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Systems Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$59/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We have an outstanding Contract position for a Systems Engineering Specialist to join a leading Company located in the Canoga Park, CA surrounding area. Pay Rate: $59 **US Citizenship is required.

Systems Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead, coach, and develop the Systems Engineering team, fostering a strong safety-first and quality-driven engineering culture. * Define annual objectives, conduct performance reviews, and identify ...

Lead, Systems Engineering

Yorba Linda, CA · Hybrid

$127K - $236K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead, Systems Engineering Job Number: 40407 Job Location: Yorba Linda, CA Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week The Lead, Systems Engineer is a senior professional with ...

Systems Engineering Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$176K - $242K/yr

As a Systems Engineer, you'll design, integrate, and optimize complex systems that drive the semiconductor industry forward. Your expertise in systems thinking and problem-solving is essential as you ...

Systems Engineering Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$176K - $242K/yr

As a Systems Engineer, you'll design, integrate, and optimize complex systems that drive the semiconductor industry forward. Your expertise in systems thinking and problem-solving is essential as you ...

Manager Systems Engineering 3

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$193K - $289K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

Acting as the systems engineering focal point, the position ensures that cross-functional technical decisions support vehicle-level performance, safety, and compliance objectives. In addition, the ...

Acting as the systems engineering focal point, the position ensures that cross-functional technical decisions support vehicle-level performance, safety, and compliance objectives. In addition, the ...

Scientist, Systems Engineering

Carlsbad, CA

$153K - $284K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead the design, development, and validation of secure system architectures, communications networks, and embedded cryptographic solutions. * Serve as the primary responsible engineer for ...

Showing results 21-40

Systems Engineering information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$140.2K

$193.4K

How much do systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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.

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Systems Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,209 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Systems Engineering Specialist

TAD PGS, Inc.

Canoga Park, CA

$59/hr

Contractor

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

We have an outstanding Contract position for a Systems Engineering Specialist to join a leading Company located in the Canoga Park, CA surrounding area.

Pay Rate: $59

**US Citizenship is required.**
**Candidate must possess an Active Secret Security Clearance.**

Responsibilities:
  • Requirement Development: 
    • Develops systems, subsystem, and component requirements for rocket propulsion systems' product development. 
    • Responsible for derivation, allocation, and documentation of requirements in requirements databases and specifications. 
    • Coordinates requirements and related specification change management with IPT members. 
    • Defines and coordinates requirements verification plans with integrated product team members, plans and manages compliance assessment and certification. 
    • These activities will be performed utilizing model-based systems engineering tools.
  • Functional Analysis: 
    • Performs functional analysis and coordinates system trade studies. 
    • Coordinates selection of optimized concept baselines through benefit/cost trades in support of definition of system architecture and objectives.
  • Risk Coordination: 
    • Coordinates project risk and opportunity assessment and management and prepares and reports results on mitigation plans. 
    • May direct, coordinate, and review the work of a small staff of engineers and/or technicians; estimates personnel needs and schedules and assigns work to meet completion date.
  • Communication: 
    • Communicates results in oral presentations and written communication. 
    • Represents the organization in meetings/teleconferences to resolve important questions and to plan and coordinate work. 

Basic Hiring Criteria:
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or appropriate discipline/science (Mechanical/Aerospace).
  • Minimum 4 years of relevant industry experience in systems engineering, preferably in the aerospace or defense sectors.
  • Systems Engineering (requirements management, risk management, product development cycle) disciplines.
  • Experience with tools like IBM DOORs and Model-Based Systems Engineering methodologies.
 
Desired Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred.
  • Liquid rocket propulsion knowledge.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled 

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Education:Bachelors DegreeEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR