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Graduate Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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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 29, 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.
Specialist, EO/IR Systems Engineer (Top Secret Clearance)

Specialist, EO/IR Systems Engineer (Top Secret Clearance)

Harris Corporation

Herndon, VA

$92.50K - $171.50K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 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: Specialist, EO/IR Systems Engineer (Top Secret Clearance)
Job Code: 35901
Job Location: On-site in Herndon, VA
Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)
Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants
Job Description:
This position provides mission engineering support services for a Washington, DC based customer.
The candidate will need to have in depth knowledge associated with use and performance of the L3Harris developed systems and products (both hardware and software). The candidate will be monitoring and trending system performance and must be able to recognize and respond to anomalous conditions.The individual is expected to be able to use the application of advanced engineering standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques to solve complex problems associated with spaceflight hardware.
The candidate will need to work independently to resolve a wide range of engineering problems, requiring collaboration with all required disciplines (mechanical, optical, electrical, software, etc.). This position requires continuous communication of technical issues, risks, opportunities and status with respect to L3Harris supplied products. There is daily interaction with teammates and customers to ensure mission success.
Essential Functions:
  • Provide Mission Operations support to current L3Harris products.
  • Help develop and verify mission CONOPs as well as drive current CONOPS to successful program execution.
  • The candidate will be working with L3Harris off-site factory support as well as on-site based customers in a fast paced, multi-company environment.
  • There is an on-call component to this position and occasional surge or shift work

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Physics, or other related scientific discipline and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
  • Active Top Secret security clearance
  • Minimum of 2 years relevant systems engineering background
  • Included in the relevant systems engineering work is a minimum of 2 years' relevant experience with space systems and/or sensor systems technology design, manufacture, integration, test
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Matlab

Preferred Additional Skills:
  • Background in EO/IR or imaging systems design is highly desired
  • Familiarity with Linux
  • Familiarity with ground telemetry & commanding software and mission scheduling software
  • Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, ability to interact with a cross functional team, act as customer interface
  • Disciplined approach to procedural and program documentation of processes and results
  • Ability to collaborate across all levels of leadership

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 $92,500.00 - $171,500.00 . 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.
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. 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 .

Harris Computer Systems logo

About Harris Computer Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris Computer Systems, based in Ottawa, ON, CA, is an established player in the field of public sector software technology. Since its inception in 1976, the company has been striving to make clients' operations more efficient through reliable, practical, and flexible software solutions. Its extensive portfolio primarily serves utility, healthcare, public sector, and educational institutions, contributing to the betterment of public services through technology. Harris strongly believes in the value of forward-thinking technology and the power it has to drive progress for the public sector. This methodology is entirely in line with their mission to ensure customer success by providing reliable, practical, and robust software solutions.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Ottawa, ON, CA

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