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Systems Engineer Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

R0240091 Systems Engineer The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Systems Engineer The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Senior Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $178K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking Senior Systems Engineers to serve as subject matter experts on the AN/SQQ ... Position contingent upon contract award* VTG's estimated starting pay range is $94,000-$178,000 ...

Sentar is seeking a Systems Engineer in San Diego, CA supporting Airborne Networking and Advanced ... This position is pre award and is contingent on contract award.** Qualifications: Clearance Level:

Contingent on Contract Award. Salary: $85k-$140k (depending on experience) The Systems Engineer I supports the Navy by designing, engineering, and integrating enterprise IT systems and architectures ...

Systems Engineer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Contingent on Contract Award. Salary: $85k-$140k (depending on experience) The Systems Engineer I supports the Navy by designing, engineering, and integrating enterprise IT systems and architectures ...

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

R0239488 Systems Engineer The Opportunity : Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $149K/yr

Systems Engineer will be responsible for: * Programing and managing networks. * Oversee the ... contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The ...

Systems Engineer

Del Mar, CA · On-site

$95K - $149K/yr

Systems Engineer will be responsible for: * Programing and managing networks. * Oversee the ... contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The ...

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $149K/yr

Systems Engineer will be responsible for: * Programing and managing networks. * Oversee the ... contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The ...

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $149K/yr

Systems Engineer will be responsible for: * Programing and managing networks. * Oversee the ... contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The ...

Systems Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$95K - $149K/yr

Systems Engineer will be responsible for: * Programing and managing networks. * Oversee the ... contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The ...

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $149K/yr

Systems Engineer will be responsible for: * Programing and managing networks. * Oversee the ... contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The ...

Systems Engineer

Jamul, CA · On-site

$95K - $149K/yr

Systems Engineer will be responsible for: * Programing and managing networks. * Oversee the ... contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The ...

Systems Engineer will be responsible for: * Programing and managing networks. * Oversee the ... contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The ...

Showing results 41-60

Systems Engineer Contract information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do systems engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer contract 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 are the typical responsibilities and challenges of a systems engineer contract?

As a Systems Engineer working on a contract basis, your daily responsibilities usually include managing infrastructure deployments, configuring and maintaining servers, troubleshooting system issues, and optimizing network performance for client projects. You may face challenges such as quickly adapting to new environments, understanding legacy systems, or integrating new technologies with existing IT infrastructure. Contract roles often require working independently while effectively collaborating with internal IT teams, project managers, and other stakeholders. This environment provides valuable exposure to diverse industries and technical challenges, which can greatly enhance your experience and open avenues for future permanent or advanced contract opportunities.

What is a systems engineer contract?

A Systems Engineer Contract job is a temporary or project-based position where an engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex systems. These roles often involve working with hardware, software, networking, and security components to ensure system functionality and efficiency. Contract Systems Engineers may work for a specific duration or on a particular project for a company, typically through a consulting firm or as independent contractors. They are expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams, troubleshoot issues, and optimize system performance. The contract terms, duration, and scope of work can vary based on the employer's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for a systems engineer contract?

To thrive as a Systems Engineer Contract, you need a strong background in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and integration, typically supported by a degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with tools such as VMware, Linux/Windows server environments, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and relevant certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are highly valued. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills set top candidates apart in contract roles where autonomy and collaboration are both crucial. These skills and attributes ensure efficient delivery, adaptability to different project requirements, and successful collaboration in dynamic technical environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Systems Engineer Contract jobs? Cities in California with the most Systems Engineer Contract job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Contract job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Systems Engineer, Space

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril's Space team is dedicated to expanding our AI-powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We're developing fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested war-fighting domain.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are looking for a Systems Engineer, Space to join our rapidly growing team in Costa Mesa, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for developing a technical strategy and roadmap in conjunction with the Chief Engineer of Space Missions and the Growth/Strategy leads of the Orbital Systems team that effectively leverages current Anduril technologies and newly developed technologies to serve the customer mission areas. This role will address pre-award demonstrations, early contract phases, and full-contract execution. The Systems Engineer, working with a multi-disciplinary engineering team, will ensure the efficient development and delivery of hardware and software solutions for the customer.
These efforts will include leading complex, integrated systems for on-orbit operations and demonstrations to include sub-contracted teammates and strategic partnerships. The systems engineer will need to facilitate effective technical development and integration that spans company-boundaries in an agile development approach in the context of a continuous integration/continuous deployment paradigm. They will need to balance development of new capabilities with the incorporation of several pre-existing Anduril capabilities and need to effectively communicate the development status to customers.
The Systems Engineer will be responsible for technical oversight of all aspects of program execution from proposals to SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, assembly, qualification testing, and delivery of flight units for launch. The Systems Engineer in conjunction with the Chief Engineer of Space Missions will assist in building out the necessary infrastructure for Anduril to execute on all necessary aspects of satellite and payload build and test to include working with external vendors for establishing test requirements and pass/fail criteria. The Systems Engineer will also work closely with the Anduril Space C2 team to enable and deliver Space Ground C2 products to both the customer and to further Anduril's penetration into customer ecosystems.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Provide technical expertise across multiple spacecraft subsystems including bus and payloads
  • Leverage strategic partnerships and teammates for building out new products to satisfy customer requirements in new and challenging mission areas
  • Provide space industry expertise to refine and advance the Anduril Space and Orbital Systems strategy for growing the organization
  • Contribute technical inputs to proposals to include engineering execution plans
  • Provide oversight to a multi-disciplinary team of engineers through all phases of program execution up to and including delivery and operation of capabilities on-orbit
  • Perform mission and system level trade studies and analysis to balance risk, cost, and performance
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in architecting, developing, and delivering defense/IC satellite and space hardware and software systems
  • Understanding of the recent/current technical state of key USSF and IC space systems and mission areas
  • Demonstrated ability to decompose complex systems with competing objectives (e.g., performance, schedule, openness, cybersecurity, MLS) into executable requirements and execution then delivering on those to meet government expectations
  • Experience with spacecraft standards for qualification testing and acceptance testing to include the use of GEVS, SMC-S-016 (MIL- STD-1540), etc
  • Experience with US government space mission areas and associated CONOPS for successfully executing missions to enable space for the warfighter
  • Design and development of space vehicle and payload architectures and detailed mission solutions to complex space domain challenges
  • Strong technical communication skills, providing the ability to deliver critical technical briefings and conclusions to technical leadership, company leadership, and customers
  • Strong technical fundamentals in space systems, space ground infrastructure, and product development
  • Technical experience leading US Government contracts
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Previous experience delivering spacecraft flight hardware
  • On-orbit mission operations of satellites and/or associated payloads

US Salary Range
$146,000-$194,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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