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Systems Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$159K - $271K/yr

The role will involve requirements development, system design, and testing of complex inspection ... Strong background in engineering or the physical sciences and demonstrated analysis and problem ...

... engineering judgment. * Strong understanding of HW-FW-system interactions, with the ability to debug complex issues spanning multiple layers. * Ability to collaborate effectively with design partners ...

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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 Jul 2, 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 does a System Design engineer do?

A Systems Design Engineer develops and plans complex systems by analyzing requirements, creating architecture, and integrating hardware and software components. They use modeling tools and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system functionality, reliability, and efficiency. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles are essential for this role.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior systems design engineers, software engineers in specialized fields, and engineering managers often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Compensation can also include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits depending on the company and location.

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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior systems design engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in software architecture, and expertise in high-demand industries like technology or finance, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant growth potential.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior systems design engineers, software engineers in specialized fields like AI or cybersecurity, and engineering managers with extensive experience can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities in large or tech-focused companies.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,037 per year, or $56.3 per hour.
Sr. Systems Design Engineer

Sr. Systems Design Engineer

KLA Corporation

Milpitas, CA โ€ข On-site

$159K - $271K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 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 RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
The qualified candidate will join a high-caliber team developing the next generation EUV actinic mask inspection platform. The candidate is expected to act as a lead, and to coordinate across different functions: working with mechanical, optical, electrical, software, and other systems engineers in order to meet stringent technical, schedule, and budgetary requirements.
Candidates should have a strong and diverse technical background, and preferably have experience taking projects from requirements through first article testing, and hand off to manufacturing.
The role will involve requirements development, system design, and testing of complex inspection systems using expertise from multiple technical disciplines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
The selected candidate will:
  • Help define subsystem architectures, develop requirement specifications and test plans
  • Work with functional groups to define and review designs.
  • Participate in prototype integration and testing of assemblies, subsystems and systems.
  • Create and execute test plans and perform analysis to validate system performance.
  • Create and document calibration, manufacturing, and service procedures
  • Will trouble shoot system and subsystem issues and work with various subsystem teams to find and implement solutions
  • Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the tool effectively and optimize tool performance. Lead troubleshoot efforts in manufacturing and in the field

Preferred qualifications:
  • Strong background in engineering or the physical sciences and demonstrated analysis and problem solving skills
  • Good understanding of Optical, Electromechanical and Software systems and their interactions in the context of complex industrial equipment.
  • Strong diagnostic and trouble shooting skills in optics, opto-mechanics, and motion control systems
  • Experience with lasers and illumination systems, CCD/CMOS cameras is a plus
  • Experience with scripting languages, such as Python, would be a plus
  • Experience in developing a subsystem in one or more of the above areas are highly desirable
  • Agility and ability to thrive on a fast paced program and respond quickly to field and internal escalations
  • Must be an effective communicator able to share technical information with functional groups and provide executive level reports to management and customers
  • Industrial experience in one or more of the following:
    • System engineering
    • Mechatronics
    • Optical systems
    • Imaging systems
    • Complex systems

Travel will be required
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) or work experience of 2 years , Master's Level Degree or work experience of 4 years , Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 5 years
Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA'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 at talent.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.