Systems Security Engineer Jobs in California
Systems Security Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense contracting, aerospace, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise technology across experience levels from entry-level analysts through senior architects. The largest hiring markets are the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Google maintain major operations. The most in-demand specializations include cloud security architecture, zero-trust network design, and security operations center engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 81+ Systems Security Engineer jobs
Company Description
Job Description
Seeking a candidate with the ability to demonstrate expertise in both the practical implementation and the administration of noted tools. The basis of the work will be to backfill daily operations management as well as assess the current state implementation for completeness and currency. The candidate will also be responsible for the identification and execution of implementation improvement efforts that will allow for the transition of such tools to a managed service provider including the documentation of run books, incident response and remediation support, and developing continuity plans. Has demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following tools:
- Qualys Vulnerability Scanner
- LogRhythm
- Tripwire
Essential Functions:
- Manage and maintain key Information Security tools to help mature and improve the overall effectiveness of solutions across the organization to safeguard information systems, intellectual property assets and customer data.
- Design, implement and support integration of information security solutions including security architectures, firewall analysis, and developing and coordinating security implementation plans to improve monitoring and compliance functions and drive automation and efficiencies.
- Manage remediation of security issues with technology and business teams to ensure remediation is completed timely and effectively.
- Analyze existing processes to identify improvement opportunities, recommend solutions and lead implementation.
- Establish and implement a repeatable process for tracking, reporting and driving remediation of security issues.
- Assist with the PCI DSS security compliance program including scoping, testing, and remediation activities.
- Help train associates, contractors, alliance or other third parties on information security policies and procedures.
- Provide skill-set knowledge transfer that ensures necessary cross-training of other IT Security team members.
- Monitors compliance with information security policies and procedures and monitors access control systems to assure appropriate access levels are maintained.
- Develop, support and manage Security metrics & reporting.
- Develop, maintain and enforce standardized, repeatable administrative and operational policies, processes and procedures.
- Serves as enterprise information security consultant, conduct information security risk assessments.
- Lead computer forensic analysis, cyber-crime investigation, incident emergency response and investigations.
- Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned.
Additional expertise in the following tools is a plus:
- Imperva DB Monitoring
- Ingrian HSM
- LogRhythm
- McAfee IDS/IPS
- McAfee Solid Core
- NETIQ
- PGP Desktop, WDE, Netshare
- PGP Universal Server & KMS
- Qwest Password Manager
- RedSeal
- RSA Authentication Manager
- RSA Envision
- Symantec DLP
- Varonis Data Privilege & DWebsense
- websense
Company Description
Job Description
Seeking a candidate with the ability to demonstrate expertise in both the practical implementation and the administration of noted tools. The basis of the work will be to backfill daily operations management as well as assess the current state implementation for completeness and currency. The candidate will also be responsible for the identification and execution of implementation improvement efforts that will allow for the transition of such tools to a managed service provider including the documentation of run books, incident response and remediation support, and developing continuity plans. Has demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following tools:
- Qualys Vulnerability Scanner
- LogRhythm
- Tripwire
Essential Functions:
- Manage and maintain key Information Security tools to help mature and improve the overall effectiveness of solutions across the organization to safeguard information systems, intellectual property assets and customer data.
- Design, implement and support integration of information security solutions including security architectures, firewall analysis, and developing and coordinating security implementation plans to improve monitoring and compliance functions and drive automation and efficiencies.
- Manage remediation of security issues with technology and business teams to ensure remediation is completed timely and effectively.
- Analyze existing processes to identify improvement opportunities, recommend solutions and lead implementation.
- Establish and implement a repeatable process for tracking, reporting and driving remediation of security issues.
- Assist with the PCI DSS security compliance program including scoping, testing, and remediation activities.
- Help train associates, contractors, alliance or other third parties on information security policies and procedures.
- Provide skill-set knowledge transfer that ensures necessary cross-training of other IT Security team members.
- Monitors compliance with information security policies and procedures and monitors access control systems to assure appropriate access levels are maintained.
- Develop, support and manage Security metrics & reporting.
- Develop, maintain and enforce standardized, repeatable administrative and operational policies, processes and procedures.
- Serves as enterprise information security consultant, conduct information security risk assessments.
- Lead computer forensic analysis, cyber-crime investigation, incident emergency response and investigations.
- Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned.
Additional expertise in the following tools is a plus:
- Imperva DB Monitoring
- Ingrian HSM
- LogRhythm
- McAfee IDS/IPS
- McAfee Solid Core
- NETIQ
- PGP Desktop, WDE, Netshare
- PGP Universal Server & KMS
- Qwest Password Manager
- RedSeal
- RSA Authentication Manager
- RSA Envision
- Symantec DLP
- Varonis Data Privilege & DWebsense
- websense
See All 81 Systems Security Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSystems Security Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Systems Security Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Cadence Design Systems3
- OSI Systems3
- Ampere Computing2
- Etched2
- NexHealth2
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware19
- Technology & Software19
- Consulting & Professional Services6
- Manufacturing6
- Science & Research5
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in systems security engineer jobs across California.
- Active DoD security clearance or eligibility required for most California defense and government roles
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or a closely related engineering discipline
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent certification strongly preferred
- Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability management tools
- Proficiency with cloud security frameworks across AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud environments
- Familiarity with NIST, CMMC, and FedRAMP compliance frameworks applied in regulated California industries
Systems Security Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a systems security engineer in California?
Most systems security engineer roles in California require a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or electrical engineering, followed by certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CompTIA Security+. California has no state-issued license for this role, but defense and government contractors require a federal security clearance. Starting in a network administrator, IT analyst, or security operations center role at a California tech firm or defense contractor is the most common path into the specialty.
How much do systems security engineers make in California?
Systems security engineers in California earn a median of about $134,440 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $58,340 for the lowest 10% to over $222,690 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire systems security engineers in California?
Employers hiring systems security engineers in California right now include Cadence Design Systems, OSI Systems, and Ampere Computing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of defense primes, hyperscale cloud providers, and regulated financial institutions means consistent demand across both cleared and commercial sectors.
Which California cities have the most systems security engineer jobs?
San Francisco, San Jose, and San Diego have the most systems security engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads due to its dense cluster of cloud providers, semiconductor firms, and enterprise tech headquarters, while San Diego's volume is driven by the large Navy and defense contractor presence, and Los Angeles draws demand from aerospace, entertainment technology, and financial services employers.
Are there remote systems security engineer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most engineering fields, since much of the work involves monitoring systems, reviewing code, and managing cloud infrastructure that can be accessed from anywhere. About 23% of systems security engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, though roles requiring a security clearance or on-site lab access are almost always in-person. Governance, risk, and compliance-focused positions tend to be the most remote-friendly.
How can I get hired as a systems security engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a security operations center analyst role, which California defense contractors and large tech employers use as a pipeline for engineers without specialized experience. Northrop Grumman, SAIC, and major Bay Area cloud companies run associate and rotational programs for candidates from adjacent roles like network administrator or IT support. Earning a CompTIA Security+ or pursuing a California community college cybersecurity certificate strengthens an entry-level application considerably, and a portfolio of lab projects or a home network security setup can substitute for professional experience.
Where can I find and apply to systems security engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to systems security engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search for roles by city or specialization, find the ones that fit your background, and apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 81 Systems Security Engineer Jobs in California
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