ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Combat Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VTG

Systems Engineer (Combat Systems)

Washington, DC · On-site

The candidate will be supporting multiple engineering disciplines such as the following but not limited to: Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Information Systems, Navigation, Flight Software ...

SEACORP

Submarine Combat Systems Engineer

Newport, RI · On-site

SEACORP is seeking a well-qualified Submarine Combat Systems Engineer . Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Job Summary : SEACORP has 2 full-time openings forSystem Engineers in Newport, RI and ...

Prattwhitney

Combat Systems Engineer II

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$69 - $131/hr

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience. * Experience with combat system operation and maintenance ...

SEACORP

Submarine Combat Systems Engineer

Newport, RI · On-site

SEACORP is seeking a well-qualified Submarine Combat Systems Engineer . Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Job Summary : SEACORP has 2 full-time openings forSystem Engineers in Newport, RI and ...

Analygence

Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

Description Tharros is seeking a Systems Engineer specializing in Weapons or Combat Systems to support NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. These engineers provide systems engineering support for weapon control ...

SEACORP

Submarine Combat Systems Engineer

Newport, RI · On-site

SEACORP has 2 full-time openings forSystem Engineers in Newport, RI and Middletown, RI. In these ... Previous experience with StrikeSystems/Payload Integration and/or Submarine Combat Systems also a ...

Analygence

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

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 ...

Analygence

Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

These engineers provide systems engineering expertise for weapon control systems and surface combat, control, and situational awareness systems throughout the full system lifecycle, from requirements ...

Analygence

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

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 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGovernment JobsMilitary JobsMilitary Professional JobsCombat Systems Engineer Jobs

Combat Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do combat systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for combat systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a combat systems engineer?

Combat Systems Engineers are specialized engineers who design, develop, integrate, and maintain the complex electronic and software systems used in military defense platforms, such as ships, aircraft, and ground vehicles. Their work involves ensuring that radar, sonar, weapon control, communications, and other warfare systems operate effectively and reliably under demanding conditions. They collaborate closely with other engineers, technicians, and military personnel to deliver and sustain technologically advanced, mission-critical solutions. These professionals play a key role in enhancing the operational capability and safety of armed forces.

What collaborative projects does a combat systems engineer participate in, and how do they interact with other teams?

Combat Systems Engineers frequently work on multi-disciplinary projects that require close collaboration with software developers, hardware engineers, systems integrators, and project managers. They are often involved in integrating new combat technologies, troubleshooting system interoperability, and conducting system performance tests. Regular communication with naval operators and defense clients is also common to ensure that solutions meet practical operational requirements. Working in cross-functional teams is essential, and strong teamwork and communication skills are highly valued in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a combat systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Combat Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or systems engineering, knowledge of defense systems, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with specialized software (such as MATLAB or CAD tools), systems integration platforms, and security clearances are often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the reliable design, integration, and maintenance of complex defense technologies in high-stakes environments.

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

AspectCombat Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often military or defense certificationsBachelor's or higher in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDefense, military, or aerospace industries, often in secure facilitiesVarious industries including tech, aerospace, manufacturing
Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military projectsBroad industry applications including tech, aerospace, and manufacturing
Job FocusDesign, integrate, and test combat systems and weaponryDesign and develop complex systems for diverse applications

While both roles involve systems design and integration, Combat Systems Engineers focus specifically on military and defense combat systems, often requiring specialized certifications and security clearances. Systems Engineers have a broader scope across various industries, emphasizing general system development and integration.

More about Combat Systems Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Combat Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Combat Systems Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Combat Systems Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Combat Systems Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Combat Systems Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Combat Systems Engineer jobs are:

Combat Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combat Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Systems Engineer (Combat Systems)

VTG

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Mid to Senior level Systems Engineer (SPC 3) in Washington, DC to provide Engineering Support Services to Engineers and Subject Matter Experts in support of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) Program under the Department of Navy, specifically focused on Weapons Systems.  The candidate will be supporting multiple engineering disciplines such as the following but not limited to: Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Information Systems, Navigation, Flight Software, Industrial, Re-entry hardware and Flight Termination Systems.  Position is onsite at the Washington Navy Yard with some telework.


