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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Systems Engineering

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Summary The Systems Engineering Manager will support project design and documentation needs from proposals and concept drawings through installation drawings and as-built drawings. Position will also ...

Manager, Systems Engineering

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Summary The Systems Engineering Manager will support project design and documentation needs from proposals and concept drawings through installation drawings and as-built drawings. Position will also ...

Manager Systems Engineering 3

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$193K - $289K/yr

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Systems Engineering Manager 3 supporting Marine Systems, reporting to the Program-aligned Engineering Director to support business growth. The selected ...

Manager Systems Engineering 3

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$193K - $289K/yr

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Systems Engineering Manager 3 supporting Marine Systems, reporting to the Program-aligned Engineering Director to support business growth. The selected ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 9, 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?

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.

How much should a systems engineering manager be paid?

The average salary for a systems engineering manager typically ranges from $110,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Higher salaries are common in sectors like aerospace, defense, and technology, especially for managers with advanced certifications and leadership skills.

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:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,209 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Manager, Systems Engineering

L3Harris Technologies

Canoga Park, CA โ€ข On-site

$127K - $236K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Manager, Systems Engineering & Integration

Job Code: 41588

Job Location: Canoga Park, CA

Job Schedule: 9/80 Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris, a major aerospace corporation responsible for the design, manufacture and operation of a number of critical US space and defense products, seeks a Manager for a full-time position in the Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) discipline in Canoga Park, California.

This Systems Engineering management position provides leadership support and is accountable for the technical engineering management of AR rocket propulsion programs that require the design, development, verification and qualification of solid rocket and liquid-based propulsion products. This position requires knowledge and experience with Systems Engineering application, including Model Based Systems Engineering, in product development efforts for advanced propulsion systems, with a focus on System Requirements, Integration, and Risk.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Provide leadership and direct technical support of AR product development efforts for both development and operational/production programs. These programs include solid rocket and liquid based propulsion system. Specific duties include:
    • Proposal and program support in requirements development, management, verification planning and compliance reporting; systems integration; and risk and opportunity management
    • Develop systems, subsystem, and component requirements for propulsion systems product development. Responsible for derivation, allocation, and documentation of requirements in requirements database and specifications.
    • Coordinate requirements and related specification change management with IPT members.
    • Define and coordinate requirement verification plans with integrated product team members, plans and manages compliance assessment and certification.
    • Perform functional analysis and coordinates system trade studies.
    • Coordinate selection of optimized concept baselines through benefit/cost trades in support of definition of system architecture and objectives. Coordinates project risk and opportunity assessment and management and prepares and reports results on mitigation plans. Communicates results in oral presentations and written communications.
  • Perform functional management responsibilities, including program staffing, employee skill and career development, performance evaluations, salary planning, work prioritization and technical oversight of employee work products.
  • Direct the development and implementation of Systems Engineering methods including the advancement of Model Based Systems Engineering methodologies, standards, practices, and procedures; act as liaison between SE&I and other engineering disciplines and organizations.
  • Provide leadership for the design, development and implementation of product and process improvement and affordability activities.
  • Routine reporting and communication with SE&I Sr. Manager and peer SE&I/engineering managers.
  • Ability to travel domestically as needed.
  • Ability to obtain a US LEVEL security clearance.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline and a minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in systems engineering. Or a Graduate Degree with a minimum of 7 years progressive experience in systems engineering. In liue of degree, 13 years related Systems Engineering experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong technical and team-working skills.
  • Effective interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Advanced degree desirable.
  • Coursework in Systems Engineering disciplines (requirements and risk management, product development cycle) and rocket propulsion strongly desired.
  • Experience with DOORS or equivalent requirements management software, SysML modeling and MBSE methods.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California is $127,500 - $236,500.This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-HJ1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time