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System Engineer Phd Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prototyping System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $277K/yr

Preferred Qualifications MS or PhD in electrical engineering or similar field Experience leading ... Proven experience in system-level architecture and component selection for embedded systems ...

PhD in Computer or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. Preferred Qualifications * Multiple years of experience developing mobile computer vision and AI systems. * Deep ...

OR PhD in Computer or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. Preferred Qualifications * Multiple years of experience developing mobile computer vision and AI systems. * Deep ...

Systems Engineer 3

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$143.31/hr

Principal System Engineer: * Bachelors of Science degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering ... OR PhD degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 1+ years of ...

Experience in System Engineering activities such as: *Software requirements development ... OR PhD degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 4+ years of ...

Experience in System Engineering activities such as: *Software requirements development ... OR PhD degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 4+ years of ...

System Engineer Level 2 (AHT)

Azusa, CA · On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

OR a Master's degree and/or PhD in a STEM field with 0 years of related experience. Active Secret ... for Systems Engineer: Agile development experience Domain Knowledge or course history of space ...

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Description The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design ... Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.

Showing results 21-40

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.

Principal/Sr Principal System Engineer (AHT)

Northrop Grumman

Azusa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Job Description *This position is contingent upon program award and the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future. Northrop Grumman is seeking Principal Systems Engineers/Sr. Principal Systems Engineers.

This position will be located at our Space sector in Azusa, CA. The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's SEIT System Performance Analysis team. Roles and Responsibilities Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following: Complete understanding and wide application of the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, integration, test, and verification.

General knowledge of other related performance analysis techniques/disciplines. Displays Technical and program review board leadership. Provides technical solutions to a wide range of complex difficult problems.

Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with organization objectives. Works under only general direction. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions.

Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives. Supports chief engineers in defect analysis and path forwards Contributes to the completion of Change Proposal Development and Risk Management and Opportunity analysis. Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts.

Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Collaborate with program IPT counterparts to develop rigorous and proper systems engineering and design analysis artifacts. Work with technical teams and stakeholders to develop and mature design of a large program with System of Systems (SoS) Help develop and incorporate the appropriate requirements for the system and ensure that they are properly represented in the model.

Contribute to system requirements development, management, and performance analysis. Develop unifying model techniques, procedures, processes (for model development, tool integration, and team integration), and performance analysis of the system This requisition may be filled at either the Principal Systems Engineer level (T-03) or Sr Principal Systems Engineer level (T-04). Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems/Sr Principal Systems Engineer: Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with 5 of related experience; or a Master's degree in STEM with 3 of relevant experience; PhD in STEM with 1+ years of relevant experience.

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 8 years of related experience; OR a Master's degree in STEM with 6 years of relevant experience and/or PhD in a STEM field with 4 of related experience. Active DoD Secret clearance required at the time of application with the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance before start date Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving skills and systems thinking mindset Knowledge of and experience in MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, SysML, MBSE, Python, Julia, Cameo, Rhapsody, DOORS, Jira, Confluence or other languages Integrated product team (IPT) environment experience Preferred Qualifications for Prin/Sr Prin Systems Engineer: Agile development experience Domain Knowledge or course history of space systems Experience in an abstract modeling environment (Rhapsody, Cameo, UML, SysML, etc) for space systems evaluation Experience performing system verification and validation Working knowledge of EOIR systems, optics, algorithms, detection or tracking Knowledge of and experience in model-based systems engineering concepts such as SysML and tools such as Cameo and Rhapsody Experience with virtual environments, operational analysis or mission modeling (AFSIM, STK, BRAWLER, ATCOM, ONESAF, SIMULINK) Experience in an integration and test environment for dynamic systems (CubeSats, Rockets, Robotics) Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.0 or higher U.S

Government DoD Top Secret security clearance with relevant special programs access Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector. Click the link below: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space. Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for: Medical, Dental & Vision coverage 401k Educational Assistance Life Insurance Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions Paid Time Off Health & Wellness Resources Employee Discounts Flexible Schedules: for example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work. #LosAngelesSpace #LI-DB1 Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S

Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939