What will you do?

Candidate will also need to be familiar with EIA-649 Configuration Management standards and practices.  Additionally, candidate will need to be familiar with Model & Simulation for SPC4 which is performed by SMEs at JHU/APL, SNL, Draper, LM, and warfare centers.  SPC3 has the oversight of this work to ensure the MYS results are consistent and reliable for decisions on actual flight testing and safety as well as effects on target.

  • Design studies and evaluations associated with research, development, production and operations
  • Review, comment, and provide technical advice to the CPS program office on technical documentation submissions from work performers, as needed.
  • Provide the CPS program engineering and technical support and advisement regarding problem definition, analysis, requirement development and implementation for complex systems in the engineering discipline required to meet technical requirements.
  • Provide assessments and recommendations on system development, improvements, optimization, or support efforts.
  • Perform risk assessments and analysis employing modeling and simulation techniques.
  • Support the identification, tracking, and resolution of systems engineering issues related to technical interfaces, technology insertion/design improvements, and other program initiatives.
  • Prepare technical presentations, briefings, and papers to address program management issues in such venues as technical design reviews, technical review boards, and others.
  • Collaborate, coordinate, and act as the CPS program office liaison, when required, with CPS program office stakeholders, to include Government National Team members and the Army Hypersonics Program Office (AHPO).
  • Identify technical issues that need resolution in particular CPS areas of responsibility. Work with applicable Government team leads to facilitate resolution of technical issues. Facilitate timely decisions and review and adjudication of all design products and written correspondence.
  • Identify risks and develop mitigation plans for identified cost, schedule, and technical issues.
  • Provide weekly reports on significant issues and actions.
  • Support transition of research and developmental efforts into production, and management of technical activities.
  • Support research and development objective utilizing a full understanding of multiple engineering disciplines for topics across flight systems. Topics includes but not limited to, Electrical and Mechanical Design, Navigation, Guidance, and Control, Telemetry and Instrumentation, Flight Software, Re-entry Hardware, and Flight Termination Systems, Requirement Definition, Allocation, and Verification, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Interfaces.
  • Provides recommendations for procedures or modifications to procedures to solve complex problems considering defense system capacity and limitations, operating time, and form of desired results.
  • Support the preparation of detailed specifications from which research programs will be written.
  • Conduct assessments and make recommendations for program design, testing, and documentation utilizing a full knowledge of all phases of research application, analysis, and programming and research analysis techniques.
  • Support all configuration management planning. Describe provisions for configuration identification, change control, configuration status accounting, and configuration audits.
    • Identify and maintain the original configuration of requirements documentation, design documentation, software, and related documentation.
    • Manage configuration change control efforts. Supports the change process so that only approved and validated changes are incorporated into product documents and related software.
    • Manage configuration status accounting efforts. Tracks all problems and changes in product documents and software. Reports changes and current configuration.
    • Manage for configuration audit efforts. Supports audits to verify that requirements of all baselines have been met.
  • Provide IA support to include:
    • Identify security risks, threats and vulnerabilities of networks, systems, applications and new technology initiatives.
    • Develop, tests, and operates firewalls, intrusion detection systems, enterprise anti-virus systems and software deployment tools.
    • Tests and debugs programs and scripts and prepares instruction for use during network exploitation activities.
    • Applies knowledge of current IA policy, tactics, techniques, policy, and doctrine, and relationship to IA reporting requirements and structure.
    • Assists in the planning and implementation of requirements.

Do you have what it takes?

