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Complex Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amdex Corporation

Systems Engineer

Potomac, MD · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

The Systems Engineer shall serve as a subject matter expert in systems engineering, providing ... Assess the integration and testing of complex systems, including system integration, testing, and ...

SSI

Systems Engineer

MI · Remote

Analyzes complex systems, processes, and organizational architectures to improve development ... Apply model-based systems engineering methods to systems and enterprise architecture development

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Complex Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do complex systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for complex 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 does a complex systems engineer do?

A Complex Systems Engineer designs, analyzes, and manages intricate systems that involve many interdependent components, such as in aerospace, transportation, or large-scale software systems. They use systems thinking and modeling techniques to ensure all parts of a project work together efficiently and reliably. Their work often involves collaborating with experts from multiple disciplines to address technical challenges and optimize overall system performance. Complex Systems Engineers play a vital role in projects where integration, scalability, and adaptability are crucial for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a complex systems engineer?

To thrive as a Complex Systems Engineer, you need a strong foundation in systems engineering principles, modeling and simulation, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, SysML, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) platforms, and industry certifications like INCOSE CSEP are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills set standout professionals apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for designing, integrating, and managing intricate systems to ensure functionality, reliability, and successful project outcomes.

How does a complex systems engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a project?

Complex Systems Engineers often work closely with professionals from various disciplines, including software developers, hardware engineers, project managers, and domain specialists. Their role is to ensure that all components of a system integrate seamlessly, which requires frequent communication, joint problem-solving sessions, and coordinating design reviews. Effective collaboration is crucial for identifying potential integration issues early and ensuring that the overall system meets both technical and user requirements. This multidisciplinary teamwork not only enhances project outcomes but also provides opportunities for skill development and broader industry knowledge.

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

AspectComplex Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, systems science, or related fields; certifications like INCOSE CSEPBachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields; certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and integrating complex systems across industries like aerospace, defense, and technologyDeveloping, testing, and maintaining systems in IT, software, or hardware sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations managing large-scale, interdisciplinary projects requiring system integrationCommon in IT, software development, and hardware manufacturing companies

While both roles involve system design and analysis, Complex Systems Engineers focus on large, interdisciplinary systems with high complexity, whereas Systems Engineers typically work on specific subsystems or software/hardware components. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and complexity.

What cities are hiring for Complex Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Complex Systems Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Complex Systems Engineer jobs?

For Complex Systems Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Complex Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Systems Engineer (SE1/SE2/SE3) - Data Science & Complex Systems

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

WILLCOR, Inc.
Business Management Consulting • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about WILLCOR, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Systems Engineer (SE1/SE2/SE3) - Data Science & Complex Systems
Location: Annapolis Junction , MD
Required Clearance: TS/SCI with CI Polygraph
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Position Overview:
We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Systems Engineer(Levels SE1-SE3) to support systems engineering efforts with a focus on complex systems of systems and data science applications. This role involves working with unstructured and semi-structured data sources, developing machine learning models, and applying advanced analytical techniques to support mission-critical objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Apply systems engineering principles to analyze, design, and manage complex systems of systems.
  • Develop and apply machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) techniques to extract and process data from a wide range of unstructured and semi-structured documents (e.g., PDFs, CONOPS, DODAF artifacts).
  • Utilize tools such as Apache Tika and PDFMiner for data extraction and transformation.
  • Perform qualitative analysis and develop intuitive data visualizations to support technical assessments and decision-making.
  • Develop custom data processing pipelines and analytical models using programming languages such as Python or R.
  • Design, train, and deploy ML models using frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define requirements, develop solutions, and deliver high-quality engineering products.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related technical field.
  • Experience in systems engineering, particularly with systems of systems.
  • Proficiency in Python and/or R, with experience using TensorFlow or PyTorch for ML development.
  • Strong understanding of NLP techniques and data science fundamentals.
  • Experience processing unstructured or semi-structured data using tools like Apache Tika, PDFMiner, or similar.
  • Ability to conduct qualitative analyses and create compelling visual representations of data.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with Department of Defense (DoD) documents and architectures (e.g., CONOPS, DODAF).
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) principles.
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About WILLCOR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

College Park, MD, US

Year founded

2002

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