Computer Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Computer Systems Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense contracting, aerospace, semiconductors, and enterprise software across a seniority range from entry-level through principal engineer. The heaviest hiring happens in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Qualcomm maintain large engineering operations. Systems integration, embedded systems, and cloud infrastructure are the specialties California employers request most consistently. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and secure technological solutions to enable strategic objectives. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours by expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.
The Northrop Grumman CIDO Classified Solutions team is seeking a Computer Systems Analyst - Windows Systems Administrator to support information system lifecycle activities. The selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time at our Woodland Hills, CA location.
The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:
Perform as a Computer Systems Analyst in support of classified government contracts.
Exhibits good communication skills, an energetic approach, and patience with customers.
Establishes and maintains customer satisfaction according to defined objectives while adhering to established policies.
Report task statuses as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts in written and oral format.
Begin supporting working across disciplines to isolate issues between software, firmware, and hardware, between software and operating systems, between networks and applications, and between one-time events and recurrent systematic problems.
Awareness of operations surrounding multi-user computer systems, including collaboration with network, software, and system engineers, PC desktop technicians.
Able to support multiple networks, under limited direction ensuring necessary administration tasks are completed following all security policies and procedures.
Assist with installing, upgrading/patching, troubleshooting systems, in support of configuration management.
Provide assistance in maintaining backup and recovery services, manage windows file systems and disk space, and manage virus protection on a routine basis.
Assist with creation of windows user and computer accounts, file permissions and security access lists.
Assist with testing of new product releases to ensure compatibility to minimize user impact.
Follow documented technical processes and procedures as assigned.
Assist with troubleshooting issues with vendors; evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions.
Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines in all cases.
Assist in maintaining security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM).
Prepare documentation for input to Cybersecurity.
Support environments by means of ticketing requirements systems (ServiceNow, JIRA, etc.)
Raises issues that require senior level attention or involvement.
Lifts and moves equipment up to 50 pounds.
Work after hours, and weekends, as needed.
Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options. Applicants are encouraged to apply, only if they are willing to work on-site.
Basic Qualifications:
Master's Degree with 0 years of experience; OR a Bachelor's Degree with 2 years of experience; OR an Associate's Degree with 4 years of experience; OR a High School Diploma (or equivalent) with 6 years of experience is required
Candidates must meet the U.S. Government 8140 requirements for a Computer Systems Analyst – IAT level II certification (examples: Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, CND).
Candidates must have a U.S. Government Top Secret level security clearance in order to be considered
The selected candidate must be able to obtain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance before a start date can be established; maintaining the required SAP clearance will be a condition of continued employment.
Knowledge of Windows Server Operating Systems and workstation support
Preferred Qualifications:
3 years with a Bachelor's degree; OR 1 year with a Master’s degree
Active TS/SCI, SAP/SAR access, or Polygraph
Windows Server Administration experience to include, Active Directory, and Group Policy
Knowledge of NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments
Understanding of basic networking
Creation and deployment of system images in a LAN up to an enterprise environment
Awareness of virtualization technologies
Knowledge of environmental monitoring tools (HBSS/Solar Winds/Splunk)
Limited experience in scripting
Operating System Cross-platform awareness (i.e. two or more: Windows, Linux, Solaris, OSX, UNIX, etc.)
Experience with Assessment & Authorization processes
We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program. Come join us! .
Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00 The 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.See All 26 Computer Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsComputer Systems Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Computer Systems Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in computer systems engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science required
- Three or more years of experience in systems architecture, integration, or design
- Proficiency in systems modeling languages such as SysML or UML
- Experience with embedded systems, real-time operating systems, or hardware-software integration
- Familiarity with systems engineering frameworks such as INCOSE or IEEE standards
- Active or eligibility for U.S. security clearance preferred for California defense roles
Computer Systems Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a computer systems engineer in California?
A bachelor's degree in computer engineering, systems engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science is the standard entry point for computer systems engineer roles in California. California does not require a state-issued license for this role in most industry sectors, though engineers who offer services to the public may pursue licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers. Many California employers, particularly in defense and aerospace, look for Professional Engineer designation or equivalent industry certifications alongside a strong systems design portfolio.
Which companies hire computer systems engineers in California?
Employers hiring computer systems engineers in California right now include Saalex, Northrop Grumman, and Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of defense primes, semiconductor firms, and enterprise technology companies means steady hiring across both commercial and government-adjacent sectors throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most computer systems engineer jobs?
Sunnyvale, Ridgecrest, and Camarillo have the most computer systems engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its dense concentration of semiconductor, cloud, and enterprise software companies, while Los Angeles and San Diego draw heavily from aerospace and defense contractors that require systems engineers for complex platform development programs.
Are there remote computer systems engineer jobs in California?
Yes, though availability varies by specialization. About 27% of computer systems engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting a mix of fully distributed software-focused roles and on-site requirements for defense, lab, and hardware integration work. Systems engineers working primarily on architecture, modeling, or documentation are the most likely to find fully remote options.
How can I get hired as a computer systems engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is targeting associate systems engineer or systems analyst roles at California's large defense and aerospace employers, where structured rotational programs are common. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon run new-graduate engineering programs at their California sites that pair candidates with senior engineers on active programs. Candidates who complete a CSEP foundational certification through INCOSE or build a portfolio demonstrating SysML modeling and requirements traceability stand out against others at the same degree level.
Where can I find and apply to computer systems engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to computer systems engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across defense, technology, and aerospace employers. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 26 Computer Systems Engineer Jobs in California
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