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Associate Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) * Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) * Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) * Certified Enterprise Architect (CEA)

INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification * Documented work experience in the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) field * Membership or active participation in professional ...

MID Systems Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$145K - $150K/yr

... Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) , INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), OCSMP (OMG Certified Systems Modeling Professional), or equivalent certification is ...

SR Systems Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) , INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), OCSMP (OMG Certified Systems Modeling Professional), or equivalent certification is ...

Mid-Level Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site +1

$104K - $166K/yr

INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification. * Experience supporting geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) mission environments. * Knowledge of photogrammetry, remote sensing ...

SR Systems Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) , INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), OCSMP (OMG Certified Systems Modeling Professional), or equivalent certification is ...

Mid-Level Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification. * Experience supporting geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) mission environments. * Knowledge of photogrammetry, remote sensing ...

Mid-Level Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA ยท On-site +1

$104K - $166K/yr

INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification. * Experience supporting geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) mission environments. * Knowledge of photogrammetry, remote sensing ...

Mid-Level Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA ยท On-site +1

$104K - $166K/yr

INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification. * Experience supporting geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) mission environments. * Knowledge of photogrammetry, remote sensing ...

Mid-Level Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site +1

$104K - $166K/yr

INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification. * Experience supporting geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) mission environments. * Knowledge of photogrammetry, remote sensing ...

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Associate Systems Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$47K

$93.6K

$149.5K

How much do associate systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate systems engineer in Washington is $93,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Associate Systems Engineers?

Associate Systems Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems and networks for organizations. They work under the guidance of senior engineers to troubleshoot technical issues, configure hardware and software, and ensure systems run efficiently. These engineers also help with system upgrades, security protocols, and documentation. Their role is vital in supporting IT infrastructure and ensuring smooth technology operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Systems Engineer, you need a solid understanding of computer systems, networking, and operating systems, often backed by a relevant degree such as computer science or information technology. Familiarity with system administration tools, scripting languages, and certifications like CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco enhances technical proficiency. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure you can efficiently support system infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with teams to maintain reliable IT operations.

What is the difference between Associate Systems Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectAssociate Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; some certificationsBachelor's degree; often more certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, support rolesMore complex projects, system design, implementation
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, IT departmentsUsed across industries for system design and maintenance
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level roles, career progressionAdvanced roles, technical expertise

The main difference between an Associate Systems Engineer and a Systems Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Associate Systems Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on support and learning, while Systems Engineers handle more complex system design and implementation tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Systems Engineers usually have more experience and certifications, enabling them to manage advanced projects.

What opportunities for career growth are typically available for an Associate Systems Engineer?

As an Associate Systems Engineer, you'll gain hands-on experience with system configurations, troubleshooting, and working closely with senior engineers. Over time, this foundational role often leads to advancement opportunities such as Systems Engineer, Senior Systems Engineer, or specialized paths in network, cloud, or security engineering. Many organizations provide mentorship, training, and certification support to help you expand your technical expertise and take on greater responsibilities. Proactive learning and collaboration within your team can significantly accelerate your career trajectory in this field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Systems Engineer jobs in Washington? For Associate Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Systems Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Systems Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Associate Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Associate Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Systems Engineer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,594 per year, or $45 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Nightwing

Sterling, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Job Title: Systems Engineer
Location: Sterling, VA
Clearance: TS/SCI Poly
**This position is CONTINGENT upon contract award**
The Systems Engineer (SE) collaboratively works closely with the Sponsor, leadership and P&O Teams to identify, understand, and anticipate Sponsor and Mission Partner/Tenant SYSTEM requirements. The SE oversees the P&O Team requirements tracking process to include the Scrum/Kanban backlog queue and identify new and emergent requirements.
The SE blends technical skills in cloud platforms, Nutanix, Windows/Linux, automation tools, containerization, and scripting utilizing skills and tools such as Python, GitHub, Jenkins, Cloud formation, Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes. The SE works with the Platform Engineers, SREs and shared resources to deploy, operate, and maintain IaC services on an IaaS cloud service infrastructure. The SE is a hybrid professional bridging the gap between engineering, development and operations, leveraging automation and code to build and manage infrastructure efficiently and reliably. They understand agile frameworks and multi-cloud provider technologies to enhance the Mission Partner's development capabilities. Daily tasks include, but are not limited to:
  • Requirements management for the design, development, integration, test, and deployment of CUSTOMER systems, services, and to various physical, virtual, container, and cloud environments.
  • Work with the TL, OM, P&O Teams to identify and develop the design of interfaces to data sources and external systems
  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies. Provide conceptual design, prototype, and test cycles appropriate to a chosen technical solution
  • Facilitates meetings, analyze requirements, design, and development documents, associated artifacts, and standards documents against Mission Partner requirements to identify gaps, identify approaches to monitor or automate operation and collection of data to address Sponsor needs.
  • Work with Sponsor, Mission Partner, Platform and Operations teams to identify trends or mission needs/impacts and recommend changes to processes or best practices. Author and post Blueprints, Playbooks, and Whitepapers on best practices/trending information
  • Keep Sponsor and stakeholders informed of the status of actions/projects by providing regular updates
  • Applies analytic and problem-solving skills to manager priorities, queue backlog, and Customer/Sponsor expectations
  • Help the customer to identify technology solutions with the potential to improve technical capabilities
  • Work with stakeholders as well as technical and analytical counterparts to define constraints, and develop requirements and concept of operations documentation
  • Review and make recommendations on program-level documentation (e.g., requirements specification, system architecture, design documents, test plans and security plans).
  • Work with the customer and leadership to compose technical documents including Design, Deployment, System specifications and Host Nation baselines, updates, user's manuals, training materials, installation guides, proposals, and reports.

Required Skills:
  • Technical Skills: Strong understanding of hardware and software, operating systems, networking, and system administration.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze system performance, identify areas for improvement, and recommend solutions.
  • Communication Skills: Ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively with team members, clients, and vendors.

Desired Skills:
  • Project Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • Scripting Skills: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell for automating tasks.
  • Security Knowledge: Understanding security protocols, threat modeling, and vulnerability assessment.
  • Experience with Cloud Technologies: Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
  • Knowledge of System Architecture: Understanding of system design principles, such as microservices and distributed systems.

Desired Certs:
  • Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP)
  • Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP)
  • Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
  • Certified Enterprise Architect (CEA)
  • Microsoft Certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert)
  • AWS Certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect Professional)
  • Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.