1

Systems Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a System Design Engineer, you will be responsible for requirement generation, requirement management, system level architecture definitions, and detailed system design decisions. The day-to-day ...

As a Power Systems Design Engineer at Etched, you will be pivotal in designing, selecting, and qualifying power supply solutions to meet extremely high power demands for processors. You will work ...

As a Power Systems Design Engineer at Etched, you will be pivotal in designing, selecting, and qualifying power supply solutions to meet extremely high power demands for processors. You will work ...

As a Power Systems Design Engineer at Etched, you will be pivotal in designing, selecting, and qualifying power supply solutions to meet extremely high power demands for processors. You will work ...

As a Power Systems Design Engineer at Etched, you will be pivotal in designing, selecting, and qualifying power supply solutions to meet extremely high power demands for processors. You will work ...

We're looking for a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer to contribute to the development of novel automated calibration and metrology systems - from early concept through global manufacturing ...

E-Beam Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$116K - $159K/yr

This role requires deep technical expertise in system design, electronics, and multidisciplinary engineering, along with strong cross-functional leadership and system-level problem solving. The ...

E-Beam Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$116K - $159K/yr

This role requires deep technical expertise in system design, electronics, and multidisciplinary engineering, along with strong cross-functional leadership and system-level problem solving. The ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Systems Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$117K

$171.2K

How much do systems design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems design engineer in California is $117,037.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a systems design engineer?

Systems Design Engineers are professionals who develop, integrate, and optimize complex systems that often involve hardware, software, and processes. They work on designing system architectures, specifying requirements, and ensuring that all components function together efficiently. Their role often bridges multiple engineering disciplines, facilitating communication between teams and ensuring that the final product meets technical, business, and user needs. Systems Design Engineers are commonly found in industries like aerospace, automotive, technology, and manufacturing.

How does a systems design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Systems Design Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a central part of the job. You will regularly interface with hardware engineers, software developers, project managers, and quality assurance teams to ensure that system-level requirements are met. This often involves participating in design reviews, providing technical documentation, and troubleshooting integration issues. Effective communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential, as you will help bridge gaps between disciplines to deliver cohesive, functional systems.

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

To thrive as a Systems Design Engineer, you need a strong background in systems engineering, mathematics, and design principles, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and systems modeling languages like SysML is typically required, along with relevant industry certifications such as INCOSE CSEP. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help facilitate effective collaboration and innovation. These skills ensure the successful design, integration, and optimization of complex systems that meet both technical and client requirements.

What is the difference between Systems Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectSystems Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Systems Engineering, Electrical, or related fields; certifications like INCOSEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning complex systems, often in tech, aerospace, or defense industriesDesigning mechanical components, machinery, or thermal systems in manufacturing or automotive sectors
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, systems integratorsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, product design

Systems Design Engineers focus on creating integrated systems combining hardware and software, while Mechanical Engineers primarily design mechanical components and systems. Both roles require engineering degrees and often work in related industries, but their core responsibilities and expertise differ significantly.

What is the salary of a systems design engineer?

The average salary for a systems design engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those requiring specialized skills in systems architecture or software tools may offer higher compensation.

What job categories do people searching Systems Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Systems Design Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Systems Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Systems Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Systems Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,037 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Systems Design Engineer - Government

Viasat, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA

$149K - $224K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Viasat rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 101 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.


What you'll do

Viasat’s Government business is poised for significant growth in the coming years, bringing critical connectivity solutions to our war fighters across the battle space! Our solutions serve user groups and market segments across all services as well as within the intelligence and international government communities. As a System Design Engineer, you will be responsible for requirement generation, requirement management, system level architecture definitions, and detailed system design decisions. 


The day-to-day

The System Design Engineer role involves collaborating with Product Management, engineering leads, and customers to break down high level product requirements into detailed system and subsystem design solutions. The System Design Engineer must also work with engineering development teams to iterate on the system design solutions over the lifecycle of the product, to ensure we are consistently meeting customer needs in a constantly evolving market. This requires an affinity for thinking about users, use cases,  and a technical understanding of the underlying infrastructure (data, backend services, cloud architectures, SATCOM systems, and networking) required to support the product. An innate ability to adapt quickly to changing needs and market environments is also crucial.


What you'll need
  • 5+ years of experience in systems engineering design and requirements management, preferably related to data platforms, cloud-based application development, satellite communications or networking
  • Bachelors Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
  • Solid understanding of full-stack development frameworks
  • Ability to understand and develop system design requirements including those related to performance, security, and functionality
  • Work with engineering teams to ensure that system design and architecture meet the customer needs while leaving flexibility for implementation teams to make decisions where appropriate
  • Be responsible for the hardware and software product and platform success from early definition through the entire product lifecycle, including through maturity
  • Background in working with large systems of systems, and maintaining a consistent set of standards to ensure intersystem compatibility and ease of future scaling
  • This is a US Govt role; US Citizenship is required
  • Must be able to obtain a United States Secret Clearance
  • Ability to travel as-needed, up to 10%
 

What will help you on the job
  • Understanding of agile software development processes
  • Some understanding of DoW CONOPs, users, and operating environments
  • Familiarity with data science, data processing, or AI/ML
  • Facilitate discussions with engineering and product management teams on design tradeoffs
  • Familiarity with requirements management tools such as Jama
  • Familiarity with MBSE design process
  • Familiarity with MBSE tools such as Cameo

#LI-VSAT 


Salary range
$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in systems engineering design and requirements management, preferably related to data platforms, cloud-based application development, satellite communications or networking
  • Bachelors Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
  • Solid understanding of full-stack development frameworks
  • Ability to understand and develop system design requirements including those related to performance, security, and functionality
  • Work with engineering teams to ensure that system design and architecture meet the customer needs while leaving flexibility for implementation teams to make decisions where appropriate
  • Be responsible for the hardware and software product and platform success from early definition through the entire product lifecycle, including through maturity
  • Background in working with large systems of systems, and maintaining a consistent set of standards to ensure intersystem compatibility and ease of future scaling
  • This is a US Govt role; US Citizenship is required
  • Must be able to obtain a United States Secret Clearance
  • Ability to travel as-needed, up to 10%
 
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Viasat employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


ViaSat logo

About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986