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Chief System Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

This position is 'downward facing' in its responsibility for system level space and ground requirements as flowed down and 'upward facing' with functional enterprise requirements. The Chief Systems ...

KaylaTek

NMCC System Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

KaylaTek has an exciting System Engineer opportunity supporting the AFNCR IT contract at the ... Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other Air Force activities within the AFNCR, missions to include the ...

Metron

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer provides seniorlevel technical authority for the design, development, production ... Direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams spanning autonomous system software, mechanical and ...

METRON

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer provides senior-level technical authority for the design, development ... Direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams spanning autonomous system software, mechanical and ...

METRON

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer provides senior-level technical authority for the design, development ... Direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams spanning autonomous system software, mechanical and ...

Metron

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer provides senior-level technical authority for the design, development ... Direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams spanning autonomous system software, mechanical and ...

TalentRemedy

Chief Engineer - Systems

Herndon, VA

An aerospace client is seeking a full-time Systems Chief Engineer to lead integration across their ... Own the whole-of-system error budget across satellite generations, ensuring subsystem-level ...

New

TalentRemedy

Chief Engineer - Systems

Herndon, VA · On-site

$175K - $228K/yr

An aerospace client is seeking a full-time Systems Chief Engineer to lead integration across their ... Own the whole-of-system error budget across satellite generations, ensuring subsystem-level ...

New

VTG

Chief Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

The Chief Engineer will guide system architecture evaluations, technology selection, design integration, and performance optimization across the lifecycle of the program. This role requires deep ...

VTG

Chief Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

The Chief Engineer will guide system architecture evaluations, technology selection, design integration, and performance optimization across the lifecycle of the program. This role requires deep ...

VTG

Chief Engineer

Manassas, VA

$185K/yr

The Chief Engineer will guide system architecture evaluations, technology selection, design integration, and performance optimization across the lifecycle of the program. This role requires deep ...

Sphinx Defense

Chief Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

As the Chief Engineer, you will act as the primary technical interface between Sphinx, government ... You'll work closely with Program Leadership, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsChief System Engineer JobsChief System Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Chief System Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$36.8K

$105.3K

$205K

How much do chief system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief system engineer in Washington, DC is $105,269.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chief System Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectChief System EngineerSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like INCOSE CSEPBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing projects, strategic planningTechnical role focused on system design and integration
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, defense, large-scale systems projectsCommon across IT, aerospace, manufacturing
ResponsibilitiesLeading system development, coordinating teams, ensuring system integrityDesigning, analyzing, and testing system components

The main difference is that the Chief System Engineer holds a leadership position responsible for overseeing entire projects and teams, while the Systems Engineer focuses on technical system design and implementation. Both roles require engineering credentials, but the Chief System Engineer has broader strategic and managerial duties.

What is a chief system engineer?

Chief System Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing the design, integration, and management of complex engineering systems within an organization. They coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensure that all system components work together efficiently, and address technical challenges throughout a project's lifecycle. Their role often includes setting engineering standards, managing requirements, and ensuring that systems meet business objectives and compliance standards. Chief System Engineers also serve as the primary technical point of contact for stakeholders and play a key role in strategic decision-making.

How does a chief system engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Chief System Engineer plays a pivotal role in bridging technical and non-technical teams, ensuring that system requirements align with overall business objectives. They frequently coordinate with project managers, software and hardware engineers, and stakeholders to define system architecture, troubleshoot integration issues, and maintain clear communication throughout the project lifecycle. Effective collaboration often involves leading design reviews, facilitating technical discussions, and ensuring that all team members are aligned on project milestones and deliverables. This collaborative approach helps minimize risks and ensures the delivery of robust, scalable systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief system engineer?

To thrive as a Chief System Engineer, you need deep expertise in systems engineering, architecture design, and project management, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (e.g., SysML, MATLAB), requirements management platforms, and certifications like INCOSE CSEP are typically required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and stakeholder alignment. These skills ensure effective system integration, innovation, and delivery of complex projects on time and within budget.
What are popular job titles related to Chief System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Chief System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Chief System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Chief System Engineer job openings in Washington, DC 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 $105,269 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Space Systems Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description


Join a winning team! SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and contract and technical advisory services to a Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. The customer is developing the next generation of space and ground architectures comprised of custom development, commercial off the shelf (COTS), and cloud-based services. SAIC is a strong company providing opportunities for energetic individuals with a strong desire to expand their knowledge while increasing their responsibilities.
SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with NRO experience to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a rapidly expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer for a complex space and ground efforts as part of an exciting and innovative set of programs.
This position supports a System Program Office (SPO) in a technical capacity for planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of satellite system development and acquisitions that advance the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) space resiliency posture. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience within NRO acquisition and is ready to lead the system engineering branch SETA team through the remaining Verification and Validations gates to sell off the system to the end user. This position is 'downward facing' in its responsibility for system level space and ground requirements as flowed down and 'upward facing' with functional enterprise requirements.
The Chief Systems Engineer will join a team of on-site SETAs working a major system acquisition (MSA) with responsibilities that may include but not limited to the following:
  • Lead team of system engineering SETA and provide oversight of acquisitions, with specific focus on the system engineering processes to ensure end-to-end system closure and satisfaction of mission need.
  • Maintain system baselines.
  • Manage system Configuration Management process including Engineering Change Proposal, Engineering Review Board/Configuration Control Boards (ECP, ERB/CCB).
  • Ensuring requirements that evolve through the change management process remain true to the overall government need.
  • Conduct full lifecycle engineering reviews including System Requirements (SSRs) and Lead and/or Support Lifecycle Readiness reviews to demonstrate the design meets all specifications and customer requirements.
  • Lead team to ensure proper requirement Verification and Validation methodology is codified and executed by the developer, including determining test strategy and coverage based on a technical risk assessment for each use case or functionality.
  • Support risk management processes and methods for identifying, assessing, and adjudicating program risk; Conduct analysis to identify program risk areas and recommend/implement mitigation approaches.
  • Represent the government client to development contractors and ensure proper messaging between the same.
  • Support Contract Officer/Contract Officer Technical Representatives (CO/COTRs) and Developers by coordinating with other technical domain Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and program stakeholders to achieve a detailed understanding of the systems, designs, and interfaces necessary to satisfy mission requirements.
  • Reviewing Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, technical accuracy, and sufficiency of design details to meet program requirements and objectives.
  • Develop briefings and assessments to a variety of audiences and must be able to convey information in a clear and articulate manner to Government leadership.
  • Participating in technical interchange meetings between developers and COTR.
  • Design and implement technical solutions for new business needs and challenges.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
  • Bachelor's and eighteen (18) years or more experience; Master's and sixteen (16) years or more experience; PhD and fifteen years or more experience.
  • Experience in systems integration and systems engineering.
  • Experience with systems integration throughout the lifecycle.
  • Experience with space-ground systems architectures and lifecycle support.
  • Proven knowledge in Requirements Management, Quality Control, and Configuration Management.
  • Knowledge of how space systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested.
  • Experience in large systems acquisition.
  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
  • Strong written and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment.

Desired:
  • INCOSE ESEP or CSEP, PMI PMP certification.
  • Experience using systems engineering processes, methods, tools, and program roles to develop, implement, and deploy solutions for Satellite Systems.
  • Thorough understanding of space systems design, integration and test requirements and test execution, including test equipment support.
  • Experience in Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) construct and Earned Value processes.

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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