interface control documents (ICD), requirements verification traceability matrix (RVTM), and other system engineering artifacts.
  • Perform integration and test activities such as developing verification test plans, procedures, and test reports, as well as preparing and conducting the actual verification tests.
  • Use the requirements management tool DOORS to perform requirements development, analysis, and decomposition across system, segment, subsystem, and assembly levels.
  • Collaborate with program and all levels of engineering to develop SysML diagrams and artifacts in an MBSE environment, capture and characterize requirements, conduct parametric analysis, and create test plans and procedures including environmental testing.
  • May support or lead multiple integrated product teams (IPT) through system analysis, assembly, integration, and testing.
  • Support the preparation and execution of program milestone reviews such as system requirements review (SRR), system functional review (SFR), preliminary & critical design review (PDR, CDR), test readiness review (TRR), and customer acceptance review (AR).
  • Develop systems engineering documentation, artifacts, and contract deliverables with oversight from Project Engineer, Chief Engineer, and Program Manager.
  • Support requirement verification and documentation using MBSE models and/or DOORS to link requirements and model elements to test plans, procedures, test results/reports, and other artifacts.
  • Interface with customers during program shaping, ConOps development, and requirements derivation activities.
  • Provide direction to design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
  • Devise new approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems.
  • May be required to prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations as required.
  • May represent the organization as the prime technical contact on small contracts or single component
  • Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
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 degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrates an technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
  • Must demonstrate flexibility to support various technology areas within the systems engineering organization and be comfortable rotating between programs and projects based on business needs.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
  • Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
  • Familiarity with digital engineering and toolsets including SysML-based enterprise and performance evaluation tools.
  • Familiarity with systems engineering plans and processes including Risk Management, Change Management, and Verification Management preferred.
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment. Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Able to obtain/have a Secret clearance and/or Top-Secret clearance.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
  • Experience working with MagicDraw, DOORS, Confluence, Teams and JIRA.
  • Has previous experience as an Integrated Product Team Lead or Systems Engineering Team Lead.
  • Has laser, nuclear or satellite prototype development experience.
  • Has hands on integration experience.
  • Has experience developing test plans, procedures and reports.
  • A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium.
  • Previous experience working with the Department of Defense.

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About General Atomics

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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