  • Required skills:

    • Must have one of the following for the Journey Level:
      • a) A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least (5) years of professional/internship engineering experience, OR 
      • b) A master's degree in a relevant field and at least (2) years of professional experience, OR
      • c) No degree and at least (8) years of demonstrated experience in specific task area
    • Or Must have one of the following for the Senior level:
      • a) A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 11 years of professional/internship engineering experience, OR 
      • b) A master's degree in a relevant field and at least 10 years of professional experience
    • Must have Mission Planning experience
    • Tomahawk mission planning / strike experience
    • Tomahawk Strike Coordinator (TSC) experience
    • CMSA (Cruise Missile Support Activity) experience
    • Must have an active Secret level clearance and ability to sustain one
    • Must be a US Citizen
    • Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint and Word)

    • Familiar with Configuration Management practices (Physical/Functional Configuration audits, Data management, CM tools)

    • AutoCAD SolidWorks for engineering designs and architecture
    • Experience with any of the following: Computational Fluid Dynamics especially for aerodynamic high-speed flows, Finite Element Analysis and solid mechanics, Fluid Structure Interaction, Flight dynamics and trjectory calculations (formulated in six degrees of freedom ("6DoF"), Ballistics, Penetration mechanics, Combustion and Thermodynamics
    • Must understand the following topics: Electrical and Mechanical Design, Navigation, Guidance, and Control, Telemetry and Instrumentation, Flight Software, Re-entry Hardware, and Flight Termination Systems, Requirement Definition, Allocation, and Verification, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Interfaces.

  • Preferred skills:

    • Ideal candidate will have an understanding of any, or some of the following Engineering Disciplines: Electrical and Mechanical Design, Navigation, Guidance, and Control, Telemetry and Instrumentation, Flight Software, Re-entry Hardware, and Flight Termination Systems, Requirement Definition, Allocation, and Verification, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Interfaces
    • Navy weapons and engineering experience would be a plus
    • Knowledge of Technical Data Packages

Pay Range: VTG’s estimated starting pay range is $120,000-$150,000 annually, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range

Qualifications:

  • Required skills:

    • Must have one of the following for the Journey Level:
      • a) A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least (5) years of professional/internship engineering experience, OR 
      • b) A master's degree in a relevant field and at least (2) years of professional experience, OR
      • c) No degree and at least (8) years of demonstrated experience in specific task area
    • Or Must have one of the following for the Senior level:
      • a) A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 11 years of professional/internship engineering experience, OR 
      • b) A master's degree in a relevant field and at least 10 years of professional experience
    • Must have Mission Planning experience
    • Tomahawk mission planning / strike experience
    • Tomahawk Strike Coordinator (TSC) experience
    • CMSA (Cruise Missile Support Activity) experience
    • Must have an active Secret level clearance and ability to sustain one
    • Must be a US Citizen
    • Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint and Word)

    • Familiar with Configuration Management practices (Physical/Functional Configuration audits, Data management, CM tools)

    • AutoCAD SolidWorks for engineering designs and architecture
    • Experience with any of the following: Computational Fluid Dynamics especially for aerodynamic high-speed flows, Finite Element Analysis and solid mechanics, Fluid Structure Interaction, Flight dynamics and trjectory calculations (formulated in six degrees of freedom ("6DoF"), Ballistics, Penetration mechanics, Combustion and Thermodynamics
    • Must understand the following topics: Electrical and Mechanical Design, Navigation, Guidance, and Control, Telemetry and Instrumentation, Flight Software, Re-entry Hardware, and Flight Termination Systems, Requirement Definition, Allocation, and Verification, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Interfaces.

  • Preferred skills:

    • Ideal candidate will have an understanding of any, or some of the following Engineering Disciplines: Electrical and Mechanical Design, Navigation, Guidance, and Control, Telemetry and Instrumentation, Flight Software, Re-entry Hardware, and Flight Termination Systems, Requirement Definition, Allocation, and Verification, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Interfaces
    • Navy weapons and engineering experience would be a plus
    • Knowledge of Technical Data Packages
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply