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Graduate Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin II - Sys

Herndon, VA · On-site

$149K - $254K/yr

Undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science or computer engineering. Specific skills may include the following: Required Skillsets: * 11+ years' experience in systems design and engineering

Clark Nexsen

Civil Engineer Graduate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$67K - $76K/yr

A Civil Engineer Graduate will be responsible for assisting in various aspects of the Civil ... Perform hydraulic analysis to evaluation the design of a storm drainage system * Assist with the ...

Virginia Tech

Graduate Advisor

Blacksburg, VA

Mechanical Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Academic Advising / Support The ... Preferred Qualifications Experience with student information systems (banner, etc) or customer ...

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All JobsGraduate Systems Engineer JobsGraduate Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Jul 16, 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 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 does a graduate systems engineer do?

A graduate systems engineer assists in designing, developing, and testing complex technical systems, often working with hardware, software, and network components. They analyze system requirements, support integration efforts, and learn to troubleshoot technical issues under supervision, gaining practical experience in systems engineering processes.

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 can I do with a degree in systems engineering?

A degree in systems engineering prepares individuals for roles such as Graduate Systems Engineer, where they design, analyze, and optimize complex systems across industries like aerospace, defense, and technology. Graduates can work in systems integration, project management, and technical analysis, often using tools like MATLAB or CAD software and pursuing certifications such as INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP).

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and work in high-demand industries like technology or finance.

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 popular job titles related to Graduate Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Graduate Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Graduate Systems Engineer jobs near you
Embedded Systems and Technical SETA

Embedded Systems and Technical SETA

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.
We have an immediate need for an Embedded Systems and Technical SETA to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities
The candidate will perform technology management support of research efforts involving software and hardware platform research and assessment, integration, testing, prototype development, and transition of systems for secure multi-node processing. Provide expert technical advice and guidance to DARPA regarding all aspects of secure, multi-domain computing systems. Execute new concept and new program development with government principals. Explore current state-of-the-art and technical feasibility of new concepts and potential research approaches. Support DoD research programs in terms of technology management, engagement with research performers, deliverable review, and leading regular calls or meetings with research performers on a technical basis. Support testing and evaluation of DoD applied research and advanced technology development of cybersecurity technologies and/or prototypes in an operationally relevant environment. Directly engage with government transition partners (within the DoD and Intelligence Community) and related stakeholders.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in embedded hardware development, embedded systems programming, cybersecurity, and/or computer engineering
  • Active Top Secret clearance
  • Substantial experience in cybersecurity, as applied to embedded hardware systems (e.g. mobile and non-telecom devices, internet of things, and related military and intelligence type equipment)
  • Experience with secure Execution Environments (e.g. TEEs, TPMs) on embedded devices
  • Test & Evaluation experience in cybersecurity red-teaming (to include Counter-Intel style qualitative assessment), and demonstrated ability to 'break' systems, thus exposing design, architecture, and security flaws and identification of technical debt
  • Ability to work with little oversight to achieve team goals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • A high degree of initiative, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability
  • Familiarity with general systems engineering principles for complex systems development
  • Able to report to Arlington, VA full-time in a SCIF environment, based upon client needs

Desired:
  • Graduate/Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with a wide variety of reverse engineering (RE), vulnerability research (VR), offensive cyber, and defense cyber methods and state-of-the-art for embedded systems
  • Experience in experience in testbed development and usage for mixed real/virtual (i.e. Live Virtual Constructive) sets of software and/or hardware nodes
  • Experience in T&E operations planning and execution, i.e. Test Planning, Test Infrastructure, Test Execution and Documentation, Travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations
  • Experience operating in complex, contested, non-benign environments
  • Experience with clandestine or covert operations
  • Experience with cyber operations
  • Experience with Telecommunications (Telco) Operators, and a wide variety of systems
  • Experience working with Special Access Programs (SAPs)/CAPs
  • Experience with Agile development methodologies

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.
Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $170k-$220K

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