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Junior System Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Cornerstone Defense

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Junior Systems Engineer Location: Annapolis Junction, MD Compensation Range: $160 - $180K *Clearance: *Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply * Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the ...

teKnoluxion

Junior System Administrator

Suitland, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Junior System Administrator Suitland, MD Active TS (SCI eligibility) clearance and eligibility to ... systems engineering, software development, and operational support. Bcore accelerates decisive ...

teKnoluxion

Junior System Administrator

Suitland, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Junior System Administrator Suitland, MD Active TS (SCI eligibility) clearance and ... systems engineering, software development, and operational support.Bcore accelerates decisive ...

Chenega Corporation

Jr Systems Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

Summary Jr. System Engineer Vienna, Virginia Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where professional ...

Chenega MIOS

Jr Systems Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

Req ID: 40522 Summary Jr. System Engineer Vienna, Virginia Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where ...

teKnoluxion

Junior System Administrator

Suitland, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Junior System Administrator Suitland, MD Active TS (SCI eligibility) clearance and ... systems engineering, software development, and operational support. Bcore accelerates decisive ...

Solvarus

SIGINT System Engineer - Junior

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The ideal candidate for the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems Engineer Junior will serve as a technical member of a dynamic team providing full lifecycle, end-to-end Systems Engineering and ...

Solvarus

SIGINT System Engineer - Junior

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The ideal candidate for the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems Engineer Junior will serve as a technical member of a dynamic team providing full lifecycle, end-to-end Systems Engineering and ...

Optimus Technology, Inc.

System Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide guidance and mentorship to junior system engineers and other team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging ...

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All JobsSystem Engineer JobsJunior System Engineer JobsJunior System Engineer Jobs in Washington

Junior System Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$27.2K

$96.7K

$167.1K

How much do junior system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior system engineer in Washington is $96,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $99,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior system engineer do?

A Junior System Engineer assists in maintaining and supporting an organization’s IT infrastructure. Their responsibilities typically include installing and configuring hardware and software, monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and providing technical support to users. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure systems run efficiently and securely. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals looking to build foundational skills in systems administration and engineering.

What are some common challenges faced by junior system engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior System Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex IT infrastructures, learning to troubleshoot unfamiliar hardware and software issues, and balancing multiple support requests from different teams. It can take time to become proficient with proprietary systems and tools used by the organization. Collaboration with senior engineers and continuous learning through documentation and hands-on experience are key to overcoming these hurdles and building confidence in the role.

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

To excel as a Junior System Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of computer systems, networking, and operating systems, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with system administration tools, virtualization platforms, and basic scripting languages, as well as certifications like CompTIA or Microsoft MCSA, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and address technical challenges efficiently. These competencies ensure reliable system operation, quick troubleshooting, and seamless support for business technology needs.

What is the difference between Junior System Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectJunior System EngineerNetwork Administrator
Required CertificationsCompTIA A+, Network+, Cisco CCNA (preferred)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or equivalent
Work EnvironmentIT departments, tech companies, supporting system infrastructureNetwork operations centers, corporate IT teams, managing network hardware
Employer & Industry UsageTechnology, finance, healthcare, and other sectors with IT infrastructureOrganizations with complex network systems, ISPs, large enterprises
Common Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, supporting system setup and maintenanceNetwork management, troubleshooting, and security

The Junior System Engineer and Network Administrator roles share overlapping skills in IT support and certifications but focus on different areas. The Junior System Engineer primarily supports overall system infrastructure, while the Network Administrator specializes in managing and securing network systems. Both roles are essential in maintaining organizational IT health and often work closely together in tech environments.

Is a junior system engineer a stressful job?

A junior system engineer role can be stressful due to the need to troubleshoot technical issues, meet project deadlines, and learn new systems quickly. However, stress levels vary depending on the work environment, workload, and support from team members. Developing strong problem-solving skills and gaining certifications can help manage job-related stress.

Is a junior system engineer an entry-level job?

Yes, a junior system engineer is typically an entry-level position that requires basic knowledge of operating systems, networking, and scripting. It often serves as a starting point for those gaining experience in system administration and IT infrastructure, with opportunities to develop skills and certifications such as CompTIA or Microsoft certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of System Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior System Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Junior System Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior System Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior System Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Junior System Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Junior System Engineer job openings:

Junior System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior System Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,734 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Junior System Engineer

Cornerstone Defense

On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

  • Location: Annapolis Junction
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #3947

Title: Junior Systems Engineer
Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Compensation Range: $160 - $180K
*Clearance: *Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply *
Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
Benefits Overview:
Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *
Position Description:
The Systems Engineer supports the design, development, integration, and maintenance of complex technical systems, ensuring they operate reliably and meet organizational needs. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into effective system solutions, troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and maintain thorough technical documentation. The Systems Engineer evaluates system performance, supports lifecycle management, collaborates with vendors when needed, and ensures alignment with industry best practices. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a dynamic technical environment are essential for success in this position.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering and no experience, OR
    • or a closely related technical field (e.g., computer science, mathematics, physics) plus 1 year of relevant experience.

  • Relevant experience must be in engineering systems over their lifecycle (for example, conception, design & development, testing, production, distribution/deployment, operation, maintenance & support, decommissioning).

Responsibilities:
  • Assist in requirements gathering and documentation under guidance from senior engineers.
  • Support development of system specifications and interface designs.
  • Contribute to integration and testing activities, including preparing test data and executing test procedures.
  • Help maintain technical documentation and configuration management records.
  • Participate in modeling and simulation tasks to validate basic system functions.
  • Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot issues and implement minor system updates.
  • L earn and apply engineering fundamentals (e.g., control theory, signal processing, networking) in practical scenarios.

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