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Lead Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Lead Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

SAIC has an immediate opening for an innovative Lead Systems Engineering Technical Advisor (SETA) to provide direct customer support on a critical development effort. This opportunity is part of a ...

Ad Hoc LLC

Lead Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Lead Systems Engineer Job number 885 This is a remote position. Ad Hoc is a technology company that empowers organizations to deliver scalable, impactful digital services. Using modern, agile methods ...

Xcellent Technology

Lead Systems Engineer

Suitland, MD · On-site

Lead Systems Engineer (United States Census Bureau) Creating a culture dedicated to modernization and collaboration while providing actionable, reliable data is at the center of innovation in all ...

AST SpaceMobile

Lead Systems Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

Serve as Systems Engineer Lead on assigned programs, owning technical direction from requirements definition through verification and validation * Develop, maintain, and track technical budgets (mass ...

AST SpaceMobile

Lead Systems Engineer

Lanham, MD

Serve as Systems Engineer Lead on assigned programs, owning technical direction from requirements definition through verification and validation * Develop, maintain, and track technical budgets (mass ...

Intrepid

Lead Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

... Lead Systems Engineer to support NAVSEA from SPA's office in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will support NAVSEA and be responsible for developing, fielding, and sustaining operationally ...

AnaVation

Lead Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

AnaVation is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As Lead, you will represent the engineering team in customer meetings, plan ...

AnaVation LLC

Lead Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

AnaVation is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As Lead, you will represent the engineering team in customer meetings, plan ...

AnaVation LLC

Lead Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

They are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to represent the engineering team in customer meetings, plan Agile Development commitments, drive technology roadmaps, and mentor engineers while supporting ...

AnaVation

Lead Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

AnaVation is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As Lead, you will represent the engineering team in customer meetings, plan ...

AnaVation LLC

Lead Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

They are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to represent the engineering team in customer meetings, drive technology roadmaps, and mentor engineers while working with AWS cloud services and supporting ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Systems Engineer JobsLead Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington

Lead Systems Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$103.1K

$225.8K

$286.5K

How much do lead systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead systems engineer in Washington is $225,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $189,100.00 and $286,500.00 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 Washington? The most popular types of Lead Systems Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Systems Engineer jobs in Washington? For Lead Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Systems Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Systems Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Systems Engineer jobs in WA? For Lead Systems Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Systems Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $225,757 per year, or $108.5 per hour.

Lead Systems Engineer

SAIC

Sterling, VA • On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 230 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
Are you a highly motivated Systems Engineer looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact? SAIC has an immediate opening for an innovative Lead Systems Engineering Technical Advisor (SETA) to provide direct customer support on a critical development effort. This opportunity is part of a dynamic team where your analytical expertise and solution-oriented mindset will drive key system development projects from inception through delivery. Join SAIC and lead the charge in a pivotal role that rewards initiative and innovation. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about driving projects to success, we want to hear from you!
  • Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop system requirements in collaboration with SMEs and stakeholders
  • Analyze mission-level objectives and translate into clear, stakeholder-oriented operational plans (CONOPS)
  • Strategically review developer's systems designs throughout all phases, including conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs
  • Collaborate on verification and validation test plans and reviews to ensure systems meet customer objectives
  • Provide insightful status reports, risk assessments, and identification of opportunities for multiple customer stakeholders
  • Proactively monitor and manage project schedules to ensure timely delivery
  • Assist in crafting project review briefings for executive-level milestone presentations
  • Foster collaborative relationships through timely, precise communication with customer and contractor stakeholders
  • Represent the customer with authority and expertise during key test events

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Must currently hold a TS/SCI and Poly in order to be considered
  • Bachelor's Degree with 9 or more years of technical experience
  • Demonstrated experience serving as the Lead Systems Engineer on a complex development project involving hardware and software
  • Experience with gathering and implementing system requirements
  • Ability to multi-task on large complex IT efforts
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized
  • Strong oral and written communication skills

Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with tracking requirements and needs using customer applications/tools
  • 10 or more years of working in the IC
  • Experience working the development of autonomous vehicles

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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