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Combat System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior System Engineer (C)

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

SimIS Inc seeks a System Engineer III to provide combat system simulation support to the Warfare Analysis and Digital Modeling (M) Combat System Simulations Branch (M33), Naval Surface Warfare Center ...

Senior System Engineer (C)

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

SimIS Inc seeks a System Engineer III to provide combat system simulation support to the Warfare Analysis and Digital Modeling (M) Combat System Simulations Branch (M33), Naval Surface Warfare Center ...

These engineers provide systems engineering support for weapon control systems and surface combat ... Support weapon and combat system certification processes, including self-certification criteria

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Combat System Engineer information

What is a combat system engineer?

A Combat System Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, integrating, testing, and maintaining military combat systems, such as radar, weapons, and communications equipment on ships, aircraft, or ground vehicles. They ensure that these complex systems work seamlessly together to achieve mission objectives and enhance operational effectiveness. Their work often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, troubleshooting technical issues, and staying current with advancements in defense technology.

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

A Combat System Engineer needs a solid background in systems engineering, electronics, and computer science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with defense industry tools such as MATLAB, CAD software, radar/sensor integration systems, and often security clearances or certifications like CompTIA Security+ is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital to ensure the development, maintenance, and reliability of complex defense systems in high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges faced by combat system engineers when integrating new technologies into existing military platforms?

Combat System Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new technologies and legacy systems, maintaining strict cybersecurity standards, and adhering to rigorous defense industry regulations. They must coordinate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, hardware engineers, and defense contractors, to troubleshoot integration issues and validate system performance. Balancing innovation with reliability and safety is crucial, as any updates must not disrupt mission-critical capabilities.

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

AspectCombat System EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often military or defense certificationsBachelor's or higher in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, military bases, R&D labsVarious industries including aerospace, tech, manufacturing
Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military applicationsBroad across multiple sectors
Job FocusDesign, integrate, and test combat systemsDesign and manage complex systems across industries

Combat System Engineers specialize in military and defense systems, focusing on combat-related technology, while Systems Engineers have a broader scope across various industries. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their applications and environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Combat System Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Combat System Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Combat System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Navy Aegis Combat System Engineer

Engineering Services Network, Inc

Norfolk, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Title
Navy Aegis Combat System Engineer
Location
Norfolk, VA TELEWORK - VA US (Primary)
Job Description
Founded in 1995, ESN is a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB). ESN delivers trusted solutions that support our nation's defense. For more than two decades, we have been providing our military and government customers with mission-critical services including engineering and technical support, strategic and program management, testing and evaluation, operations support, and information technology. We are committed to proven, repeatable corporate quality management processes and are certified CMMI Maturity Level III - Services & ISO 9001:2015.
We are seeking a Navy Aegis Combat System Engineer.
This role is located on-site in Norfolk, VA.
Duties & Responsibilities:
ESN is looking for a Senior Navy Combat System expert to fill various positions in support of our Navy Surface Warfare Center (NSWC-PHD) client. We are seeking motivated individuals to provide technical and engineering support for the planning, execution and post event analysis of AEGIS Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Test and Evaluation (T&E) events. Duties will include but limited to:
  • Providing technical support to AEGIS Weapon System (AWS) Interface validation, shipboard integration, waterfront integration tests, analytical services and in-port and at-sea assessments.
  • Providing engineering services in support of tactical and operational interoperability during test and evaluation, integration of BMD Defense capabilities aboard AEGIS ships.
  • Providing test and evaluation data analysis and training required to support Combat System Interoperability for Strike Group and T&E events.
  • Providing technical support to BMD System Engineering efforts and applicable installations on AEGIS Destroyers.

Qualifications:
  • Candidates should have significant knowledge and experience with AEGIS Combat System (ACS), AEGIS Weapon System (AWS), Tomahawk Weapon System, Shipboard Radar Systems and other weapon and combat systems. Proven experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting and testing shipboard electronic systems is a must. Ideal candidate will have recent experience as Combat System Maintenance Manager (CSMM) on an AEGIS DDG or CG. Minimal specific experience and skills include:
  • At least twelve (12) years of experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting and testing Navy Combat Systems, Weapon Systems, Computer Networks and/or Display Systems.
  • Recent experience working on board US Navy Ships (in port and at sea) is a must.
  • Possess excellent written and verbal communications skills.

Education Requirement:
  • U.S. Navy certification in Fire Control Navy Enlisted Codes (NECs) related to ACS, AWS, ACI/Networks or other integrated weapon systems.
  • High School Diploma
  • AS/BS degree in engineering, computer science or other relevant field helpful but not required.

Other Job-Related Requirements:
  • Ability to climb ladders. Ability to go to sea on U.S. Navy ships for varying durations.

Security Clearance:
  • Must hold an active DoD SECRET clearance.

Job Requirements
Clearance Requirement