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Lead Software Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Software Systems Engineer supports the design, development, integration, test, deployment, and sustainment of software systems for advanced space vehicle programs. This position serves as a key ...

SAIC

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Software Systems Engineer supports the design, development, integration, test, deployment, and sustainment of software systems for advanced space vehicle programs. This position serves as a key ...

SAIC

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Software Systems Engineer supports the design, development, integration, test, deployment, and sustainment of software systems for advanced space vehicle programs. This position serves as a key ...

Quantum Space

Software Systems Engineer III

Rockville, MD · On-site

$176K - $209K/yr

Lead the architecture and design of spacecraft software and system-level solutions supporting ... Mentor engineers while promoting systems engineering best practices, software quality, and ...

Chipton Ross

Software Systems Engineer 4

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$166K - $197K/yr

Job #219262 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Software Systems Engineer (Level 4) for a contract ... Lead software development activities in the scaled agile methodology utilizing a DevSecOps ...

Arenatechnologies

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$177K - $209K/yr

SPA has an immediate need for a Software Systems Engineer. Responsibilities SPA is looking for a Software Systems Engineer with Space Domain experience to support a very dynamic and innovative space ...

Amyx, Inc.

Software Systems Engineer

$177K - $209K/yr

The software systems engineer will formulate and define specifications for complex operating software programming applications or modifies/maintains complex existing applications using engineering ...

CACI

Software Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

Job Title: Software Systems Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum ... Lead, manage and groom backlogs at the portfolio level. Maintain and groom roadmaps for various ...

Boeing

Software Systems Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

$163K - $193K/yr

Software Systems Engineer Company: Tapestry - G0G Tapestry Solutions, A Boeing Company, brings over 30 years of industry experience designing, implementing, training, and supporting high-quality ...

Vervic Inc.

Program-Level Software Systems Engineer Labor Location: Huntsville, AL Class: Full Time Position ... The candidate must have good communication skills and ability lead a team of SMEs to accomplish ...

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Lead Software Systems Engineer information

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$91K

$199.3K

$253K

How much do lead software systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software systems engineer in the United States is $199,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,000.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Lead Software Systems Engineer do?

A Lead Software Systems Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of complex software systems. They lead a team of engineers, coordinate project tasks, and ensure that software solutions meet technical and business requirements. This role often involves architectural planning, code reviews, and collaborating with stakeholders to define system functionalities. They also mentor junior engineers and help establish best practices within the development team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Software Systems Engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Software Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in software architecture, systems integration, and programming, usually backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), version control systems (Git), and frameworks for CI/CD, as well as certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, are highly valuable. Effective leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help guide teams and manage complex technical projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering robust, scalable solutions and ensuring successful project outcomes in dynamic environments.

How does a Lead Software Systems Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

As a Lead Software Systems Engineer, you will frequently work alongside product managers, QA specialists, and infrastructure teams to ensure that complex software systems are designed, developed, and deployed efficiently. Effective communication and coordination are vital, as you'll often translate business requirements into technical specifications, facilitate design reviews, and help resolve integration challenges across diverse teams. Success in this role depends on your ability to foster collaboration, balance multiple priorities, and provide technical leadership that guides the team toward project milestones while maintaining system quality and scalability.

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Lead Software Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Software Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $199,327 per year, or $95.8 per hour.

Advanced Software Systems Engineer

Boulder, CO • On-site

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Dynamics Mission Systems, Incexternal

$118K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide architectural recommendations and design inputs for complex software systems supporting national security missions.

  • Participate in all phases of software system development, including requirements analysis, system architecture definition, trade studies, and system integration and testing.

  • Support the generation of technical engineering products and develop software architecture artifacts to communicate system solutions to stakeholders.

General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Basic Qualifications
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
Clearance Requirements:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Top Secret preferred. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:
Developing mission-critical systems that help keep people safe is what we do. At General Dynamics Mission Systems, you'll be part of the team that helps heroes make a true impact. The work we do is important. The challenges we face are career-defining. The opportunity we can offer is one-of-a-kind.
As an Advanced Software Systems Engineer, you will provide architectural recommendations and design inputs to a cross functional team that develops complex software systems that support some of our nation's core defense/intelligence services and systems. General Dynamics Mission Systems employees work closely with esteemed customers to develop solutions that allow them to carry out high-stakes national security missions.
The ideal candidate is a systems engineer with a strong software background and has experience on large solution programs which includes both Hardware and Software. We highly recommend you apply if you have any of the following job experience: Have worked as a Systems Engineer on a complex software system. Or is someone who understands DOD domain/programs well, has a demonstrated capability to think at a Systems Level, and has a growth mindset.
Our Advanced Software Systems Engineers typically work in the following areas:
  • Participate in and/or Lead customer requirements analysis, develop system requirements and define allocations to lower levels (elements and components)
  • Perform functional analysis, performance analysis, system design, detail trade studies, systems integration and test, interface definition studies of subsystem or system elements
  • Support the generation of technical engineering products by using appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle
  • Develop software architecture artifacts that provide a common understanding of the solution behind complex systems to various stakeholders

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND TASKS
  • Participate in and/or lead all phases of software system development by providing technical strategy, operational concept development, system architecture definition, requirements analysis, use cases, trade studies, and leadership throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Participate in new business pursuits by supporting briefings and demonstrations of our capabilities and supporting the proposal development process by preparing solutions, authoring technical content, providing cost estimates, participating in reviews, and helping to deliver the final proposal.
  • Be a clear and enthusiastic communicator to customers, users, subcontractors, and cross functional project teams to define, analyze, and meet project goals. You will coordinate across design, development, test, project leadership, program management, and customer representatives, creating a collaborative environment that focuses on the big picture.
  • Work towards a high-level vision while also understanding the importance of details. You will proactively identify and mitigate risks and define reasonable trade spaces from which the team can operate.
  • Proactively define your own tasks and execute with little oversight. You will accomplish program goals despite obstacles, ambiguity, and changing requirements in a fast-paced environment.
  • Apply systems thinking to software, processes, people, and organizations. You will help harden software and processes into mature, mission-critical, "must-work" products.
  • Participate in and/or lead reviews of software systems and provide input on software design decisions based on your prior experience and familiarity with the problem domain, similar work, or related technologies.
  • Mentor and guide less experienced engineers, because you are motivated to improve our work environment and help others.

Other Beneficial Experience:
  • Use of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to document and support system requirements, design, and analysis.
  • Space domain experience
  • Experience working with, or familiarity with public (AWS, Azure), private (RHOSP, VIO), and mixed cloud environments
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS) technologies such as Identify and Access Management, Kubernetes, Rancher, Docker, or OpenShift
  • Cloud automation tooling such as Ansible, Terraform, Terragrunt, or Packer
  • Experience or familiarity with cyber security practices such as encryption, certificate/key management, patch management, STIG, RMF, or security hardening, and auditing
  • Multi-level security domain expertise (and cross-domain)
  • Experience or familiarity with DevOps concepts and practices

What sets you apart:
  • Creative thinker with demonstrated success leading the systems development life cycle
  • Collaborative team player eager to provide technical leadership and position others for success
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and influence management skills, with notable record of securing buy-in on concepts and ideas
  • Experienced in the art of negotiation with ability to meet challenging customer requirements with win-win solutions
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Our Commitment to You:
  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
This position is flex but requires at least 3-4 days per week of onsite support at the customer's facility in Boulder, CO.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-JH1
Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $118,519.00 - USD $128,241.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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