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System Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

E-Space

5G Core System Engineering Lead

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

We are looking for a 5G Core System Engineering Lead to own end-to-end system design and interface definition for E-Space's satellite 5G Core network. This role sits at the architecture level: you ...

General Atomics

System Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 ...

General Atomics

System Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 ...

Wayve

Automotive System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

$209K/yr

You will grow with the company and be critical in establishing how we design our system closely with software engineering leads. Our stack includes base software for sensor data processing, neural ...

Wayve

Automotive System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$209K/yr

You will grow with the company and be critical in establishing how we design our system closely with software engineering leads. Our stack includes base software for sensor data processing, neural ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSystem Engineering JobsSystem Engineering Jobs in California

System Engineering information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do system engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for system engineering in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is system engineering?

System engineering is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on designing, integrating, and managing complex systems throughout their life cycles. It involves understanding and defining customer needs, translating them into system requirements, and creating solutions that span hardware, software, and processes. System engineers coordinate across various disciplines, ensuring that all parts of a project work together efficiently and effectively. Their work is crucial in industries such as aerospace, defense, IT, and manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a System Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or engineering, along with expertise in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and integration. Familiarity with operating systems (like Linux and Windows), scripting languages, cloud platforms, and certifications such as CompTIA, AWS, or Microsoft Certified: Azure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication, and collaboration skills help system engineers excel in cross-functional teams and resolve complex technical challenges. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure reliable, scalable, and secure IT infrastructure that meets organizational needs.

What are some common challenges faced by system engineers when working on cross-functional teams?

System Engineers often collaborate with professionals from software development, hardware design, quality assurance, and project management. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication across these teams, as each may use different technical jargon and have distinct priorities. System Engineers must bridge these gaps, translating requirements and constraints to all stakeholders while balancing technical feasibility with project timelines. Developing strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving can help overcome these challenges and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between System Engineering vs Network Engineering?

AspectSystem EngineeringNetwork Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like INCOSE, PMPBachelor's in Computer Science or related, Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP)
Work EnvironmentDesigning and integrating complex systems across industriesDesigning, implementing, and maintaining computer networks
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, defense, ITTelecommunications, IT services, enterprise networks
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical scope and certificationsFocuses on network infrastructure and security

System Engineering and Network Engineering share overlapping skills in technical certifications and work environments, but differ in focus. System Engineers design complex systems across various industries, while Network Engineers specialize in network infrastructure. Both roles are vital in technology and engineering sectors, often requiring similar credentials but serving distinct functions.

Is a system engineering a high paying job?

System engineering is generally considered a well-paying profession, especially for those with specialized skills, certifications, and experience in areas like systems design, integration, and project management. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and level of expertise, but it is often among the higher-paying engineering roles.

What is the job of a system engineer?

A system engineer designs, develops, and manages complex systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and meet requirements. They analyze system needs, integrate hardware and software components, and often use tools like modeling and simulation. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles are essential for this role.

What jobs can you get as a system engineer?

A system engineer can work in roles such as systems analyst, network engineer, security engineer, or infrastructure engineer. These positions involve designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IT systems, often requiring knowledge of networking, scripting, and certifications like CompTIA or Cisco. Job opportunities are available across industries including technology, defense, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What cities in California are hiring for System Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most System Engineering job openings:

System Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

5G Core System Engineering Lead

E-Space

Saratoga, CA • On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

We are looking for a 5G Core System Engineering Lead to own end-to-end system design and interface definition for E-Space's satellite 5G Core network. This role sits at the architecture level: you will decompose requirements across the full core service chain, define interfaces and information flows at every boundary, and drive the trade-offs that are unique to a satellite operator — session continuity across dynamic links, SIM management, OSS/BSS, charging and policy, and subscription management for a globally mobile user base. You will translate those trade-offs into concrete architectural decisions and drive them to closure across software, platform, and back-end engineering teams.

What you will do:
  • Own end-to-end 5G Core system architecture across the full service chain — AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, PCF, AUSF, CHF, NEF — and produce architecture decision records (ADRs), system decomposition documents, and interface specifications that serve as the engineering source of truth.
  • Define and own interface specifications at every core domain boundary: interfaces between network functions, Nx reference points, UPF-to-data-network anchoring, and integrations with back-end platforms including charging, billing, and SIM provisioning.
  • Drive system-level trade-off analyses across competing constraints, latency-aware timer and retransmission parameter tuning, and complexity vs. flexibility trade-offs in policy and charging architecture.
  • Analyse how satellite-imposed constraints propagate into core design decisions.
  • Lead call-flow design for key 5G Core procedures in the satellite context.
  • Define requirements and interface contracts for back-end platform integration: CDR generation and CHF interface, SIM provisioning and UDM data model, BSS/OSS integration points.
  • Evaluate build-vs-buy options for core network functions and platform components; produce structured trade studies with quantified criteria covering performance, standards conformance, operational complexity, and cost.
  • Define system-level acceptance criteria and performance benchmarks — session setup latency, registration success rate, charging accuracy, failover recovery time — and coordinate with the integration lab team to ensure test coverage matches architecture scope.
  • Maintain alignment with 3GPP Rel-17/18 core specifications (SA2, SA5, CT4); identify where standard assumptions diverge from satellite operational constraints and drive resolution.
What you bring to this role:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 12+ years in system or network engineering, with deep focus on 5G SA Core or LTE EPC architecture.
  • Strong command of 3GPP 5G Core architecture: NAS protocols, SBI service interfaces, N-reference points, and session, policy, and charging management across AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, PCF, AUSF, and CHF.
  • Demonstrated experience authoring interface specifications, system requirement documents, and trade study reports in a multi-team engineering environment.
  • Understanding of how network-layer constraints propagate into core protocol behaviour and how to address them through parameter tuning or architectural adaptation.
  • Experience with charging and policy architecture.
  • Proven ability to drive architecture decisions to closure across software, platform, and back-end engineering teams.
  • Strong written communication; able to produce precise interface specifications and trade-off analyses that stand on their own.
Bonus points for the following:
  • Experience with 3GPP NTN core adaptations (Rel-17/18): satellite access node (SAN) architecture, timer and window parameter adaptation for high-latency links, or UPF placement in non-terrestrial topologies.
  • Background in MVNO core architecture: roaming interfaces (N32/SEPP, Diameter S6a/S9), multi-PLMN federation, MVNO interconnect, or eSIM/SM-DP+ integration.
  • Familiarity with 3GPP SA2/CT4 specifications or direct standards contribution experience.
  • Experience with NEF or network exposure APIs and B2B API gateway architecture.
  • Background in SIM provisioning platforms, subscription management, or UDM/HSS data modelling.
  • Experience in a startup or fast-paced R&D environment where architectural decisions move at product speed.
Additional Requirements
This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Arlington, TX office. 
 
The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.
 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.  The Company is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.