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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Role The Manager, Systems Engineering is responsible for leading systems engineering initiatives from concept through verification, ensuring strong requirements management, quality ...

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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.

Senior Systems Engineering Manager - Payload

Boeing

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Senior Systems Engineering Manager - Payload

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems (SI&WS) seeks a Senior Systems Engineering Manager - Payload (L-Level) to lead a team of Payload Systems Engineers in El Segundo, CA.

Our team works with Commercial, Government, and Proprietary Customers in the development and deployment of next-generation technologies and systems in Space. The candidate will demonstrate the ability to provide high impact, creative solutions to complex technical problems, the ability to work as part of a large team, and the ability to provide critical support and independent review of the work of teammates.

Program Execution responsibilities include:

  • Plan and manage PLSE work scope (technical, cost, schedule, and risk)

  • Actively manage the IPT to drive decisions, design development and requirements to ensure program milestones are met

  • Actively manage the IPT cost and schedule performance per baseline plan

  • Provide headcount variance and milestones status as appropriate for weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting to program and ensure visibility to Management where appropriate to deal with systematic issues

  • Address IPT level earned value and compile/manage scope growth that deviates from the baseline

  • Support Quarterly EAC process and review impacts with program and functional management

  • Resolve technical issues in a timely manner and per schedule commitment

  • Close out action items per schedule commitment

  • Report program risks, seek opportunities to save cost/reduce schedule, and contribute to a positive and effective work environment.

  • Interface with diverse program and customer teams

Functional Management Responsibilities include:

  • Provide Functional Leadership to a group of 15-20 Payload Systems engineers

  • Coach, counsel, mentor and provide developmental opportunities for employees

  • Perform employee performance management, hiring, retention, awards/recognition, and goal setting

  • Execute critical program staffing and redeployment activities

  • Development and execution of a robust training and development plan

  • Development of employee engagement activities to motivate and engage the workforce

  • Manage and enforce critical Payload Systems Engineering processes and standards


This position is expected to be 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

  • 5+years of experience working on satellite orspace-based communication systems

  • 5+ years of experience with digital payload analysis, development, and integration and test

  • 5+ years of experience leading payload verification and test

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

  • 5+ years of experience in engineering leadership

  • Excellent communications skills, verbal and written

  • Ability to effectively communicate at all levels of management, customers, and partners

  • Previous management experience

  • Ability to build a safe environment of inclusion, transparency, and trust

  • Leadership skills to lead and influence positive outcomes

  • Previous experience in leading, mentoring, and engaging individuals and teams

  • Experience providing active mentorship and career guidance

  • Can up-level existing team by hiring high performance talent, growing leaders and helping underperforming members

  • Can gain trust of team and provide guidance for their careers

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidate for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards & Pay Transparency:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: $181,900 - $246,100

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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