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Associate Systems Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Arete Associates

Senior Systems Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Systems Engineer will execute multiple aspects of the systems engineering discipline, to include requirements decomposition into software/hardware functions, system performance analysis and trade ...

Arete Associates

Senior Systems Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Systems Engineer will execute multiple aspects of the systems engineering discipline, to include requirements decomposition into software/hardware functions, system performance analysis and trade ...

Arete Associates

Staff Engineer, Systems

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

The Systems Engineer will execute multiple aspects of the systems engineering discipline, to include requirements decomposition into software/hardware functions and system integration and test ...

ASARCO LLC

Infrastructure Engineer

Marana, AZ · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

The Infrastructure Systems Engineer is responsible for maintaining, optimizing, and ensuring the ... Azure Administrator Associate, VMware Certified Professional, CompTIA Server+). Required Experience:

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All JobsAssociate Systems Engineer JobsAssociate Systems Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Associate Systems Engineer information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$35.7K

$71K

$113.5K

How much do associate systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate systems engineer in Tucson, AZ is $71,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $81,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate systems engineer?

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?

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 Tucson, AZ? The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Systems Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ? For Associate Systems Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Systems Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Systems Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Associate Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Associate Systems Engineer job openings:
Associate Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Systems Engineer job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,042 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Systems and Industrial Engineering

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Systems and Industrial Engineering
Posting Number
req25668
Department
Systems and Industrial Engr
Department Website Link
https://sie.engineering.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
1127 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA
Position Highlights
The Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support research at the intersection of systems engineering and digital engineering, with an emphasis on advancing methods, tools, and architectures that enable modern engineering practice. The individual will contribute original scholarship and applied research, developing prototypes and capabilities that strengthen model-based and data-driven approaches. The position values interdisciplinary thinking, particularly where software development, emerging AI-enabled techniques, and systems modeling intersect. Responsibilities include publishing and presenting research results while helping shape and mature a digital engineering sandbox environment.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAUtuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Author and co-author peer-reviewed journal papers targeting venues such as Systems Engineering (Wiley/INCOSE), SIMULATION (SCS/SAGE), Applied Ontology (IOS Press), and relevant IEEE/ACM journals.
  • Prepare and present conference papers at CSER, INCOSE IS, CESUN, and similar venues.
  • Contribute to technical reports and sponsor deliverables as needed.
  • Support the design and implementation of a digital engineering sandbox environment for capability prototyping, training, and experimentation.
  • Integrate emerging SE tooling (e.g., AI-assisted workflows, ontology-backed reasoning, requirements co-pilots) into the sandbox.
  • Ensure the sandbox supports controlled experimentation and repeatable demonstrations of SE capabilities.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate next-generation SE capabilities such as AI-augmented requirements engineering, automated conflict detection, model-based review support, and change impact analysis.
  • Advance selected capabilities from early maturity toward cross-context application using the project's assessment framework.
  • Prototype and test novel capability concepts informed by the transformation roadmap and sponsor priorities.
  • Conduct systematic literature reviews on digital engineering transformation, AI-augmented systems engineering, readiness assessment frameworks, and formal methods for SE.
  • Monitor and synthesize emerging SE capabilities.
  • Maintain a living literature database supporting project deliverables and journal submissions.
  • Design and execute controlled experiments, case studies, interviews, or surveys to generate rigorous evidence on SE capability effectiveness.
  • Collect and analyze data from sponsors and stakeholders on adoption barriers, governance gaps, and capability value.
  • Engage with professional organizations (e.g., INCOSE) to solicit expert feedback on the transformation roadmap framework and assessment methodology.
  • Mentor and supervise undergraduate research assistants working on project tasks.
  • Define scoped research tasks appropriate for undergraduate contribution (literature coding, data collection, prototype testing, documentation).
  • Review student work products and support their professional development (conference presentations, writing skills, research methods).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of systems engineering principles, including model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
  • Knowledge of digital engineering concepts, tools, and transformation initiatives.
  • Skilled in utilizing Python.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field. The selected candidate must have a conferred Ph.D. upon hire.
  • Experience publishing peer-reviewed journals and conference papers (e.g., IEEE, ACM, or comparable venues).
  • Experience designing and implementing research prototypes or software tools.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with model-based systems engineering tools (e.g., SysML, Cameo, MagicDraw, Capella).
  • Demonstrate familiarity with digital engineering ecosystems and sandbox/testbed environments.
  • Experience with AI/ML techniques applied to systems engineering problems (e.g., requirements analysis, reasoning, automation).
  • Experience in ontology engineering, knowledge graphs, or semantic technologies.
  • Experience integrating heterogeneous tools and workflows (e.g., APIs, co-simulation, digital threads).

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Alejandro Salado
alejandrosalado@arizona.edu
Open Date
4/20/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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