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Director Systems Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Stellar Solutions

Senior Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$108K - $147K/yr

The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, technical project directors ... Lead systems engineering activities supporting ground systems, mission operations, integration ...

Stellar Solutions Inc

Senior Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, technical project directors ... Lead systems engineering activities supporting ground systems, mission operations, integration ...

Stellar Solutions, Inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, technical project directors ... Lead systems engineering activities supporting ground systems, mission operations, integration ...

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Director Systems Engineering information

What does a director systems engineering do?

A Director of Systems Engineering leads and manages the systems engineering team within an organization, overseeing the design, development, and implementation of complex systems. They coordinate cross-functional teams, ensure engineering projects align with business goals, and establish standards and best practices. This role involves strategic planning, resource management, and ensuring that systems meet performance, security, and scalability requirements. Directors also mentor team members and collaborate with other departments to deliver high-quality technical solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director systems engineering?

To thrive as a Director Systems Engineering, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, engineering management, and a relevant technical degree, often with extensive experience leading engineering teams. Familiarity with systems engineering tools (like DOORS or SysML), project management software, and certifications such as INCOSE CSEP are typically required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills help you motivate teams and align engineering efforts with business objectives. These competencies are crucial to delivering complex technical solutions efficiently and driving organizational success.

What are some common challenges faced by directors of systems engineering, and how can they be addressed?

Directors of Systems Engineering often encounter challenges such as aligning cross-functional teams, managing complex projects with competing priorities, and ensuring system reliability at scale. Effective communication and stakeholder management are essential to address these challenges, as is fostering a culture of collaboration between engineering, product, and operations teams. Implementing robust project management methodologies and staying current with emerging technologies can also help Directors anticipate potential roadblocks and deliver high-quality solutions.

What is the difference between Director Systems Engineering vs Systems Engineer?

AspectDirector Systems EngineeringSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's in Engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco, Microsoft may be advantageous
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams, strategic planning, cross-department collaborationTechnical role focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining systems
Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, tech firms, and enterprises with complex systemsCommon across industries for technical system development and support

The main difference is that the Director Systems Engineering focuses on strategic leadership, team management, and high-level planning, while the Systems Engineer handles technical system design and implementation. The director oversees multiple projects and teams, whereas the systems engineer is more hands-on with technical tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineering jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Systems Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Director Systems Engineering jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Director Systems Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Systems Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Chief Engineer / Technical Director

Arlington, VA • On-site

Quantum Sky
See more jobs at Quantum Skyexternal

$200K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
Quantum Sky is searching for a Chief Engineer / Technical Director that serves as the technical authority for a large, multi-site Department of Defense IT and Cybersecurity program in support of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO). This role owns solution integrity and engineering governance across enterprise architecture, systems engineering, network and cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and mission applications, ensuring secure, reliable delivery of services within the Joint Virtual Environment (JVE).
The position requires executive-level advisory capability, leading cross-functional engineering teams, directing design reviews, and translating enterprise strategy into executable technical roadmaps aligned to DoDAF and program priorities. Onsite presence in Arlington, VA is required; travel may be necessary to support CONUS/OCONUS sites.
Responsibilities:
  • Own the technical baseline, architecture standards, and exception decisions; chair design reviews and Technical Review Boards to maintain solution integrity.
  • Lead enterprise architecture development and maintenance, delivering "as-is" and "to-be" artifacts, roadmaps, and accurate network diagrams in compliance with DoDAF and TOGAF practices.
  • Direct systems engineering lifecycle activities including requirements traceability, interface management, configuration control, risk management, test planning, verification, and validation.
  • Integrate cybersecurity into engineering decisions, aligning with RMF/JSIG; ensure continuous monitoring with ACAS, STIGs, and ESS; govern POA&M management within eMASS.
  • Oversee NOSC-aligned operations engineering for confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical/less-critical services; drive automation for detection and response.
  • Establish engineering metrics, SLAs/SLOs, KPIs and operational dashboards; analyze trends and lead corrective actions and continual service improvement (CSI).
  • Guide infrastructure modernization (hybrid cloud, zero trust, observability, automation), application modernization and data migration/repatriation initiatives.
  • Advise senior executives; convert complex technical concepts into actionable plans and investment priorities; communicate risks, trade-offs, and decisions transparently.
  • Ensure accurate configuration baselines and remediation of configuration drift; embed change management and knowledge management throughout the lifecycle.
  • Support place-of-performance needs across Arlington, VA and distributed Tier 1-3 sites; enable readiness for special projects and emerging capability requests.

