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

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 ...

NVT Staffing

Be Seen First

Program Chief Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Citizenship Required | Security Clearance Eligibility Required Lead the Engineering of Next-Generation Aerospace & Defense Systems We are seeking an accomplished Program Chief Engineer to provide ...

NVT Staffing

Be Seen First

Program Chief Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Citizenship Required | Security Clearance Eligibility Required Lead the Engineering of Next-Generation Aerospace & Defense Systems We are seeking an accomplished Program Chief Engineer to provide ...

Fibertek, Inc

Program Chief Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Fiber Laser Systems and Technologies: multiple fiber laser and amplifier programs for space and airborne systems Essential Job Duties: The Program Chief Engineer will have high-impact ...

Utilicom

Program Chief Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Fiber Laser Systems and Technologies: multiple fiber laser and amplifier programs for space and airborne systems Essential Job Duties: The Program Chief Engineer will have high-impact ...

COMFORT SYSTEMS

Chief Systems Architect

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$154.05 - $278.48/hr

Lead the development and evolution of architectural frameworks and system-of-systems designs ... Collaborate with Product Managers, Release Train Engineers (RTEs), and cross-functional scrum teams ...

Fibertek

Program Chief Engineer

Herndon, VA

$200K - $250K/yr

Fibertek seeks a Program Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership for one or more programs in Fibertek's diverse technology portfolio of laser systems & technologies, lidar sensors, and laser ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Chief Engineer, Intel Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

$254K - $336K/yr

As Chief Engineer, you will be responsible for the end-to-end technical success and architectural ... System Integrity & Risk Management: Serve as the ultimate technical arbiter, ensuring the integrity ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Chief Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

The Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for engineering and systems activities in support of the NOAA. This position provides organization-wide engineering leadership and ensures ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Chief Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · Remote

The Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for engineering and systems activities in support of the NOAA. This position provides organization-wide engineering leadership and ensures ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 23, 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 86% Full Time, 7% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,269 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Chief Engineer

Sphinx Defense

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

ABOUT SPHINX
Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.
We're focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.
ABOUT SPHINX
Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.
We're focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Sphinx is hiring a Chief Engineer to serve as the technical authority for a software-focused space-ground program in the SATCOM mission domain. This role will provide engineering leadership across the full system lifecycle, guiding architecture, technical strategy, risk management, and execution while ensuring mission success for our customers.
As the Chief Engineer, you will act as the primary technical interface between Sphinx, government stakeholders, and partner organizations. You'll work closely with Program Leadership, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Integration & Test, and customer technical leadership to drive sound engineering decisions, align technical roadmaps, and ensure the successful delivery of complex space-ground systems.
This role is ideal for a seasoned engineering leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution, enjoys solving challenging technical problems, and can confidently influence both internal teams and external stakeholders.
What you will be focusing on:
  • Serving as the technical authority for a space-ground program, providing guidance on architecture, engineering decisions, technical baselines, and risk posture.
  • Leading the development and evolution of system and ground segment architectures that support mission performance, scalability, resiliency, and long-term sustainment.
  • Partnering with customers, program leadership, engineering team, and embedded subcontractor personnel to translate mission needs into practical technical solutions and drive cohesive technical execution across the program.
  • Defining and maintaining technical roadmaps, system architectures, interface strategies, and engineering standards across the program and networks.
  • Leading the design and implementation of mission planning, resource optimization, and system architecture solutions that maximize space payload effectiveness, mission performance, and operational efficiency.
  • Driving cross-functional collaboration between software, systems engineering, cybersecurity, integration & test, and operations teams.
  • Authoring, managing, and maintaining Space-to-Ground Interface Control Documents (ICDs), ensuring compatibility between space vehicle payloads, telemetry formats, command and control interfaces and ground segment systems.
  • Supporting interface definition and integration activities across external partners and mission stakeholders.
  • Managing technical risks, dependencies, and constraints throughout execution.
  • Collaborating with cybersecurity teams to support RMF activities and ATO objectives.
  • Supporting proposal efforts, customer engagements, and technical growth initiatives.
  • Providing mentorship and technical leadership to engineers across the organization.

You might be a good fit if you:
  • Have 12+ years of experience designing, developing, integrating, testing, or operating complex space, ground, SATCOM, or mission-critical systems.
  • Have 8+ years of experience with SATCOM systems, including command and control (C2), mission planning, mission management, or related mission operations capabilities.
  • Have significant engineering experience in software engineering, software-intensive space-ground systems engineering, or related mission-critical space and defense programs.
  • Have 5+ years of experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts, methodologies, and tools to system design, architecture development, and requirements management.
  • Have experience working with modern software architectures, containerized applications, and software-intensive systems that support scalable, resilient, and mission-critical operations.
  • Have 8+ years of experience supporting commercial, government, or national security space and ground systems.
  • Have 5+ years of experience with cloud-based architectures, Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) environments, or open architecture standards.
  • Have 8+ years of experience leading technical teams, engineering organizations, or multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Have experience supporting and executing major program milestone reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, FCA, or equivalent systems engineering reviews.
  • Have experience establishing and leading Engineering Review Boards (ERBs), Technical Review Boards (TRBs), and other engineering governance processes, including defining entry and exit criteria for major program milestones such as SRR, PDR, and related technical reviews.
  • Possess a strong understanding of systems engineering principles, lifecycle processes, requirements management, and digital engineering practices.
  • Have experience working directly with customers and stakeholders to define, clarify, and manage technical requirements.
  • Demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence teams across organizational boundaries.
  • Are comfortable balancing technical leadership, team development, and program execution responsibilities.
  • Have experience presenting technical information to senior leadership, customers, and program stakeholders.
  • Hold an active Secret clearance and be eligible to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access.

LOCATION
This role can be based out of Colorado Springs, CO, El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA or Seal Beach, CA. This position requires approximately 30% travel, depending on program needs and where the selected candidate resides. We welcome consideration of exceptional candidates regardless of location, provided travel requirements can be met.
COMPENSATION
This role is between $225,000 and $290,000 base salary.
BENEFITS
Compensation includes competitive salary, meaningful equity ownership, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, and 100% employer covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
ELIGIBILITY
Must be a US Citizen.
Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance.
EEO STATEMENT
At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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