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Graduate Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As an Associate Systems Engineer, you'll join a global team that plans, implements, and supports ... graduate performance on technical interview tests. * Outstanding customer service skills and ...

As an Associate Systems Engineer, you'll join a global team that plans, implements, and supports ... graduate performance on technical interview tests. * Outstanding customer service skills and ...

As an Associate Systems Engineer, you'll join a global team that plans, implements, and supports ... graduate performance on technical interview tests. * Outstanding customer service skills and ...

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Graduate Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$126.1K

$165.6K

How much do graduate systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate systems engineer in Virginia is $126,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $155,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Graduate Systems Engineer job?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Systems Engineer position, 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.

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.
Infographic showing various Graduate Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.
Lead, Systems Engineer - UAV Propulsion

Lead, Systems Engineer - UAV Propulsion

L3Harris Technologies

Ashburn, VA โ€ข On-site

$127.50K - $236.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, Systems Engineering - UAV Propulsion

Job Code: 37173

Job Location:Ashburn, VA

Work Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off


Job Description:

As the Lead, Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for hardware and software requirements definition, decomposition, allocation, management, verification, and validation of technical products and systems with an emphasis on propulsion subsystem development, analysis, and testing for unmanned aircraft. Primary responsibilities for this role include being the primary interface for critical suppliers, evaluating and testing propulsion subsystems, conducting data analyses, and interfacing with the vehicle design team for integration.


The Agile Development Group (ADG) specializes in developing disruptive, next-generation technologies for advanced Unmanned Air Systems (UAS / UAV), advanced radar systems, next-generation weapon systems, and other RF sensor technologies.


Essential Functions:

  • Support development of propulsion subsystem, providing technical guidance to internal engineers as well as external suppliers.
  • Help perform risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for complex projects.
  • Create analyses that support system integration and engineering test efforts of propulsion systems.
  • Develops or champions new systems, concepts, or technologies.
  • Perform trade studies on a variety of systems and components.
  • Analyze data from ground, chamber and flight test efforts.
  • Present results during internal and external program meetings.
  • Responsible for requirements definition, flow-down and traceability for complex electronic systems.
  • Participate in proposal activities both cost and technical.
  • Obtain and maintain any additional clearances as required.
  • Lifting up to 20 lbs.
  • 10% travel may be required.
  • Other duties as required.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant engineering experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related engineering experience.
  • System level design experience in which the applicant has been involved in the design and integration of complex hardware/software systems, the definition of multiple interfaces and been involved in the trades of multiple solution options.
  • Experience being involved in system integration, engineering testing, and system performance characterization.
  • Active Secret Security Clearance.


Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience with and an understanding of aerospace systems, especially in the development of integrated hardware/software products.
  • Strong knowledge of jet engine design, fuel system design, incompressible fluids modeling.
  • Exposure to/experience with engine or fuel system testing.
  • Experience leading a small team to complete assigned program tasking.
  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering.
  • Experience with Matlab, Simulink, LabView, Python, or C/C++/C#.
  • Experience in Control Account Management as part of an Earned Value Management System.
  • Experience in unmanned aircraft or guided weapon systems.
  • Experience with proposal development including generating basis of estimates.
  • Experience in development of use cases developed from customer objectives and concepts of operations.
  • Excellent people skills to include collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
  • Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, & presentation).
  • Experience using Microsoft Office products.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is Min $127,500.00 - $236,500.00 Max. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave,paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time