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System Engineer Phd Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a versatile Sr. Software System Engineer with end-to-end expertise to accelerate the ... Master's or PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.

Senior Power System Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Education PhD or MS Degree in Power System Engineering or Electrical Machinery with graduate work on simulation software. MS in computer science with a strong understanding of electrical systems and ...

Senior Power System Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Education PhD or MS Degree in Power System Engineering or Electrical Machinery with graduate work on simulation software. MS in computer science with a strong understanding of electrical systems and ...

Senior Power System Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$104.50 - $174.50/hr

Education PhD or MS Degree in Power System Engineering or Electrical Machinery with graduate work on simulation software. MS in computer science with a strong understanding of electrical systems and ...

Opto-mechanical system design Preferred Qualifications MS or PhD in Optics, Physics, Computer Science, EE or Mechanical Engineering or related field Direct experience on display or optical metrology ...

Wireless Systems Integration Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$179K/yr

We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and unusually hardworking Wireless System Engineer ... Preferred Qualifications Masters or PhD degree in Electrical engineering. Knowledge of wireless ...

Job Summary We are seeking a Staff LiDAR System Engineer to lead system-level architecture ... PhD with at least 3 years of experience. * Significant experience with LiDAR, radar, cameras ...

Job Summary We are seeking a Staff LiDAR System Engineer to lead system-level architecture ... PhD with at least 3 years of experience. * Significant experience with LiDAR, radar, cameras ...

Job Summary We are seeking a Staff LiDAR System Engineer to lead system-level architecture ... PhD with at least 3 years of experience. * Significant experience with LiDAR, radar, cameras ...

We are looking for an expert wireless systems engineer who has deep understanding of wireless ... LLM PhD is preferred Minimum Qualifications BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

We are looking for an expert wireless systems engineer who has deep understanding of wireless ... LLM PhD is preferred Minimum Qualifications BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

We are looking for an expert wireless systems engineer who has deep understanding of wireless ... LLM PhD is preferred Minimum Qualifications BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

... PhD in Optics, Physics, Computer Science, EE or Mechanical Engineering or related field Direct experience on display or optical metrology systems development Familiar with industrial optical ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

NATO Principal or Sr. Principal System Engineer

Northrop Grumman

San Diego, CA • On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 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: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Interim 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. Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding.

Start dates are determined after funding confirmation. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal / Senior Principal Systems Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization. This role is located in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

In this role, you will fill the role of System Engineer for the NATO Business Area. You will be responsible for leading a diverse engineering team to provide imaginative, technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems. You will be working across the entire spectrum of the Systems Engineering V-Model, and will support SE disciplines including requirements development, use case development, capability (hardware and software) development, integration planning, lab integration, test planning, formal test, and verification.

Essential Functions for Both Levels: Work closely with customers and end users to ensure system requirements, design, risks, and limitations are understood, communicated, and accepted Execute systems engineering functions to maintain the technical baseline, and to ensure the baseline reflects a cohesive system solution Support the development and validation of system level models used for concept development, design, verification, and validation Leverage your experience supporting Fielded Aircraft Systems, UAV systems, and the full lifecycle of Systems Engineering, including design reviews, requirements decomposition, test planning, and requirements verification Ability to plan, execute a schedule and lead a team towards those goals Clearly define end user needs and desired capabilities Provide support and deliverables for successful milestone reviews (e.g. SRR, SFR, PDR, CDR, FCA) Presentation skills to effectively provide status to internal executive management and customers This position may be filled at either the Principal or Senior Principal level based on the qualifications below. Basic Qualifications: At a Principal Level Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 1 year of relevant military / professional / academic experience At a Senior Principal Level Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military / professional experience And at Both Levels: Must have an active US Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. Preferred Qualifications for Both Levels: Experience with RQ-4 air vehicle, ground segment, sensor payloads, COMMS and support equipment Experience with International Customers Experience managing Technical Baselines (Functional and Allocated Baselines) Experience conducting end to end system integration, verification and validation 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