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Systems Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Waymo

Director, Systems Engineering

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in groundbreaking new ways. We set the high performance standards that ensure our vehicles run smoothly and keep ...

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 ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Systems Engineering

Yorba Linda, CA · Hybrid

$127K - $236K/yr

Lead, Systems Engineering Job Number: 38091 Job Location: Yorba Linda, CA Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week Clearance: Active Secret Clearance required to be considered ...

Raytheon

Engineer II, Systems Engineering

Goleta, CA

Serve as a Systems Engineering focal point for the program * Manage configuration process, performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface ...

L3HHCM20

$92K - $171K/yr

Specialist, Systems Engineering Job Code: 38522 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA or Huntsville, AL Job Schedule: 9/80 Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every ...

Raytheon

Engineer II, Systems Engineering

Goleta, CA

Serve as a Systems Engineering focal point for the program * Manage configuration process, performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface ...

Exthymic

Head of Systems Engineering

San Diego, CA · On-site

Define the vision for systems engineering - Partner with leadership on technology strategy, make build-vs-buy decisions for instrumentation capabilities, and represent systems engineering in company ...

Nuro

Director, Systems Engineering

Mountain View, CA

Systems Engineering sits at the center of how we turn ambitious autonomy goals into clear technical requirements, measurable performance targets, and verified system behavior on public roads. This ...

Exthymic

Head of Systems Engineering

San Diego, CA

Define the vision for systems engineering - Partner with leadership on technology strategy, make build-vs-buy decisions for instrumentation capabilities, and represent systems engineering in company ...

Nuro

Director, Systems Engineering

Mountain View, CA

Systems Engineering sits at the center of how we turn ambitious autonomy goals into clear technical requirements, measurable performance targets, and verified system behavior on public roads. This ...

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All JobsSystems Engineering JobsSystems Engineering Jobs in California

Systems Engineering information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$140.2K

$193.4K

How much do systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering 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 can you do with a system engineering degree?

A systems engineering degree prepares individuals for roles involving designing, analyzing, and managing complex systems across industries such as aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and technology. Graduates often work as systems engineers, project managers, or technical analysts, utilizing skills in systems integration, modeling, and tools like MATLAB or CAD. Certifications like INCOSE can enhance career prospects.

How does a Systems Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Systems Engineers play a pivotal role in bridging various departments such as software, hardware, and project management throughout the project lifecycle. They facilitate communication by translating technical requirements between teams, ensuring that all components integrate seamlessly. Regular meetings, documentation reviews, and design sessions are common, and Systems Engineers often serve as mediators to resolve technical conflicts or dependencies. This collaborative environment helps deliver robust and scalable solutions that meet both business and technical goals.

What is systems engineering?

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on designing, integrating, and managing complex systems throughout their life cycles. It involves coordinating various engineering disciplines and specialties to ensure that all parts of a project work together efficiently to meet customer needs. Systems engineers use principles from engineering, management, and mathematics to address both the technical and organizational aspects of a project, from initial concept through development, deployment, and maintenance.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior systems engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large technology companies. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced certifications and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

What is the difference between Systems Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectSystems EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Systems Engineering, Electrical, or related fields; often certifications like INCOSEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; often PE licensure
Work EnvironmentProject teams, systems integration, interdisciplinary collaborationDesign labs, manufacturing, product development
Industry UsageTechnology, aerospace, defense, ITAutomotive, manufacturing, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Systems Engineering focuses on designing and managing complex systems across various disciplines, emphasizing integration and lifecycle management. Mechanical Engineering centers on designing and manufacturing mechanical devices and systems. While both roles require engineering degrees, their focus areas, work environments, and industry applications differ significantly.

What jobs can system engineers do?

System engineers can work in roles such as systems analyst, network engineer, cybersecurity engineer, or systems architect, focusing on designing, implementing, and maintaining complex systems. They often work with tools like CAD software, scripting languages, and project management methodologies, and may require certifications like INCOSE or CompTIA. These roles are common in industries such as technology, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in systems architecture, integration, and problem-solving, often supported by a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, SysML, and requirements management software, as well as certifications such as INCOSE CSEP, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills to excel in multidisciplinary environments. These competencies ensure the efficient design, implementation, and maintenance of complex systems that meet organizational goals.

What work does a system engineer do?

A systems engineer designs, develops, and manages complex systems by integrating hardware and software components to ensure functionality, reliability, and performance. They analyze requirements, create technical specifications, and often use tools like modeling software, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Certifications such as INCOSE or Cisco can enhance their expertise, and they typically work in environments that require strong problem-solving and communication skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Systems Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Systems Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Systems Engineering job openings:
Systems Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% 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.