Engineering Leader Jobs in California
Engineering Leader jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, aerospace, defense, and clean energy across a seniority range from engineering manager through VP of Engineering and CTO. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where established employers such as Apple, Lockheed Martin, and Qualcomm have built lasting engineering organizations. The most in-demand specialties include software engineering leadership, systems engineering management, and hardware development leadership. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 9,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
We are seeking a Deputy Engineering Leader to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES) business unit. As part of (SES) Strategic Business Unit you will be part of a team that designs, engineers, integrates, operates and maintains electronic security services inclusive of intrusion detection, access control, biometric authentication, video surveillance, audio visual, IT systems, perimeter defense and command and control systems for federal, local and commercial customers across high-growth markets.
Responsibilities:
- Leading complex technical discussions, projects, and/or programs.
- Validating world class technical solutions on projects.
- Ensuring engineering best practices are followed across multiple engineering and solution disciplines.
- Managing technical risk on a project.
- Providing oversight, direction, and technical expertise to engineering teams on a project.
- Preparing client-specific physical security technology solution including cutting edge credential technology, AI vision systems, drone and drone interdiction systems, access control, intrusion detection, video management systems, and complex integrations.
- Driving the development and maintenance of project artifacts from the requirements capture stage through the launch of new technology.
- Identifying, recommending, and implementing work process improvements.
- Reviewing technical project details with project leadership.
- Managing the integration of data from multiple systems and analyzing the data to draw insights on project technical solution.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
- Minimum 5+ year’s recent experience in the construction industry with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, 3+ year’s recent experience in the construction industry with a Master's Degree in Engineering.
- Detailed, motivated, self-starter; must be able to work independently and lead in a team environment.
- Strong engineering & administration experience with most of the following core platforms and services:
- Access Control Systems such as CCURE 9000, Lenel OnGuard, Honeywell Prowatch, AMAG.
- Video Management Systems such as Milestone XProtect, Genetec, Lenel Video management.
- Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems such as Senstar, Southwest Microwave, SightLogix.
- Other Electronic Security Systems such as Zenitel, HID, WIDS.
- Familiarity with design/administration tools such as REVIT, Bluebeam, Autocad, ACC, Procore.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Windows Server, Windows 11 and general networking.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Deployment and Administration.
- Familiarity with Cyber security requirements.
- Familiarity with inside plant and outside plant telecom requirements.
- Strong Oral, Written and Presentation Skills with the ability and experience communicating directly with executive leadership.
- Demonstrated background working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and quality objectives.
- Strong MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio Skills is a plus.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Design: background in design and engineering of mission critical facilities. Skill in calculations for electrical construction.
- Build: interest in the manufacture of modular builds for electrical construction.
- Delivery: serving as onsite liaison, overseeing installation, testing, & commission of electrical construction.
- PE License: willingness to obtain Professional Engineer license highly preferred.
- Software: Revit MEP, Navisworks, Bluebeam, MS Office, ETAP/SKM, AGI32, etc. highly preferred.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- A collaborative team inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
- An opportunity to lead and build a business with the support of an industry-leading firm that has been in business for 75 years.
- Investment in your skills and expertise through a combination of professional and technical training programs, including leadership training and tuition reimbursement.
- Open and transparent communication with senior leadership as well as local office management.
We offer an excellent benefits package including:
- A competitive salary
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Military Reserve pay offset
- Paid maternity leave
ABILITIES:
- Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
- Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
- Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Identify and understand the speech of another person.
Pay Range: USD $114,640.00 - USD $171,960.00 /Yr.
See All 120+ Engineering Leader Jobs in California
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Find Engineering Leader JobsEngineering Leader Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Leader Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Cisco31

- HDR13

- Target5

- AECOM4

- Apple4

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware46
- Consulting & Professional Services32
- Technology & Software21
- Healthcare & Medical Services5
- Retail5
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering leader jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field
- Proven experience managing and growing multi-disciplinary engineering teams
- Hands-on background in the engineering domain the team works in, such as software, hardware, or systems
- Demonstrated ability to define technical roadmaps and align them with product and business goals
- Experience collaborating cross-functionally with product management, design, and operations stakeholders
- Familiarity with agile development methodologies and modern engineering delivery practices
Engineering Leader Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering leader in California?
Most engineering leaders in California reach the role by building deep individual-contributor experience and then moving into people management, typically starting as a senior engineer or tech lead. A bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or computer science is the standard foundation. California's technology and aerospace sectors place particular weight on internal promotions and demonstrated leadership on complex projects. No state-issued license is required for most engineering leader roles, though engineers in civil or structural disciplines may need a California Professional Engineer registration.
Which companies hire engineering leaders in California?
Employers hiring engineering leaders in California right now include Cisco, HDR, and Target, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, defense contractors, and biotech firms means demand is spread across both large enterprise employers and well-funded growth-stage companies.
Which California cities have the most engineering leader jobs?
The cities with the most engineering leader openings in California are San Jose, Milpitas, and Los Angeles. The San Francisco Bay Area dominates because of the density of technology headquarters and venture-backed companies, while Los Angeles draws from aerospace, entertainment technology, and a growing startup ecosystem, and San Diego's openings are driven largely by defense contractors and biotech employers.
Are there remote engineering leader jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 21% of engineering leader openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how much of the role centers on planning, communication, and code or design review rather than physical presence. The most fully remote positions tend to be in software engineering leadership, while hardware, manufacturing, and on-site lab environments typically require regular in-person attendance.
How can I get hired as a engineering leader in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a tech lead or staff engineer role first, then stepping into people management within the same organization. Large California technology employers such as Google, Meta, and Salesforce run internal leadership development programs that help senior engineers transition into manager tracks. For those coming from outside tech, California's aerospace and defense sector, including employers like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, regularly hires engineering managers from program lead or project engineer backgrounds. Building a portfolio of cross-functional projects and pursuing a Professional Engineer registration strengthens candidacy considerably.
Where can I find and apply to engineering leader jobs in California?
You can find and apply to engineering leader jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to each one.
See All 120+ Engineering Leader Jobs in California
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