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Lead Systems Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Lead Systems Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$86.6K

$189.7K

$240.7K

How much do lead systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead systems engineer in Indiana is $189,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $158,900.00 and $240,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Systems Engineer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Lead Systems Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Systems Engineer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Systems Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Systems Engineer jobs in IN? For Lead Systems Engineer jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Product Line Chief Engineer Weapon System Integration (WSI)

Product Line Chief Engineer Weapon System Integration (WSI)

V2X

Indianapolis, IN

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


V2X rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 368 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Job Description: V2X Overview: Working across the globe, V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure from base to battlefield. With 120 years of successful mission support, we enhance security, streamline logistics, and improve readiness. Aligned around a shared purpose, our $4.5B company, supported by 16,000 employees, collaborates closely with clients, both domestic and international, to solve complex challenges with integrity, respect, responsibility, and professionalism.


Responsibilities

Role Overview: V2X is seeking a Product Line Chief Engineer within the Weapons System Integration (WSI) Team in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Product Line Chief Engineer (CE) serves as the primary technical authority for assigned defense programs, with full accountability for technical execution, risk posture, and design integrity across the program lifecycle. The CE partners closely with Program Managers, customer technical leadership, and cross-functional teams to ensure delivery of mission-capable, cost-effective, and compliant solutions aligned to customer requirements, V2X technical standards, and contractual obligations.

Key Responsibilities: As a Product Line Chief Engineer, you will:

  • Serve as the technical authority and design owner for assigned programs.
  • Develop, maintain, and control the technical baseline, architecture, interfaces, and design integrity.
  • Lead cross-disciplinary technical teams across systems, software, hardware, cybersecurity, integration, and test.
  • Act as the customer-facing technical lead for design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and program execution.
  • Identify, assess, and manage technical risks throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Collaborate with the Program Manager to ensure technical cost, schedule, and performance objectives are achieved.
  • Lead technical gate reviews and readiness assessments (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
  • Ensure compliance with applicable standards (DoD, MIL-STD, ITAR, cyber compliance, etc.).
  • Lead resolution of critical technical issues impacting program execution or delivery.
  • Provide technical leadership for proposals, including basis of estimate (BOE), architecture development, and capture support.
  • Partner with V2X functional engineering leadership to ensure application of design processes, specialty engineering, and independent technical assessments.

Leadership Competencies:

  • Strategic technical thinker with ability to balance innovation and disciplined execution.
  • Highly collaborative leader able to work across functional teams, customers, and leadership.
  • Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Decisive problem solver with strong ownership of program’s technical posture.

Qualifications

Required Skills

  • Proven technical leadership of multi-disciplinary teams on complex DoD or aerospace programs.
  • Experience with system architecture, design integration, requirements development, and risk management.
  • Proficiency with DoD acquisition lifecycle, systems engineering V-model, and technical review process.

Desired Skills 

  • Prior Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or Lead Systems Engineer experience at a major defense integrator.
  • Experience with rapid prototyping, software-enabled solutions, open architectures, or digital engineering approaches.
    • Experience interfacing with senior defense customers, including Program Executive Officers (PEOs) and Program Management (PM) offices.
    • Familiarity with MIL-STD compliance, safety standards, cybersecurity compliance (RMF, NIST).
    • Active Secret clearance preferred

    Education Requirement

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering discipline with 15+ years of experience in defense system development, emerging engineering leadership, and program execution.

  • Master's degree preferred

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.

#LI-VH1

Qualifications:

Required Skills

  • Proven technical leadership of multi-disciplinary teams on complex DoD or aerospace programs.
  • Experience with system architecture, design integration, requirements development, and risk management.
  • Proficiency with DoD acquisition lifecycle, systems engineering V-model, and technical review process.

Desired Skills 

  • Prior Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or Lead Systems Engineer experience at a major defense integrator.
  • Experience with rapid prototyping, software-enabled solutions, open architectures, or digital engineering approaches.
    • Experience interfacing with senior defense customers, including Program Executive Officers (PEOs) and Program Management (PM) offices.
    • Familiarity with MIL-STD compliance, safety standards, cybersecurity compliance (RMF, NIST).
    • Active Secret clearance preferred

    Education Requirement

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering discipline with 15+ years of experience in defense system development, emerging engineering leadership, and program execution.

  • Master's degree preferred

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.

#LI-VH1

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What V2X employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About V2X

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1945