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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

IT Systems Engineering Manager

San Jose, CA

$152K - $190K/yr

We are seeking a highly experienced IT Systems Engineering Manager who will be hands-on to lead our Systems Engineering, Endpoint Engineering, and Digital Workplace technology team. This role is ...

Archer

IT Systems Engineering Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $190K/yr

We are seeking a highly experienced IT Systems Engineering Manager who will be hands-on to lead our Systems Engineering, Endpoint Engineering, and Digital Workplace technology team. This role is ...

Comet

Manager, Systems Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

To complement our team, we are looking for a customer- and teamoriented individual for our division Plasma Control Technologies at the San Jose site as a Manager, Systems Engineering For over 75 ...

Comet

Manager, Systems Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

To complement our team, we are looking for a customer- and teamoriented individual for our division Plasma Control Technologies at the San Jose site as a Manager, Systems Engineering For over 75 ...

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Engineering Manager level 3

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$177K - $307K/yr

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global ... We are looking for two Engineering Manager level 3 to join our team based out of Sunnyvale, CA or ...

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Engineering Manager level 3

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$177K - $307K/yr

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global ... We are looking for two Engineering Manager level 3 to join our team based out of Sunnyvale, CA or ...

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Showing results 1-20

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.
IT Systems Engineering Manager

IT Systems Engineering Manager

Archer

San Jose, CA

$152K - $190K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced IT Systems Engineering Manager who will be hands-on to lead our Systems Engineering, Endpoint Engineering, and Digital Workplace technology team.  This role is responsible for delivering a world-class technology experience to our employees, ensuring operational excellence across our core IT services, and driving the evolution of our digital workplace strategy as the company scales.

What You'll Do
  • Team Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing multi-functional IT team.
  • Strategy & Planning: Establish roadmaps, OKRs, and capacity plans for each pillar, including EUS, Systems, Endpoint, and Digital Workplace.
  • Infrastructure Management: Oversee the administration and reliability of core IT infrastructure hardware and systems, such as VDI, identity, collaboration, SaaS platforms, directory services, and authentication.
  • Architecture & Design: Guide systems architecture decisions and ensure scalable, secure configurations.
  • Endpoint Strategy: Own the device management strategy across macOS, Windows, and mobile platforms.
  • Collaboration Tools: Oversee tools such as Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Miro, Notion, and Atlassian.
  • Governance & Compliance: Implement IT governance, risk management, and compliance strategies.
  • Automation & Integration: Drive integration, automation, and tool governance to reduce friction across teams.
  • Vendor & Budget Management: Manage vendor relationships, renewals, and budget allocations across platforms and hardware.
  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Partner with Security, Engineering, and Facilities to ensure a secure and productive environment.
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications
  • Education:  B.S in Computer Science or related IT / Engineering discipline
  • Experience: 8+ years of IT experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
  • Technical Skills: Hands-on familiarity with identity management (Okta/Entra), endpoint management tools, and core SaaS systems.
  • Scaling: Experience building and scaling IT systems in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
  • Windows Expertise: Deep knowledge of Windows operating systems and system administration, including deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting. Windows certifications are a plus.
  • Soft Skills: Excellent communication, prioritization, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in engineering-driven, hybrid, or multi-site organizations.
  • Experience supporting executive teams or high-velocity engineering organizations.
  • Strong understanding of automation, workflow orchestration, and operational tooling.
  • Exposure to compliance frameworks such as SOC2, FedRAMP, CMMC, or ISO 27001.

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $152,100 and $190,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

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