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Graduate Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Systems engineering activities include developing, flowing down and tracking requirements ... Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000 Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000 ...

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $118K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience in the design ... Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering (e.g., Telecommunications ...

Systems engineering activities include developing, flowing down and tracking requirements ... Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000 Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000 ...

Systems engineering activities include developing, flowing down and tracking requirements ... Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000 Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000 ...

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience in the design ... Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering (e.g., Telecommunications ...

Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$125K/yr

Systems Engineer Location- Mclean or Chantilly Clearance - TS/SCI FSP Salary- 125k-230k/yr The ... graduate degree ABBTECH is an EOE/Minorities/Women/Disabled Individuals/Veterans

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience in the design ... Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering (e.g., Telecommunications ...

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience in the design ... Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering (e.g., Telecommunications ...

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Graduate Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do graduate systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 is a graduate systems engineer?

A Graduate Systems Engineer is an entry-level role that involves designing, implementing, and maintaining complex systems within an organization. This job typically includes working with hardware, software, and networking components to ensure system efficiency and reliability. Graduates in this role are expected to analyze system requirements, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with teams to develop technical solutions. They often work under the guidance of senior engineers to gain hands-on experience and expand their technical knowledge. This position is common in industries such as IT, aerospace, defense, and telecommunications.

What are the typical responsibilities of a graduate systems engineer during their first year on the job?

In your first year as a Graduate Systems Engineer, you can expect to assist with the design, testing, and implementation of system solutions, often working under the guidance of senior engineers. You may participate in troubleshooting technical issues, documenting system processes, and ensuring that projects meet defined requirements. Collaboration with software developers, project managers, and other engineering teams is common, allowing you to gain broad exposure to different aspects of systems engineering. Over time, you'll have the opportunity to take on more complex tasks and projects, helping you build a strong foundation for future career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate systems engineer, and why are they important?

A Graduate Systems Engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with a strong foundation in systems analysis, integration, and troubleshooting. Familiarity with operating systems (such as Linux and Windows), scripting languages, modeling tools, and industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco are often advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, effective communication, and eagerness to learn help individuals excel in the position. These skills enable Graduate Systems Engineers to effectively contribute to complex projects, adapt to technological changes, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

More about Graduate Systems Engineer jobs

What states have the most Graduate Systems Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Graduate Systems Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Graduate Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

2027 Graduate - Systems Engineer / Analyst

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 73 rated research


Job description

Description
Do you have a passion for defending the United States and protecting our warfighters?
Do you want to work with air and missile defense technology, advanced algorithms, machine learning, and real-world operational systems?
Do you have an analytical mind and a strong sense of curiosity?
If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team!
The U.S. Navy and Joint Forces face increasingly dangerous threats, including autonomous vehicles, sophisticated anti-ship missiles, and ballistic missiles. To defend sailors and marines from these threats, we in the Distributed Tactical Awareness and Decision-Making group (A3A) of the Air and Missile Defense Sector drive improvements to and conceive new capabilities for systems that combine sensors, command and control logic, networks, and defensive weapons. We are seeking engineers, computer scientists, and analysts to join our team to guide system design, develop software prototypes, and research new concepts to create innovative solutions to emerging warfighter challenges.
As a Systems Engineer you will:
  • Seek to understand and improve interactions between sensors, networks, combat management software, and weapon systems
  • Solve complex systems-of-systems integration challenges for U.S. Navy surface combatants and unmanned surface vehicles
  • Develop new concepts for anti-air warfare, surface warfare, and precision strike
  • Analyze data from system test events to directly inform engineering decisions
  • Develop deep expertise on command-and-control systems such as the Aegis, SSDS, and Zumwalt combat systems
  • Conduct MS&A studies to compare alternatives to inform design
  • Generate systems engineering products such as performance specifications, requirements, trade study reports, concepts of operation, concepts of employment, and test plans
  • Collaborate with cross disciplinary teams and share your work both externally and internally
  • Have opportunities to visit Navy ships and to work with sailors, officers, and other warfighters

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or equivalent
  • Are proficient with C++, Java, Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages
  • Like to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Have good written and oral communication skills
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have an advanced degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or equivalent
  • Have a background in physics or data fusion
  • Have experience with software engineering
  • Hold an active SECRET (or above) clearance

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$165,000 Annually

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