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Systems Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KLA Corporation

Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$136K - $231K/yr

... Systems Design Engineer will be part of a dynamic, fast pace team developing some of the most challenging laser sources. This is an experimentalist role with experience in designing and building ...

KLA Corporation

Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

... Systems Design Engineer will be part of a dynamic, fast pace team developing some of the most challenging laser sources. This is an experimentalist role with experience in designing and building ...

Orbotech

Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

... Systems Design Engineer will be part of a dynamic, fast pace team developing some of the most challenging laser sources. This is an experimentalist role with experience in designing and building ...

Etched

Power Systems Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2K/mo

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 ...

Etched

Power Systems Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2K/mo

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 ...

Intellectt INC

Senior Systems Design Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Dublin, CA (Onsite) Key Requirements: * Advanced degree in EE, Physics, or CS * Experience in image processing / optical systems * Strong background in system ...

Apple

Instrument Systems Design Engineer

San Diego, CA

$134K - $245K/yr

We are looking for an engineer to design, develop and deploy calibration and test instrumentation systems for Apple's world class products. This engineer will work closely with cross-functional ...

Orbotech

Senior Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$121K - $166K/yr

The division consists of a global team located in US, Israel, China, and India. /Preferred Qualifications We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on System Design Engineer to join our team ...

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All JobsSystems Design Engineer JobsSystems Design Engineer Jobs in California

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 Jun 10, 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 are Systems Design Engineers?

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.

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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Systems Design Engineer jobs in California? For Systems Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Design Engineer jobs in CA? For Systems Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Systems Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Design Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,037 per year, or $56.3 per hour.
Systems Design Engineer

Systems Design Engineer

KLA Corporation

Milpitas, CA

$136K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The LS-SWIFT Division of KLA's Global Products Group provides patterned wafer inspection systems for high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. Its mission is to deliver market-leading cost of ownership in defect detection for a broad range of applications in the production of semiconductors. Customers from the foundry, logic, memory, automotive, MEMS, advanced packaging and other markets rely upon high-sample wafer inspection information generated by LS-SWIFT products. LS (Laser Scanning) systems enable cost-effective patterned wafer defect detection for the industry's most sophisticated process technologies deployed in leading-edge foundry, logic, DRAM, and NAND fabs. SWIFT (Simultaneous Wafer Inspection at Fast Throughput) systems deliver all-wafer-surface (frontside, backside, and edge) macro inspection that is critical for automotive IC, MEMS, and advanced packaging processes as well as foundry/logic and memory fabs. LS-SWIFT operates from a global footprint that includes the US, Singapore, India and Germany, and serves a worldwide customer base across Asia, Europe and North America.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

The Systems Design Engineer will be part of a dynamic, fast pace team developing some of the most challenging laser sources. This is an experimentalist role with experience in designing and building lasers and Optical Parametric Oscillators with emphasis in shorter wavelengths. The role requires deep knowledge and understanding of laser cavity design and implementation, optics and non linear conversion processes. Additionally to hands on skills, understanding and developing models for conversion efficiency, optimization techniques and tolerance analysis are preferred. Optics design with Zemax and programming with Matlab or Python are considered strong qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree in Lasers, Non Linear Optics, Photonics and 1-5 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of more than 5 years

Base Pay Range: $136,300.00 - $231,700.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us attalent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA's Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.

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