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Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Vast is looking for a Systems Engineer , reporting to the Vice President of Flight Safety and Mission Assurance, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and ...

TAD PGS, Inc

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$66.67/hr

Lead system engineering, hardware, and software analysis to support the Navy's Key Management project portfolio. * Define and apply systems engineering processes to develop systems that meet customer ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON ...

IESE Solutions

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

IESE Solutions is seeking Systems Engineers with varying levels of experience and backgrounds to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of delivering warfighter capability via the Space Systems ...

IESE Solutions

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

IESE Solutions is seeking Systems Engineers with varying levels of experience and backgrounds to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of delivering warfighter capability via the Space Systems ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA

$54.93 - $68.66/hr

Systems Engineer Full-time Irvine, CA, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified applicants. Benefits You'll Love NextDeavor offers health, vision and dental benefits for ...

IESE Solutions

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

IESE Solutions is seeking Systems Engineers with varying levels of experience and backgrounds to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of delivering warfighter capability via the Space Systems ...

Blue Star Families

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA

$100K - $110K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Secure Communications Systems Engineer to join our growing engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands ...

Cubic Corporation

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $118K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Secure Communications Systems Engineer to join our growing engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Systems Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

Sensor Systems Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | at least 3 days in office Minimal travel may be required. We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to join our Sensors Team. In this role ...

IESE Solutions

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

IESE Solutions is seeking a Systems Engineer , specialized in Systems of Systems (SoS) Architectures, in El Segundo, CA , to provide systems engineering, mission architecting and analysis support to ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Systems Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

Sensor Systems Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA at least 3 days in office Minimal travel may be required. We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to join our Sensors Team. In this role ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Systems Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

Sensor Systems Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | at least 3 days in office Minimal travel may be required. We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to join our Sensors Team. In this role ...

IESE Solutions

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

IESE Solutions is seeking a Systems Engineer , specialized in Systems of Systems (SoS) Architectures, in El Segundo, CA , to provide systems engineering, mission architecting and analysis support to ...

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All JobsSystems Engineer JobsSystems Engineer Jobs in California

Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer 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 is a systems engineer?

Systems engineers are professionals who design, integrate, and manage complex systems throughout their life cycles. They work across various industries, ensuring that all aspects of a project or system—hardware, software, processes, and people—work together efficiently and effectively. Systems engineers coordinate between different engineering teams, address technical and organizational challenges, and ensure requirements are met. Their role often involves both big-picture thinking and attention to detail to deliver reliable and scalable solutions.

What does a systems engineer do?

The role of a systems engineer varies based on the company they work for, but in every industry systems engineers use computerized systems to keep track of all the moving parts within their organizations. The term systems engineer usually refers to a computer systems engineer, which combines several disciplines to create, purchase, and install a computer system that suits the needs of each particular client. They will also work in a hands-on manner during the installation, acquisition, testing, and implementation phases of the project. Duties typically include making recommendations for scalability, troubleshooting any problems that arise during the use of the system, reviewing a company’s security requirements, and recommending security measures to allow the company to avoid compromising any sensitive data.

What is the difference between Systems Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSystems EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIA
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and managing IT systems and infrastructureDesigning, configuring, and maintaining network hardware and connectivity
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise solutionsTelecommunications, IT, networking service providers
Common TasksSystem integration, troubleshooting, server managementNetwork setup, routing, switching, security

While both roles involve technical expertise in IT infrastructure, Systems Engineers focus on overall system architecture and integration, whereas Network Engineers specialize in network hardware, connectivity, and security. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals align skills with job requirements.

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

To thrive as a Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and integration, typically supported by a degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with operating systems (like Linux and Windows), virtualization platforms, scripting languages, and certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco (CCNA), or Microsoft (MCSA) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the design, implementation, and maintenance of reliable, scalable systems critical for organizational operations.

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

Systems Engineers often serve as a bridge between various technical and non-technical teams, including software developers, network specialists, project managers, and end users. Throughout a project, they participate in requirements gathering, design reviews, and integration testing, ensuring that each component fits seamlessly within the overall system. Effective communication and documentation are crucial, as Systems Engineers must translate complex technical concepts into actionable tasks for diverse stakeholders. This collaborative approach not only streamlines problem-solving but also helps deliver robust, scalable solutions.
More about Systems Engineer jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Systems Engineer jobs in California? For Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Systems Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Engineer jobs in CA? For Systems Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Systems Engineer, reporting to the Vice President of Flight Safety and Mission Assurance, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of the world's first human-rated commercial space stations
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location
Responsibilities:
Technical Excellence: Lead the technical foundation of all design baselines through requirements definition, management, and traceability through major design reviews and verification campaigns
  • Oversee the technical management of all products across multiple engineering disciplines, and drive product readiness and maturity through major milestones
  • Establish and maintain product breakdown structures and engineering lifecycle documentation throughout the program
  • Own the definition of verification & validation (V&V) plans to ensure high technical quality of inputs, outputs, and success criteria
  • Review design implementations against requirements and drive resolution of non-compliances

Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead company-wide guidance and standard on systems engineering principles. Influence technical decision-making and configuration changes that are comprehensive and consistent across all engineering disciplines
  • Excel in communication of engineering progress through major milestones to drive strategic planning for responsible engineers, engineering managers, and program leaders
  • Collaborate with design and flight reliability teams on making informed decisions based on mission risks, hazards, and functional performance of systems

Process Ownership: Drive streamlining systems engineering processes that enables both rapid iteration and development, as well as methodical planning of design compliance and traceability to technical and programmatic requirements
    • Pioneer tools and systems that track key technical sources of truth across the program throughout all changes and milestones

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in design ownership, systems integration, test engineering, of which at least 1+ years are systems engineering focused

Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Experience in Responsible Engineering, Systems Engineering, or technical leadership roles on complex aerospace systems
  • Comprehensive understanding of at least one core engineering discipline (Structures, Thermal, Avionics, Power, Flight Software, etc.)
  • Hands-on experience with requirements and/or project management tools
  • Experience leading design reviews (PDR, CDR) and verification campaigns
  • Strong cross-disciplinary communication and technical leadership skills
  • Strong systems-level intuition and the ability to create, own and drive systems engineering processes
  • Background with spacecraft, aircraft, launch vehicles, or other mission- or safety-critical systems
  • Familiarity with industry standards that drive space systems design and test
  • Strong scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, Excel) and familiarity with visualization tools (e.g., Tableau)

Additional Requirements:
  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range: California
$112,340-$159,468 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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