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 65+ Systems Security Engineer jobs
Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: New York, NY, USA; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Jose, CA, USA.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
- 2 years of experience in program or project management.
- 2 years of experience with security or privacy domain.
- Experience managing and delivering internal events, including meetings or summits.
Preferred qualifications:
- 2 years of experience managing cross-functional or cross-team projects.
- Experience in a technology or security-focused organization.
- Experience with Google Workspace tools and other communication/event platforms.
- Experience working in a strategy and operations, chief of staff, or similar capacity.
About the job
A problem isn’t truly solved until it’s solved for all. That’s why Googlers build products that help create opportunities for everyone, whether down the street or across the globe. As a Program Manager at Google, you’ll lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects from start to finish — working with stakeholders to plan requirements, manage project schedules, identify risks, and communicate clearly with cross-functional partners across the company. Your projects will often span offices, time zones, and hemispheres. It's your job to coordinate the players and keep them up to date on progress and deadlines.
The Privacy, Safety and Security (PSS) Strategy and Operations team works to enable Privacy, Safety and Security to deliver on its mission of keeping everyone safe, at scale. We drive strategic initiatives, optimize operations, and foster cross-functional alignment across Privacy, Safety and Security and with partner organizations throughout Google.
This unique role blends deep communications expertise with strong program management skills. You will work closely with Privacy, Safety and Security leadership, Chief of Staff, and teams across the pillar to ensure our internal communications are clear, consistent, and effective.
This role requires exceptional program management and communication skills, a flair for creative and engaging content, strong event planning capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
The Core team builds the technical foundation behind Google’s flagship products. We are owners and advocates for the underlying design elements, developer platforms, product components, and infrastructure at Google. These are the essential building blocks for excellent, safe, and coherent experiences for our users and drive the pace of innovation for every developer. We look across Google’s products to build central solutions, break down technical barriers and strengthen existing systems. As the Core team, we have a mandate and a unique opportunity to impact important technical decisions across the company.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.US: $132000 - $189000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google.
Responsibilities
- Help develop and execute an overarching internal communications and employee engagement strategy for Privacy, Safety and Security (aligned with organizational priorities. Define scope, goals, deliverables, and timelines while managing dependencies, risks, and change management efforts.
- Lead end-to-end planning and execution for major Privacy, Safety and Security events (e.g., all hands, leadership summits, speaker series) and culture-building initiatives to drive alignment and employee engagement.
- Establish metrics and feedback loops to measure the impact and effectiveness of communications and events, using data to continuously iterate and refine strategies.
- Translate complex technical concepts and strategic updates into clear, compelling narratives for internal audiences. Craft high-quality content across various channels (e.g., emails, newsletters, intranet sites, and presentations).
Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: New York, NY, USA; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Jose, CA, USA.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
- 2 years of experience in program or project management.
- 2 years of experience with security or privacy domain.
- Experience managing and delivering internal events, including meetings or summits.
Preferred qualifications:
- 2 years of experience managing cross-functional or cross-team projects.
- Experience in a technology or security-focused organization.
- Experience with Google Workspace tools and other communication/event platforms.
- Experience working in a strategy and operations, chief of staff, or similar capacity.
About the job
A problem isn’t truly solved until it’s solved for all. That’s why Googlers build products that help create opportunities for everyone, whether down the street or across the globe. As a Program Manager at Google, you’ll lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects from start to finish — working with stakeholders to plan requirements, manage project schedules, identify risks, and communicate clearly with cross-functional partners across the company. Your projects will often span offices, time zones, and hemispheres. It's your job to coordinate the players and keep them up to date on progress and deadlines.
The Privacy, Safety and Security (PSS) Strategy and Operations team works to enable Privacy, Safety and Security to deliver on its mission of keeping everyone safe, at scale. We drive strategic initiatives, optimize operations, and foster cross-functional alignment across Privacy, Safety and Security and with partner organizations throughout Google.
This unique role blends deep communications expertise with strong program management skills. You will work closely with Privacy, Safety and Security leadership, Chief of Staff, and teams across the pillar to ensure our internal communications are clear, consistent, and effective.
This role requires exceptional program management and communication skills, a flair for creative and engaging content, strong event planning capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
The Core team builds the technical foundation behind Google’s flagship products. We are owners and advocates for the underlying design elements, developer platforms, product components, and infrastructure at Google. These are the essential building blocks for excellent, safe, and coherent experiences for our users and drive the pace of innovation for every developer. We look across Google’s products to build central solutions, break down technical barriers and strengthen existing systems. As the Core team, we have a mandate and a unique opportunity to impact important technical decisions across the company.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.US: $132000 - $189000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google.
Responsibilities
- Help develop and execute an overarching internal communications and employee engagement strategy for Privacy, Safety and Security (aligned with organizational priorities. Define scope, goals, deliverables, and timelines while managing dependencies, risks, and change management efforts.
- Lead end-to-end planning and execution for major Privacy, Safety and Security events (e.g., all hands, leadership summits, speaker series) and culture-building initiatives to drive alignment and employee engagement.
- Establish metrics and feedback loops to measure the impact and effectiveness of communications and events, using data to continuously iterate and refine strategies.
- Translate complex technical concepts and strategic updates into clear, compelling narratives for internal audiences. Craft high-quality content across various channels (e.g., emails, newsletters, intranet sites, and presentations).
See All 65 Systems Security Engineer Jobs in California
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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.
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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 Siemens, Tesla, and Anduril, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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 Diego, Foster City, and San Francisco 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 29% of systems security engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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 65 Systems Security Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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