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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Join our Mission to Protect Humankind!
Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. Working to eradicate or treat bacterial infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella is just the beginning. Our path to success is clear and well-defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance. WHAT We Do Is Every Bit As Important As HOW We Do It! Our Work Together Is Guided By Four Enduring Core Values:
- RETHINK CONVENTION: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re-innovate the way vaccines are delivered.
- AIM HIGH: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind.
- LEAD WITH HEART: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness-first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives.
- MODEL EXCELLENCE: The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.
Summary
The Senior Computer Systems Validation (CSV) Engineer is responsible for leading validation activities for cloud based GxP systems to ensure they meet regulatory, quality, and operational requirements throughout the system lifecycle. The role focuses on traditional Computer System Validation with application of risk-based Computer Software Assurance (CSA) principles where appropriate. The individual will work closely with IT and Quality teams to validate and maintain GxP systems across their lifecycle. Strong experience validating relational databases, cloud infrastructure, and integrated applications in regulated biotech or pharmaceutical environments is required. This is a hands-on role requiring authoring and executing validation documents and protocols for GAMP 5 systems. This is a hybrid role with minimum of 3 days a week onsite at San Carlos, CA location.
Essential Functions
- Hands-on lead full lifecycle Computer System Validation activities for cloud based GxP systems including databases, and applications.
- Author, update, execute and maintain validation deliverables such as Validation Plans, User Requirements, Functional Specifications, Risk Assessments, Traceability Matrices, IQ, OQ, PQ protocols, and Summary Reports.
- Perform risk assessments to define validation scope, testing strategy, and documentation requirements in alignment with CSA principles.
- Define and execute validation strategies for data platforms and system components, ensuring systems meet defined functional, security, and data integrity requirements.
- Assess and validate end to end data flows between upstream source systems and downstream applications to ensure accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
- Evaluate system changes for validation impact and ensure validated systems remain compliant through appropriate testing and documentation.
- Ensure validation activities align with automated build and deployment pipelines, confirming that system releases maintain validated state and appropriate validation evidence is generated.
- Support change control, deviation management, periodic review, and lifecycle management of validated systems.
- Participate in internal audits and regulatory inspections, providing validation documentation and rationale as required.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of validation procedures aligned with evolving CSA guidance and cloud delivery models.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in Computer System Validation within biotech manufacturing and lab data systems. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
- Must have technical knowledge of IT infrastructure, software engineering, programming, databases and data integrations.
- Experience working in modern system environments utilizing CI/CD pipelines or automated release processes.
- Strong hands-on experience validating GAMP 5 systems for biotech manufacturing.
- Deep understanding of FDA 21 CFR Part 11, Part 210, Part 211, Annex 11, data integrity requirements, and risk-based validation methodologies.
- Strong technical writing skills and ability to create comprehensive validation documentation.
- Ability to communicate validation risks and requirements clearly to IT and Quality stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
- Hands-on experience validating cloud based GxP systems, specifically Azure.
- Familiarity with infrastructure as code frameworks like GitHub, Terraform etc.
- Experience applying CSA principles to custom data applications in GxP cloud.
- Microsoft Azure or similar technical certifications.
Reports to: Senior Manager, Data Systems
Location: San Carlos, CA
Compensation
The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.
Salary Range: $164,000 - $190,000 (SF Bay Area). Salary ranges for non-California locations may vary.
Relocation: This role is eligible for relocation assistance.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
See All 27 Computer Systems Engineer Jobs in California
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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
- Super Micro Computer14

- Qualcomm3

- Nuro2

- Zoox2

- FieldAI1

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware17
- Technology & Software8
- Telecommunications2
- Artificial Intelligence1
- Automotive1
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 Super Micro Computer, Qualcomm, and Nuro, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
San Jose, San Diego, and Foster City 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 7% of computer systems engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 27 Computer Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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