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Lead Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

The Lead Systems Engineer will ensure that systems engineering effort is within budget and that Systems Engineering objectives are achieved. This Lead Systems Engineer will develop and manage systems ...

The Lead Systems Engineer will ensure that systems engineering effort is within budget and that Systems Engineering objectives are achieved. This Lead Systems Engineer will develop and manage systems ...

The Lead Systems Engineer will ensure that systems engineering effort is within budget and that Systems Engineering objectives are achieved. This Lead Systems Engineer will develop and manage systems ...

The Lead Systems Engineer serves as the technical authority for assigned efforts, providing engineering leadership, establishing the technical baseline, mentoring engineering teams, and serving as ...

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across the design, development, integration, testing, implementation, and sustainment of complex systems supporting ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$73.90 - $121.94/hr

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across the design, development, integration, testing, implementation, and sustainment of complex systems supporting ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$101.94 - $168.07/hr

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across the design, development, integration, testing, implementation, and sustainment of complex systems supporting ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$73.90 - $121.94/hr

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across the design, development, integration, testing, implementation, and sustainment of complex systems supporting ...

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across the design, development, integration, testing, implementation, and sustainment of complex systems supporting ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$116K - $145K/yr

Auria is looking to hire a Lead Systems Engineer to support HADES. This opening requires full-time presence in Kirtland AFB, NM The Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems (HADES ...

Auria is looking to hire a Lead Systems Engineer to support HADES. This opening requires full-time presence in Kirtland AFB, NM The Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems (HADES ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Suitland, MD · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Lead Systems Engineer (Job #1071) Location: Suitland, MD -- Must be in person. U.S. Citizenship is required. We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level Lead Systems Engineer to plan ...

New

Lead Systems Engineer Job #1071 U.S. Citizenship is required Must be in person in Suitland, MD We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level Lead Systems Engineer to plan, coordinate, and ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer - Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer (Req 2) Department: Engineering Reports To: Program Manager and Engineering Director FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-time Salary Range: $125,000 ...

Lead Systems Engineer Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization: US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust is required Salary Range ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer - Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer (Req 2) Department: Engineering Reports To: Program Manager and Engineering Director FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-time Salary Range: $125,000 ...

The Lead Systems Engineer (LSE) has ownership and responsibility over the requirements, verification, and validation (RV&V) efforts. The LSE is responsible for execution of day-to-day SE process ...

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Lead Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$91K

$199.3K

$253K

How much do lead systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead systems engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Systems Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in systems architecture, network administration, and troubleshooting, usually backed by a degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Linux/Windows operating systems, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and certifications such as CISSP or CompTIA are often required. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills enable effective team coordination and successful project delivery. These skills are vital for designing robust systems, ensuring reliability, and driving innovation within technical teams.

How does a lead systems engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Lead Systems Engineer plays a central role in coordinating with cross-functional teams such as software developers, network specialists, project managers, and QA engineers. They facilitate clear communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring requirements are well-understood and that implementation stays on track. Lead Systems Engineers often organize and lead design reviews, troubleshoot integration challenges, and mediate technical decisions to align with overall business goals. This collaborative approach is essential for delivering complex system solutions efficiently and effectively.

What is the difference between Lead Systems Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectLead Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Engineering, certifications like INCOSE, PMP often preferredBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLeading projects, coordinating teams, overseeing system design and integrationSupporting system development, testing, and implementation tasks
Employer & IndustryTechnology, aerospace, defense, manufacturing companiesSimilar industries, often within larger engineering teams
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, project management, advanced responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level system design and support roles

The main difference between a Lead Systems Engineer and a Systems Engineer lies in their responsibilities and leadership scope. Lead Systems Engineers oversee project coordination, team management, and system integration, often requiring additional certifications and experience. Systems Engineers focus on supporting system development and testing. Both roles are vital in engineering projects, but the Lead role emphasizes leadership and strategic oversight.

What does a lead systems engineer do?

A Lead Systems Engineer oversees the design, integration, and management of complex systems within an organization. They coordinate teams, ensure system reliability and security, and often serve as the primary technical point of contact for projects. Their responsibilities include evaluating system requirements, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that all components work harmoniously. Lead Systems Engineers also mentor junior staff and collaborate with other departments to ensure project success.
More about Lead Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Systems Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Lead Systems Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Systems Engineer jobs? The top employers for Lead Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Systems Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $199,327 per year, or $95.8 per hour.

Lead Systems Engineer

Leidos

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 482 rated business services


Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Leidos’ Defense Systems Land Systems is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to join a team developing a interceptor system, where this Lead Systems Engineer will supervise the technical work of other systems engineers and manage the output/report on progress of up to five other individuals to Program Leadership. The Lead Systems Engineer will ensure that systems engineering effort is within budget and that Systems Engineering objectives are achieved. This Lead Systems Engineer will develop and manage systems engineering artifacts, including Requirements Specifications, Verification Plans, Verification Results, and SE-related action item tracking/burndown. Additionally, this Lead Systems Engineer will serve as a technical liaison with customer representatives. This position is highly visible to assist in delivering new capability for an innovative and revolutionary sensor system.

The Lead Systems Engineer will work in a matrixed organization, which supports multiple programs at once in a variety of engineering fields with all different team environments. When the interceptor program ends, the Lead Systems Engineer will have the opportunity to support a different program in the matrixed engineering portfolio. A candidate with interceptor system development experience, as well as experience in other systems engineering areas such as Model-Based Systems Engineering, Safety Engineering, and Reliability Analysis will be treated preferentially. However, a strong background in traditional systems engineering and technical leadership is what is required for this position.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here!

Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today!

Basic Qualifications.

•A Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent degree from an ABET-accredited university with 8+ years of experience or an MS with 6+ years.

•Experience in deriving and managing requirements for complex electrical, electro-mechanical, mechanical, and software systems.

•Experience creating verification and test plans, and coordinating system integration and test activities to support verification of system level requirements.

•Basic understanding of interceptor systems

•Experience leading cross-discipline and product teams

•Demonstrated experience effectively communicating within a team environment, including leading and conducting Technical Design Reviews

•Resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area.

•Active DoD Secret clearance. (U.S. Citizenship is required)

Preferred Qualifications.

Preference shown to candidates who possess a Master of Science in System Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.

Preferred candidates will also have experience and/or working knowledge with:

•Requirements management tools, such as DOORS, JAMA, or Cameo/MagicDraw.

•Demonstrated experience effectively leading a team of engineers.

•Demonstrated experience accurately estimating the engineering effort (i.e. hours) associated with Systems Engineering tasks.

•Understanding of the DoD acquisition processes and methods

•Experience supporting one or more DoD programs

•Object Management Group (OMG) Certified System Modeler Professional (OCSMP) certification

•INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification (ASEP or CSEP)

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 24, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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