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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 ...

The Manager of Systems Engineering is responsible for understanding how Littelfuse products are, and could be, applied in customer systems. This position is focused on developing a practical ...

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The Manager of Systems Engineering is responsible for understanding how Littelfuse products are, and could be, applied in customer systems. This position is focused on developing a practical ...

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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 20, 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 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 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 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 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,209 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Model Based Systems Engineering Manager 2 - Requirements and Architectures

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

We are looking for you to join our team as a Model Based Systems Engineering Manager 2 - Requirements and Architectures based out of Woodland Hills, CA leading the Model-Based Requirements and Architectures team. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation. This is fully onsite position located in Woodland Hills, CA working a 9/80 schedule.

What You'll get to Do:

  • Manage/Oversee a team of Systems Engineers supporting the model-based development and management of requirements and architectures of inertial navigation systems

  • Develop and implement strong processes with emphasis on quantitative management and continuous improvement

  • Provide management guidance to achieve outstanding cost, schedule and technical performance

  • Responsible for technical guidance and oversight in developing technical and cost proposals

  • Interface with business facing leads to coordinate staffing requirements and ensure proper skill mix to support program activities

  • Mentor and challenge team members to develop skills and provide career planning/development paths

  • Responsible for all manager related activities to include, but not limited to: Conduct performance and salary reviews, approve timecards, performance management, and work closely with HR on elevated employee matters

  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications Model Based Systems Engineering Manager 2 - Requirements and Architectures:

  • Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with 8years of relevant experience; Master's degree with6 years of relevant experience.

  • Experience in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and best practices

  • Experience leading a team on a technical development effort or technical production support

  • Understanding of Systems Engineering or project management tools such as DOORS, MS Project, etc.

  • Experience with Systems Engineering processes, procedures, and best practices

  • Experience with generating and/or reviewing cost estimates/basis of estimates (BOEs)

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required within a timeframe set forth by management

  • Must be able to work full-time onsite in Woodland Hills, CA.

Preferred Qualifications Model Based Systems Engineering Manager 2 - Requirements and Architectures:

  • Master's Degree in a technical field with 6 years of experience in a multi-disciplined engineering environment or PHD with 3 years of experience

  • Development and implementation of processes to ensure product development efficiency and accuracy

  • Experience in inertial sensor development, fiber optics, ring laser gyros, and sensor electronics

  • A proven track record of leading a team of engineers and of establishing strong relationships with other functional organizations and Program Offices

  • Experienced with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools, such as Siemens Teamcenter Enterprise

  • Experienced with failure analysis techniques and methods (RCCAs)

  • Technical project management with budget/EVMS experience

  • Demonstrated success with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) philosophies and tools

  • Experience with authoring and reviewing technical proposals

  • Experience with engineering planning, scheduling, metrics, earned value systems, and workload forecasting

  • Active DoD Secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,100.00 - $241,700.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939