Performance Metrics & Success Criteria:
  • Service Availability: Critical services ≥95% monthly uptime; less-critical services ≥90% during operational hours (excluding external outages).
  • Continuous Monitoring: ACAS scan rate ≥98% monthly; ESS ≥95% in all measured areas at least 90% of the time; STIG reviews conducted quarterly.
  • Risk Governance: POA&M updates weekly with quarterly artifact uploads in eMASS; Security Dashboard updated weekly meeting ≥75% update compliance (monthly measure).
  • Quality & Satisfaction: Accurate, complete, on-time deliverables; rapid corrective actions; open communications across COR/TPOC governance.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Education: MA/MS; substitution allowed with BA/BS and 12+ years of relevant experience.
  • Certifications: Cisco CCNP or equivalent (CompTIA Network+)
  • Experience: 10+ years leading enterprise architecture, systems engineering, or technical integration for complex enterprise IT environments.
  • Demonstrated prior experience owning the technical baseline, establishing architecture standards, and making exception decisions; must have previously chaired design reviews and Technical Review Boards to ensure solution integrity.
  • Proven track record leading enterprise architecture development and maintenance, including delivery of "as-is" and "to-be" artifacts, roadmaps, and accurate network diagrams in compliance with DoDAF and TOGAF practices.
  • Previous experience directing systems engineering lifecycle activities such as requirements traceability, interface management, configuration control, risk management, test planning, verification, and validation.
  • Prior involvement integrating cybersecurity into engineering decisions, aligning with RMF/JSIG; must have overseen continuous monitoring with ACAS, STIGs, and ESS, and governed POA&M management within eMASS.
  • Experience overseeing NOSC-aligned operations engineering for confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical/less-critical services; must have driven automation for detection and response.
  • Established record of setting engineering metrics, SLAs/SLOs, KPIs and operational dashboards; must have analyzed trends and led corrective actions and continual service improvement (CSI).

Desired:
  • Modernization: Hybrid cloud, zero trust, enterprise networks, automation, observability, and legacy system modernization. Previous experience with TOGAF and DOD Architecture Framework.
  • CCIE, CISSP, INCOSE Certification
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03) or AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02)
  • Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification
  • ITSM/CSI: Metrics-driven service improvement, CAB/TRB governance, and platform experience (Helix preferred).

Clearance:
  • Top Secret at time of submission (SCI eligibility may be required).

Location:
  • Arlington, VA; onsite presence required with willingness to travel to CONUS/OCONUS sites as needed (estimated 25%).

About Quantum Sky
Compensation:
  • Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. The salary range for this position is typically between 200-240K. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above-stated range.

Benefits:
  • Highlights of our benefits include Health/Dental/Vision, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, STD/LTD/Life Insurance, Referral Bonuses, professional development reimbursement, and parental leave.

The world the mission operates in is going post-quantum, contested, and machine-speed. Quantum Sky engineers the advantage across cyber, networks, software, and quantum because the mission demands dominance, not parity. We don't follow the map. We draw it.
At Quantum Sky, we believe that success starts with our people. We foster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven environment where every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology. Are you ready to join #TeamQuantumSky?
Quantum Sky Engineering LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, [sexual orientation, gender identity,] national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.
is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, [sexual orientation, gender identity,] national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.

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