Network Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Network Systems Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in enterprise technology, defense contracting, cloud infrastructure, and telecommunications across experience levels from entry-level network technicians through senior systems architects. The largest hiring metros are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where established employers like Cisco Systems, Northrop Grumman, and Kaiser Permanente maintain significant network engineering teams. In-demand specialties include cloud networking, software-defined networking, and cybersecurity-focused infrastructure roles. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Network Systems Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 40+ Network Systems Engineer jobs











The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.
The Space Communications and Data Transport department provides technical expertise on the newly formed Space Data Network (SDN) program within the Space Based Sensing and Tracking enterprise. The Space Data Network Systems Engineer will serve as a key member of the engineering team supporting the SDN program, a rapidly growing set of programs with many missions. Further, this position will focus on general systems engineering support to the program. This is for a technical and acquisition role within an integrated program office of USSF military and civilians, Aerospace, and SE&I contractors.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Acting as a SDN systems engineer: working to support the rapid and high capacity SDN acquisition and launch
- Advising the customer, including government leadership, in formulating, evaluating, and overseeing understanding of system requirements
- Providing insight to Aerospace leadership and the customer on risks, issues, opportunities and associated mitigation strategies and corrective actions
- Working day-to-day to solve challenging systems engineering problems and in response, developing creative solutions
- Establishing and maintaining the confidence and trust of the government customer
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Senior Project Leader - Communication Systems & Systems Engineering Acquisition:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physical science, mathematics, or related technical degree
- 12 or more years of engineering experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or program management environment
- Experience building and maintaining effective interpersonal relations with internal and external organizations such as with customers, Aerospace, contractors, or related
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
- Work integrally and effectively lead the program office team and staff from external organizations
- Willing to travel domestically approx. 10-15%.
- This position requires a current Top Secret/SSBI/SCI clearance to interview with the ability to obtain and maintain additional security clearances, which are issues by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Current or previous accesses to Special Access Programs.
- An advanced degree in a relevant technical area.
- Experience working in a program office with a government customer
- Knowledge of launch systems
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$166,400.00 - $249,600.00 Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .
See All 40 Network Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Network Systems Engineer JobsNetwork Systems Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Network Systems Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- Science & Research
- Sports & Recreation
- Accounting & Auditing
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in network systems engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related engineering field
- Cisco CCNP or CCIE certification strongly preferred by California enterprise and government employers
- Three or more years configuring and troubleshooting routers, switches, and firewalls in production environments
- Hands-on experience with cloud networking platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Familiarity with network security frameworks and compliance requirements common in California regulated industries
- Strong documentation skills and experience working within cross-functional teams on large infrastructure projects
Network Systems Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a network systems engineer in California?
Most California employers expect a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or electrical engineering, along with industry certifications such as the Cisco CCNP or CompTIA Network+. California has no state-issued license specific to network engineering, so certifications and demonstrated hands-on experience carry the most weight. Many candidates build their foundation through community college associate programs in network administration before moving into four-year degrees or certification tracks recognized by California employers.
How much do network systems engineers make in California?
Network systems engineers in California earn a median of about $158,870 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $97,070 for the lowest 10% to over $224,930 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire network systems engineers in California?
Employers hiring network systems engineers in California right now include Saalex, SAG-AFTRA FCU, and Northrop Grumman, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, defense contractors, and large healthcare systems means consistent demand across both private enterprise and public sector organizations statewide.
Which California cities have the most network systems engineer jobs?
San Diego, San Jose, and El Segundo have the most network systems engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads due to its dense concentration of technology companies and cloud infrastructure providers, while Los Angeles draws demand from entertainment, aerospace, and healthcare networks, and San Diego's strong defense contracting and biotech sectors sustain steady openings for network engineers.
Are there remote network systems engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely software-focused roles, since network systems engineers frequently need hands-on access to physical hardware and on-site data center infrastructure. About 28% of network systems engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with design, architecture planning, and cloud networking tasks being the most likely to be performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a network systems engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a help desk or junior network administrator role at a California enterprise, healthcare system, or managed service provider, where you gain hands-on exposure to production environments. Large California employers including county governments, University of California campuses, and major health systems like Kaiser Permanente regularly hire entry-level network support technicians. Earning a CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA before applying gives candidates a concrete edge, and associate degrees from California community colleges in network technology are widely recognized by state employers.
Where can I find and apply to network systems engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to network systems engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 40 Network Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Network Systems Engineer Jobs