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Entry Level System Engineer Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

Junior System Engineer Category: Infrastructure/Cloud Main location: United States, Virginia ... In this entry level role you will help engineer, automate, and maintain the infrastructure and ...

Summary Jr. System Engineer Vienna, Virginia Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there's always room to learn. We offer ...

Req ID: 40522 Summary Jr. System Engineer Vienna, Virginia Are you ready to enhance your skills and ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe theres always room to learn. We offer ...

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Entry Level System Engineer information

See Fairfax, VA salary details

$54.7K

$130K

$170.7K

How much do entry level system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level system engineer in Fairfax, VA is $130,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $160,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level system engineer?

An Entry Level System Engineer is a professional who assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems and networks for organizations. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to resolve technical issues, monitor system performance, and ensure the security and reliability of IT infrastructure. Entry Level System Engineers often perform routine tasks such as software installations, updates, troubleshooting, and documenting system configurations. This role serves as a starting point for a career in systems engineering, providing foundational experience in IT operations and support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level System Engineer, a solid grounding in computer science, networking fundamentals, and operating systems is essential, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with tools like Linux, Windows Server, scripting languages (such as Python or Bash), and basic cloud platforms, as well as certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help individuals excel in team environments and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These skills and qualities are critical for maintaining system reliability, supporting IT infrastructure, and contributing to organizational success.

What are some typical challenges entry level system engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to real-world environments?

Entry-level system engineers often find that real-world projects involve more complex and interconnected systems than academic assignments. They may encounter challenges such as navigating legacy infrastructure, adhering to strict security protocols, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Additionally, prioritizing tasks and troubleshooting under time constraints are common hurdles. However, active communication and a willingness to learn from senior engineers can help new hires adapt quickly and grow in the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level System Engineer vs Network Technician?

AspectEntry Level System EngineerNetwork Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+Associate's degree or technical certification; CompTIA A+ often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining IT systems; often in office or data centersInstalling, troubleshooting, and repairing network hardware; on-site or helpdesk settings
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, tech companies, large organizationsTelecom providers, ISPs, corporate IT support

While both roles involve technical skills and certifications like CompTIA A+, Entry Level System Engineers focus on system design and integration, whereas Network Technicians primarily handle network hardware and troubleshooting. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and responsibilities within IT infrastructure.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA?

The most popular types of System Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA are:

What cities near Fairfax, VA are hiring for Entry Level System Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fairfax, VA with the most Entry Level System Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level System Engineer job openings in Fairfax, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 73% In-person, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,035 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Junior System Engineer

CGI Inc.

