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Combat System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Support weapon and combat system certification processes, including self-certification criteria for system elements * Address engineering issues for systems employing GOTS and COTS technology * Lead ...

New

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

$106K - $145K/yr

Support weapon and combat system certification processes, including self-certification criteria for system elements * Address engineering issues for systems employing GOTS and COTS technology * Lead ...

New

Senior Naval System Security Engineer

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Senior Naval System Security Engineer Essential Responsibilities: * Providing expertise with the ... Integrating hardware and software protection into major weapons, combat, and/or fire control ...

The engineer will contribute technical expertise to ensure the seamless integration of radar ... Review Combat System changes to identify possible conjunctive alteration impacts with other ship ...

The engineer will contribute technical expertise to ensure the seamless integration of radar ... Review Combat System changes to identify possible conjunctive alteration impacts with other ship ...

Senior Naval System Security Engineer

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Senior Naval System Security Engineer Essential Responsibilities: * Providing expertise with the ... Integrating hardware and software protection into major weapons, combat, and/or fire control ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Hampton, VA ยท On-site

$94K - $178K/yr

... combat system in San Diego, CA, and Hampton Roads, VA . These positions lead technical data authoring, software/firmware management, training architecture, security engineering, and cross-functional ...

Showing results 21-40

Combat System Engineer information

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 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 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 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Combat System Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Combat System Engineer jobs in Virginia 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.

Senior Systems Engineer

Analygence

Dahlgren, VA โ€ข On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Description
Tharros is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in Weapons or Combat Systems to support NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. These engineers provide senior-level systems engineering expertise for weapon control systems and surface combat, control, and situational awareness systems throughout the full system lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture development through integration, certification, fielding, sustainment, and modernization. In this role, personnel will work closely with government technical leads, program offices, fleet stakeholders, and cross-functional engineering teams to translate operational needs into achievable technical solutions, resolve complex integration challenges, and ensure mission-critical systems remain reliable, interoperable, and ready to support Navy and Marine Corps operations.
The position requires a strong understanding of systems engineering discipline, configuration management, technical documentation, certification processes, and the operational environments in which advanced weapons and combat systems are deployed. Projects include systems engineering support of a variety of weapons systems, weapons control systems, and warfare systems.
Requirements
  • Perform total lifecycle system development and analysis supporting milestone decisions and initial design development from upper-level requirements
  • Develop concept of operations documentation and system design specifications for weapon and combat systems
  • Develop system integration documents for weapons systems, weapons control systems, and/or combat systems
  • Support weapon and combat system certification processes, including self-certification criteria for system elements
  • Address engineering issues for systems employing GOTS and COTS technology
  • Lead engineering change proposals (ECPs), interface change requests, and system design documentation
  • Perform system-level trade studies and risk assessments for weapons/combat system modifications
  • Support shipboard system integration events and fleet deployment activities
  • Participate in technical design reviews, configuration control boards, and working groups
  • Provide technical mentorship to journeyman and junior engineers on the weapons/combat team

Requirements
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline, and eight (8) years of relevant experience
    • OR ten (10) years of a demonstrated and established knowledge base and subject matter expertise relevant to specific technical disciplines, with five (5) years concurrent experience as a team leader performing system engineering and mission engineering efforts that include developing requirements and top-level designs and/or system architectures for software-intensive systems.
  • 6 years concurrent specialized demonstrated expertise in total life cycle system development and analysis, supporting achievement of milestone decisions and concept of operations and initial design development.
  • Experience dealing with issues for a system employing Government Off-The-Shelf software (GOTS) and Commercial Off-The-Shelf software (COTS) technology.
  • Demonstrated experience developing system integration documents for weapons systems, weapons control systems, and/or combat systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with strategic, weapon, and/or combat system certification processes and requirements, specifically self-certification criteria for elements of these systems.