1

Assistant System Engineer Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Overview Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to ... Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration ...

Overview Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to ... Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration ...

You'll assist the W87-1 FPM, Lead Engineer, and Senior Engineers with technical oversight, program management, and program integration. You'll use your diverse knowledge of nuclear weapons systems ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant System Engineer information

See New Mexico salary details

$32K

$86K

$130.3K

How much do assistant system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant system engineer in New Mexico is $86,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,300.00 and $101,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant system engineers during the onboarding period?

Assistant System Engineers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to complex IT infrastructures, learning proprietary systems, and understanding organization-specific protocols. Collaborating with senior engineers and cross-functional teams can also require strong communication skills to bridge knowledge gaps. Proactively seeking guidance, participating in training sessions, and utilizing available documentation are effective ways to overcome these initial hurdles and build a solid technical foundation.

What is the difference between Assistant System Engineer vs System Engineer?

AspectAssistant System EngineerSystem Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, certifications like CompTIA or Cisco are commonSame as Assistant System Engineer, often with additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentSupportive roles in IT teams, assisting with system maintenance and troubleshootingDesign, implement, and manage complex IT systems and infrastructure
ResponsibilitiesAssist in system setup, monitoring, and basic troubleshootingLead system design, deployment, and optimization

In summary, Assistant System Engineers typically support and assist System Engineers in daily tasks, focusing on maintenance and troubleshooting, while System Engineers handle more complex system design and management responsibilities.

What is an assistant system engineer?

Assistant System Engineers are entry-level professionals who support the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems and networks within an organization. They assist senior engineers in troubleshooting technical issues, configuring hardware and software, and ensuring the smooth operation of IT infrastructure. This role provides hands-on experience and exposure to various technologies, making it a common starting point for a career in systems engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant System Engineer, you need a solid grounding in computer science fundamentals, troubleshooting, and system administration, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with operating systems (such as Linux and Windows), scripting languages, and IT service management tools like ServiceNow is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies enable efficient problem-solving and collaboration, ensuring reliable system performance and swift resolution of technical issues.
What are the most commonly searched types of System Engineer jobs in New Mexico? The most popular types of System Engineer jobs in New Mexico are:
Infographic showing various Assistant System Engineer job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,009 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.
The Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!
SPA has a near-term need for a Chief Engineer.
Responsibilities
SPA has a near term need for a full-time Chief Engineer (CE) onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM who can coordinate and lead engineering efforts on multiple high-visibility programs and projects and oversee the technical efforts of a team of junior-, mid-, and senior-level discipline and systems engineers across multiple task orders. The CE will play a critical role in supporting Space Systems Command's Innovation and Prototype Ground branch (SSC/SDG) by driving and supporting mission-critical ground systems for a diverse set of mission partners.
The successful candidate will oversee and mentor a team of engineers to maintain the existing software and hardware as well as support onboarding new programs which may require the design and development of additional and new functionality. The CE will work closely with the SPA PM as well as customer counterparts to ensure mission success. The CE will lead architectural modernization and cloud migration for a variety of existing and future satellite programs executing engineering, architecture, integration, test, maintenance, and sustainment for successful mission execution.
  • Organize and lead an engineering organization, designate IPT leads and their direct reports, and mentor staff.
  • Lead, communicate, and coordinate technical reviews and assessment to provide status updates, highlight accomplishments, and summarize mitigations when necessary.
  • Ensure all design upgrades adhere to requirements, customer specifications, and interfaces.
  • In coordination with the PM/DPM, develop and oversee an effective risk program and manage a detailed risk register that balances cost, schedule, risk, and functionality.
  • Work closely with the Cybersecurity Lead to ensure systems operate within program and government cybersecurity standards and requirements.
  • Ability to write a Systems Engineering Management Plan and a Mission Assurance plan tailored to the ground system that includes Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery of large complex systems.
  • Serves as senior decision authority for the technical portion of the program.
  • Chairs the Configuration Control Board, Risk Management Board, and maintains a compliance ledger and risk register for reporting.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility and ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI and SAP clearances
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering/engineering technology in one of the following fields: Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Systems Engineering
  • 15+ years of Systems Engineering experience to include 10+ years in satellite ground system engineering, development, or integration, and 5+ years in chief/lead engineer role on contracts with multi-mission and multi-classification complexity
  • Systems Engineering certification from IEEE, INCOSE, DAU
  • AWS and/or Azure cloud certification
  • Systems engineering lifecycle management (requirements through decommission)
  • Architecture design and assessment for satellite ground systems
  • FDIR methodology development and implementation
  • SPOF/EOL/EOS identification and migration planning
  • Integration and test planning across multi-mission environments
  • Technical risk management and AoA leadership
  • ERB/CCB/PER/CAB participation and technical change assessment
  • Ability to identify single point failures and develop solutions or mitigation plans for them
  • Ability to analyze and troubleshoot problems rapidly to ensure a high system availability
  • Exhibit strong analytical judgment and problem-solving capabilities, particularly in identifying the execution of risks and recommending corrective actions
  • Ability to report to designated work location at Kirtland AFB, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

Desired Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in engineering in one of the following fields: Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Systems Engineering
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance and the ability to maintain TS/SCI and SAP clearances
  • Experience working with Space Systems Command (or predecessor organizations)
  • Experience with the Atlassian tool set, DOORS, COMET, InControl, and Microsoft tools
  • Experience with hybrid on-prem/cloud ground system architectures
  • Experience with DevSecOps CI/CD pipelines for ground system development
  • Familiarity with multi-mission, multi-classification environments
  • Experience with cloud architecture (GovCloud, IaC, Kubernetes)
  • Experience coordinating with SV contractors and antenna network operators