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


CGI rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 225 rated it services


Job description

Junior System Engineer
Category: Infrastructure/Cloud
Main location: United States, Virginia, Fairfax
Position ID:J0826-1141
Employment Type: Full Time
Position Description:
CGI is seeking a junior Systems Engineer who is passionate about solving challenging client problems with emerging technology solutions. As a CGI DevOps Engineer, you will be joining the International Affairs (IAF) group to support the mission of U.S. security, economic well being, and world wide relations. Working with various clients in the US federal space, IAF supports missions that foster national security, foreign relations and resilient democratic societies. Since 1976, CGI has partnered with the U.S. federal government to support a wide variety of organizations and unique missions building solutions that support clients around the world.
The Junior Systems Engineer will help support the deployment, operations, and modernization of our Momentum ERP financial management and procurement solution for a U.S. Federal client. In this entry level role you will help engineer, automate, and maintain the infrastructure and container platforms that Momentum runs on, working under the guidance of senior engineers to keep environments reliable, secure, and high performing across the software development lifecycle. You will work closely with application developers, DevOps engineers, and client operations staff to containerize workloads, streamline deployments, and improve platform resiliency.
This position is located in Fairfax, VA.
Your future duties and responsibilities:
. Assist in engineering, configuring, and maintaining the infrastructure supporting Momentum ERP across development, test, and production environments.
. Help manage containerized Momentum workloads on Kubernetes and Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform (OCP), including deployment manifests and platform health.
. Support the build and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines to automate configuration, provisioning, deployment, and monitoring.
. Automate routine operations and maintenance tasks using scripting and infrastructure as code under the guidance of senior engineers.
. Support cloud hosted environments (AWS and/or Microsoft Azure), including monitoring and basic performance tuning.
. Help troubleshoot infrastructure, container, networking, and environment issues in partnership with development and client teams.
. Assist in implementing and maintaining security configurations, access controls, and hardening in line with government/NIST requirements.
. Document runbooks, deployment procedures, and platform architecture to support reliable operations and knowledge transfer.
. Apply developing problem solving skills to help modernize technology solutions that directly impact client missions.
. Help develop and troubleshoot technical solutions that include automation, software issues, monitoring, maintenance, configuration, SQL scripting, and CI/CD pipeline implementations.
. Support technical architecture efforts by working with feature and product teams to understand business needs alongside functional team members.
. Build technical capabilities while supporting one or more work streams and learning new techniques and solutions.
. Follow technology trends within Cloud and DevOps to grow your understanding of the future development platform.
. Participate in team problem solving efforts and offer ideas to help solve client issues.
Required qualifications to be successful in this role:
. An interim Secret clearance is required to begin working onsite with our client, and a Secret clearance must be maintained throughout the project duration. Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearance requirements, US citizenship is required.
. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, MIS, or a related field.
. 0-2 years of relevant systems engineering, DevOps, or platform engineering experience, including internships or academic projects.
. Foundational knowledge of, or strong interest in, Kubernetes and Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform (OCP).
. Exposure to containerization (Docker/Podman) and container orchestration concepts.
. Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS and/or Microsoft Azure.
. Exposure to building or maintaining CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab, GitHub Actions).
. Working knowledge of a scripting/automation language (e.g., Python, Bash) and Linux administration.
. Interest in working in Agile/DevOps environments across the SDLC.
. Solid analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
. Working knowledge of SQL.
. Eagerness to learn and ability to work in a collaborative, cross functional team.
Desired qualifications/non essential skills required:
. Exposure to ERP platforms, ideally Momentum Financials/Acquisitions.
. Familiarity with configuration management/IaC tools (Ansible, Terraform).
. Familiarity with JBoss, WebLogic, or similar application servers.
. Awareness of monitoring/observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, CloudWatch).
. Exposure to Oracle SQL and database backed applications.
. Basic understanding of government/NIST security requirements.
. Agile or cloud certifications a plus.
CGI is required by law in some jurisdictions to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The determination of this range includes various factors not limited to skill set, level, experience, relevant training, and licensure and certifications. To support the ability to reward for merit based performance, CGI typically does not hire individuals at or near the top of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range for this role in the U.S. is $51,600.00 $121,100.00.
CGI Federal's benefits are offered to eligible professionals on their first day of employment to include:
. Competitive compensation
. Comprehensive insurance options
. Matching contributions through the 401(k) plan and the share purchase plan
. Paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time
. Paid parental leave
. Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
. Wellness and Well being programs
#CGIFederalJob
#LI KK4
#ClearanceJobs
Skills:
  • Application Design
  • Azure Cloud
  • DevOps
  • DevOps Engineering
  • DevOps Engineering
  • Docker
  • English
  • Kubernetes
  • Python
  • Red Hat
  • SQL
  • Jenkins

What you can expect from us:
Together, as owners, let's turn meaningful insights into action.
Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. Here, you'll reach your full potential because...
You are invited to be an owner from day 1 as we work together to bring our Dream to life. That's why we call ourselves CGI Partners rather than employees. We benefit from our collective success and actively shape our company's strategy and direction.
Your work creates value. You'll develop innovative solutions and build relationships with teammates and clients while accessing global capabilities to scale your ideas, embrace new opportunities, and benefit from expansive industry and technology expertise.
You'll shape your career by joining a company built to grow and last. You'll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide you with opportunities to deepen your skills and broaden your horizons.
Come join our team-one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status or responsibilities, reproductive health decisions, political affiliation, genetic information, height, weight, or any other legally protected status or characteristics to the extent required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws where we do business.
CGI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job in the U.S., please email the CGI U.S. Employment Compliance mailbox at US_Employment_Compliance@cgi.com. You will need to reference the Position ID of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a Position ID will not be returned.
We make it easy to translate military experience and skills! Click here to be directed to our site that is dedicated to veterans and transitioning service members.
All CGI offers of employment in the U.S. are contingent upon the ability to successfully complete a background investigation. Background investigation components can vary dependent upon specific assignment and/or level of US government security clearance held. Dependent upon role and/or federal government security clearance requirements, and in accordance with applicable laws, some background investigations may include a credit check. CGI will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrests and conviction records in accordance with all local regulations and ordinances.
CGI will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with CGI's legal duty to furnish information.

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