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Digital Engineering Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Digital Engineering Lead

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$125 - $160/hr

You will guide and implement the FXR program Digital Engineering processes into FXR activities and working groups, and work directly with the Government FXR Digital Engineering Working Group Lead.

$125 - $160/hr

You will guide and implement the FXR program Digital Engineering processes into FXR activities and working groups, and work directly with the Government FXR Digital Engineering Working Group Lead.

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Digital Engineering Lead information

See salary details

$40.5K

$87.9K

$139.5K

How much do digital engineering lead jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for digital engineering lead in the United States is $87,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a digital engineering lead?

A Digital Engineering Lead is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of digital engineering solutions within an organization. They manage teams, coordinate digital transformation projects, and ensure that digital tools and methodologies are effectively integrated into engineering processes. This role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, setting technical direction, and staying updated with the latest digital technologies to drive innovation and efficiency.

What are some typical challenges faced by a digital engineering lead, and how can they be addressed?

Digital Engineering Leads often navigate challenges such as integrating new digital tools into legacy systems, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring alignment between technical solutions and business objectives. Effective communication and proactive stakeholder engagement are key to overcoming these hurdles. Staying current with emerging technologies, fostering a collaborative team culture, and implementing agile methodologies can help address these challenges and drive successful project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digital engineering lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital Engineering Lead, you need expertise in software development, systems architecture, and project management, typically backed by a degree in computer science or engineering and several years of relevant experience. Familiarity with cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), DevOps tools, and certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you guide teams and manage stakeholder expectations effectively. These competencies ensure that complex digital projects are delivered efficiently, innovatively, and in alignment with business goals.

What is the difference between Digital Engineering Lead vs Software Engineer?

AspectDigital Engineering LeadSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; often certifications in digital tools or methodologiesBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; coding certifications may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentLeads digital projects, collaborates with cross-functional teams, oversees digital transformation initiativesDevelops, tests, and maintains software applications within development teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, engineering, and technology sectors focusing on digital solutionsCommon across tech, finance, healthcare, and other industries involving software development

The Digital Engineering Lead focuses on leading digital transformation projects and integrating engineering processes with digital tools, while a Software Engineer primarily develops and maintains software applications. Both roles require technical skills, but the Lead has a broader strategic and leadership responsibility in digital initiatives.

More about Digital Engineering Lead jobs

What job categories do people searching Digital Engineering Lead jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Digital Engineering Lead jobs are:

Infographic showing various Digital Engineering Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,944 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Digital Engineering Lead

Systems Planning and Analysis

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
Comprising more than 130 personnel, the Integrated Warfare Systems Group (IWSG) delivers expertise across program and project management, acquisition and contracting, systems and digital engineering, software development, test and evaluation, sustainment and life-cycle management, cybersecurity, international/Foreign Military Sales, strategic communications, and IT services. These capabilities support more than 100 Above Water Sensor, Undersea, and Combat System programs and projects within the Navy's Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Mission Systems, Maritime and Munitions, as well as clients at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, and the Office of Naval Research.
Responsibilities
We are seeking a dedicated mid or senior-level Systems Engineer to provide support to the Future X-Band Radar program within the U.S. Navy Portfolio Acquisition Executive, Mission Systems, Above Water Sensors. We expect to fill this position immediately!
You will guide and implement the FXR program Digital Engineering processes into FXR activities and working groups, and work directly with the Government FXR Digital Engineering Working Group Lead. You will guide and implement the FXR MBSE processes and products. You will educate FXR staff on the Digital Engineering and MBSE tools and use.
You will provide programmatic and technical rigor in support of Systems Engineering (SE) processes, including planning, execution and closure of System Engineering Technical Reviews (SETR), technical writing, requirements management, risk management, configuration management, and technical artifact reviews. You will join a high performing team and be expected to develop a strong understanding of MBSE and DoW, Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command and PAE MS instructions and processes (e.g., DoD 5000).
We expect you to consistently demonstrate strong attributes to quickly build competencies and provide the highest quality products and services. We look for traits such as how you solve problems when you're stuck. Do you look for creative ways to find solutions? Do you seek out references and teach yourself how to do something new? Do you collaborate with your colleagues? If you take initiatives like these, you would fit in well with our high performing team.
A hybrid work environment is allowed, but you must have the ability to regularly work on-site in DC (3-4 days per week in-office).
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or other related technical degree
  • 5-10 years of relevant experience, including demonstrated experience with MagicDraw/Cameo, Model-Based Systems Engineering, or UML/SysML
  • Active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance

Desired
  • Experience with the US Navy or a relevant DoD internship experience
  • Familiarity with the DoD Acquisition process

Pay Range Information
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Washington, DC, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $125,000.00/Yr. - USD $160,000.00/Yr.