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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ALSO

Systems Engineering Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

ALSO is looking for a Systems Engineering Manager to play a key role in defining and supporting requirements development and feature development on various electric mobility vehicles! What You Will ...

LLNL

Cryogenic Systems Engineering Manager

Livermore, CA · On-site

$227K - $288K/yr

We have an opening for a Cryogenic Systems Engineering Manager to lead and advance the cryogenic operations and engineering capabilities that support the successful fielding of all NIF targets. You ...

LLNL

Cryogenic Systems Engineering Manager

Livermore, CA

$227K - $288K/yr

We have an opening for a Cryogenic Systems Engineering Manager to lead and advance the cryogenic operations and engineering capabilities that support the successful fielding of all NIF targets. You ...

LLNL

Cryogenic Systems Engineering Manager

Livermore, CA · On-site

$227K - $288K/yr

We have an opening for a Cryogenic Systems Engineering Manager to lead and advance the cryogenic operations and engineering capabilities that support the successful fielding of all NIF targets. You ...

Amat

Systems Engineering Manager - (M5)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$185K - $254K/yr

Ensures that all systems engineering projects and programs assigned are completed in accordance ... Manages reward and discipline processes. May also select and manage Professional Services and ...

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All JobsSystems Engineering JobsSystems Engineering Manager JobsSystems Engineering Manager Jobs in California

Systems Engineering Manager information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$140.2K

$193.4K

How much do systems engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering manager in California is $140,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,500.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Systems Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in systems engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (such as SysML), requirements management software, and relevant industry certifications like INCOSE CSEP are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively guide teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure project success, technical excellence, and seamless integration of complex systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Systems Engineering Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Systems Engineering Managers often navigate challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring clear communication across departments, and balancing technical leadership with project management duties. They may also face difficulties in aligning system requirements with organizational goals and managing resource constraints. To address these, effective managers foster open communication, implement structured processes for requirement management, and prioritize continuous training for their teams. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and promoting a culture of collaboration can also help overcome these challenges.

What does a Systems Engineering Manager do?

A Systems Engineering Manager oversees a team of engineers responsible for designing, integrating, and maintaining complex systems within an organization. They coordinate project activities, ensure technical requirements are met, and manage resources to deliver efficient solutions. Additionally, they serve as a liaison between engineering teams and other departments, helping to translate business needs into technical specifications. Their role often involves mentoring staff, managing budgets, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.

What is the difference between Systems Engineering Manager vs Systems Engineer?

AspectSystems Engineering ManagerSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in Engineering, relevant technical certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, oversees system developmentDesigns, develops, tests systems, works on technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing companiesCommon in similar industries, often as technical staff
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, leadership responsibilitiesTechnical skills, system design, implementation

The main difference between a Systems Engineering Manager and a Systems Engineer lies in their roles and responsibilities. The manager oversees teams and projects, focusing on leadership and strategic planning, while the engineer concentrates on technical system development and implementation. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and are vital in industries like aerospace, defense, and technology.

What are popular job titles related to Systems Engineering Manager jobs in California? For Systems Engineering Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Engineering Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Engineering Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Systems Engineering Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Systems Engineering Manager job openings:
Systems Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,209 per year, or $67.4 per hour.
Systems Engineering Manager

Systems Engineering Manager

Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc

Torrance, CA • On-site

$164K - $222K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Description:

About Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc.
Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) develops advanced sensing, imaging, and artificial intelligence technologies supporting aerospace, defense, and scientific applications. Our teams work across engineering disciplines to design and deliver innovative electro-optical systems and AI-enabled sensing platforms that solve complex technical challenges.

Position Overview
OKSI is seeking a Systems Engineering Manager to lead the architecture, requirements development, integration, and validation of advanced electro-optical and AI-enabled sensing systems. This role manages a team of systems engineers and works closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful system development from concept through deployment.


The ideal candidate combines strong systems engineering expertise with the leadership skills needed to guide multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast-paced research and development environment.


What You Will Do

  • Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers supporting electro-optical and AI-enabled sensing systems
  • Guide system architecture development, requirements decomposition, and interface definition across multidisciplinary programs
  • Ensure clear requirements traceability and alignment between customer needs and system design
  • Oversee system integration, verification, and validation activities across hardware and software components
  • Coordinate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure system compatibility and performance
  • Support program execution including technical planning, proposal support, and engineering trade studies
  • Participate in design reviews and technical discussions with customers and internal stakeholders
  • Establish and maintain systems engineering processes including documentation standards, risk management, and configuration control
  • Drive continuous improvement across systems engineering practices, tools, and workflows
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
  • Minimum 15 years of systems engineering experience in complex technical systems
  • Minimum 3 years of leadership or engineering management experience
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering principles including requirements management, interface control, and system validation
  • Experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo or Rhapsody and requirements management tools such as DOORS
  • Experience coordinating cross functional engineering teams
  • Strong technical communication, documentation, and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working with electro-optical systems, imaging systems, or embedded sensing platforms
  • Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or government funded engineering programs
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD environmental testing and EMI/EMC qualification requirements
  • INCOSE CSEP certification or similar systems engineering certification
  • Experience working in export controlled or ITAR regulated environments
Work Environment and Schedule
  • Full-time position
Compensation and Benefits
  • Salary range: $164,305 - $222,295 annually.
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid by the employer for employees.
  • Three weeks of vacation to start
  • Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
  • Educational assistance and professional development opportunities
  • In-office (St. Petersburg, FL or Torrance, CA) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent)

Additional Requirements:

  • You must have, or be eligible to obtain, a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. You will be subject to government security investigations and must be able to access classified information. The inability to obtain a security clearance will result in you being ineligible for the position.

We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process. The 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. This employer participates in E-Verify.


This employer participates in E-Verify.