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Critical Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Karman Space & Defense

Systems Engineer III

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

We believe that solving the industry's most complex and mission-critical challenges requires ... Providing systems engineering support during the proposal phase, including compliance matrix ...

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iNovex Information Systems

System Engineer 0

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Join us on this journey as we execute this mission-critical contract providing systems architecture and engineering in a world-wide multi-level Enterprise IT environment! Your effort and expertise ...

ECS

Senior Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

We are seeking cleared Senior Systems Engineers to engineer, administer, monitor, secure ... Experience supporting mission-critical systems with high availability and operational performance ...

NORTH WIND SYSTEMS LLC

Lead Systems Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Applied R Test Articles and Critical System Components; Test Facility Design & Build; Test Services ... The Lead Systems Engineer will coordinate with other technical leaders and establish priorities for ...

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DCS Corp

Avionics Systems Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Salary: $90,220 - $140,000 Lead a dynamic team of software and hardware engineers integrating safety critical systems into Navy aircraft. Essential Job Functions: Work independently on smaller ...

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Critical Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do critical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for critical 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior or executive roles at large technology companies. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may include bonuses and stock options that significantly increase total compensation.

What is the difference between Critical Systems Engineer vs Network Security Engineer?

AspectCritical Systems EngineerNetwork Security Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CISSP or Security+Bachelor's in Computer Science or related, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining critical infrastructure systems, often in industries like aerospace, defense, or energySecuring organizational networks, preventing cyber threats, and managing firewalls and intrusion detection systems
Industry UsageUsed in sectors requiring high system reliability and safetyCommon in IT, cybersecurity firms, and corporate IT departments

Critical Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining essential infrastructure systems, ensuring safety and reliability. Network Security Engineers specialize in protecting network assets from cyber threats. While both roles require security certifications and technical expertise, their focus areas differ significantly, with Critical Systems Engineers emphasizing system integrity and safety, and Network Security Engineers concentrating on cybersecurity defenses.

What are some common challenges faced by Critical Systems Engineers when maintaining high-availability systems?

Critical Systems Engineers often face the challenge of ensuring continuous uptime while managing complex, interdependent systems. They must quickly diagnose and resolve issues under pressure, as even brief downtime can have significant consequences. Balancing system upgrades or maintenance without disrupting essential services requires careful planning, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a deep understanding of redundancy and failover protocols. Additionally, staying updated with evolving security threats and compliance standards is a constant aspect of the role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Critical Systems Engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like cybersecurity, or working in high-demand industries such as aerospace or defense, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, leadership roles, or working in high-cost-of-living regions with complex system responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Critical Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Critical Systems Engineer, you need expertise in systems engineering, risk analysis, and reliability engineering, often supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with tools such as fault tree analysis software, real-time operating systems, and certifications like INCOSE CSEP or CISSP are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and continuous operation of mission-critical systems in high-stakes environments.

Is systems engineer a high paying job?

Systems engineers, including critical systems engineers, typically earn above-average salaries due to their specialized technical skills and responsibilities in designing and maintaining complex systems. Salaries vary based on experience, industry, and location, but the role is generally considered well-compensated within engineering fields.

What is a critical engineer?

A critical systems engineer is a professional responsible for designing, maintaining, and ensuring the reliability of essential systems such as power, communication, or safety infrastructure. They often work with specialized tools, follow strict safety standards, and may hold certifications in systems engineering or safety management to prevent failures in critical environments.

What is a Critical Systems Engineer?

A Critical Systems Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, maintaining, and ensuring the reliability and safety of systems that are essential to the operation of organizations, such as power grids, healthcare equipment, and transportation systems. These engineers focus on minimizing risks and preventing failures in systems where downtime or errors can have severe consequences. Their work often involves rigorous testing, strict compliance with industry standards, and ongoing monitoring to ensure continuous operation. Critical Systems Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address both hardware and software challenges in high-stakes environments.
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Critical Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Critical Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Systems Engineer, Mid-level

Systems Engineer, Mid-level

Davis Strategic Innovations Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Description Systems Engineer, Mid-level Location: Huntsville, AL Clearance: Secret Position Overview We are seeking a Systems Engineer to support advanced defense system development efforts in a collaborative engineering environment. This role focuses on model-based systems engineering (MBSE), requirements development and decomposition, system architecture, interface definition, and technical analysis of complex systems. The selected candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop system models, define requirements, support architecture development, and contribute throughout the systems engineering lifecycle.

Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related experience; OR Master's Degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related experience Active, in-scope DoD Secret security clearance Experience using Cameo (MagicDraw) and DOORS Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Experience using SysML to model complex systems Experience with architecture development, functional decomposition, requirements development and allocation, and interface definition Strong systems engineering background supporting complex technical systems Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team environment Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% in support of program needs Preferred Qualifications Experience modeling or simulating complex defense, aerospace, or mission-critical systems Experience developing system architectures and performing technical analysis using MBSE methodologies Experience supporting large-scale, highly integrated systems Experience developing and maintaining systems engineering artifacts, including: Requirements specifications Interface Control Documents (ICDs) Architecture descriptions Use cases Trade studies Technical design documentation Experience leading small technical teams or engineering efforts Familiarity with systems integration, verification, and validation activities Experience supporting the full systems engineering lifecycle from concept development through deployment INCOSE certification or other systems engineering certifications

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