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Systems Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Los Angeles, CA We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering ...

Sr. Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$159K - $271K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is ... engineering o Mechatronics o Optical systems o Imaging systems o Complex systems Minimum ...

Sr. Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$159K - $271K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is ... engineering o Mechatronics o Optical systems o Imaging systems o Complex systems Minimum ...

Sr. Systems Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$159K - $271K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is ... engineering o Mechatronics o Optical systems o Imaging systems o Complex systems Minimum ...

Senior Test Systems Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) seeks a Lead Test Systems Design Engineer to our Special Test Equipment (STE) for Space ...

Senior Test Systems Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) seeks a Lead Test Systems Design Engineer to our Special Test Equipment (STE) for Space ...

Senior Test Systems Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) seeks a Lead Test Systems Design Engineer to our Special Test Equipment (STE) for Space ...

Principal Systems Design Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$192K - $337K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Apply SRE principles (SLOs, SLAs, observability). * Implement IaC, CI/CD, and automation. * Establish unified monitoring frameworks. Identity & Access Management * Integrate IAM systems (Okta, Entra ...

Principal Systems Design Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$192K - $337K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Apply SRE principles (SLOs, SLAs, observability). * Implement IaC, CI/CD, and automation. * Establish unified monitoring frameworks. Identity & Access Management * Integrate IAM systems (Okta, Entra ...

Principal Systems Design Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$192K - $337K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Apply SRE principles (SLOs, SLAs, observability). * Implement IaC, CI/CD, and automation. * Establish unified monitoring frameworks. Identity & Access Management * Integrate IAM systems (Okta, Entra ...

Senior Thermal Systems Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Generate CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and apply appropriate GD&T * Architect thermal systems and develop 1-D fluid network models to predict system behavior, transient responses, and ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 16, 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.

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 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, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,037 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Peraton

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 224 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Shape the Future of America's Skies with Peraton

Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep our nation's skies safe, secure, and connected.

We're seeking innovative professionals who thrive in high-impact, mission-driven environments and are excited to help transform the future of air traffic management. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world's most vital transportation infrastructures while collaborating with leaders in aviation, engineering, data science, and systems integration.

At Peraton, you won't just support the mission-you'll help define it.

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Location: Los Angeles, CA 

We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering activities that support the design and implementation of new large-scale radio network equipment at more than a thousand FAA air traffic control centers across the United States. Applicants must have experience with site surveys, radio network configurations, racks and cable routings and have familiarity with safety and risk management issues while creating site installation engineering packages (detailed drawings, BOM, installation steps and schematics).This position will work closely with our FAA client, Peraton CAD drafters and schedulers, and third-party installation teams, and must be attentive to detail, have strong problem-solving ability and display strong communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct large-scale radio network planning, including site surveys, radio network configurations, racks and cable routings.
  • Create site installation engineering packages (detailed drawings, BOM, installation steps and schematics) to support implementation and deployment of radio communication equipment.
  • Develop system design packages that support site preparation, procurement, and installation activities.
  • Support development of site engineering packages required for radio equipment installations.
  • Perform requirements definition and system decomposition.
  • Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to support system modeling and documentation.
  • Conduct trade-off analyses to support engineering decisions and system design optimization.
  • Provide technical leadership and engineering guidance to project teams and junior engineers.
  • Facilitate engineering discussions, working groups, and design reviews across technical stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including field engineering, deployment teams, and program leadership to ensure design alignment with operational requirements.
  • Ensure designs comply with program standards, engineering best practices, and technical requirements.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 6 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 3 years with PhD; 10 years with an AS degree; 12 years in lieu of degree
  • US Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain a public trust clearance 
  • Experience with systems engineering processes, including requirements definition, system decomposition, and architecture development.
  • Experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles.
  • Ability to perform engineering trade studies and technical evaluations.
  • Experience providing technical leadership or mentorship within engineering teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to support technical working groups and design reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting radio communication systems with telecommunications infrastructure for interface, or similar technical deployments.
  • Familiarity with site survey analysis and site engineering documentation.
  • Experience supporting large federal or aviation-related programs.
  • Proficiency with engineering and design tools such as SysML, UML, and CAD.

#BNATCS 

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017