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Lead Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ampcus Inc

Lead Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

They are seeking a highly skilled lead systems engineer with deep expertise in Google workspace administration to support ongoing merger and acquisition initiatives. The role involves leading the ...

Ampcus Inc

Lead Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

We are seeking a highly skilled lead systems engineer with deep expertise in Google workspace administration to join our growing Information Technology (IT) team. Responsibilities : • Lead ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The MITRE Corporation

Lead Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

As a Lead Mission Engineer, you will support Army sponsors in the development of mission architectures, operational concepts, and system-of-systems solutions that address critical warfighting ...

New

Nava

Lead Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Description of Task to be Performed 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 14, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $225,757 per year, or $108.5 per hour.

Lead Systems Engineer

SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, INC.

Potomac, MD • On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
Comprising more than 130 personnel, the Integrated Warfare Systems Group (IWSG) delivers expertise across program and project management, acquisition and contracting, systems and digital engineering, software development, test and evaluation, sustainment and life‑cycle management, cybersecurity, international/Foreign Military Sales, strategic communications, and IT services. These capabilities support more than 100 Above Water Sensor, Undersea, and Combat System programs and projects within the Navy's Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Mission Systems, Maritime and Munitions, as well as clients at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, and the Office of Naval Research.#MC #KS #DD #FC #Dice
Responsibilities
We are seeking a 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 superior weapons systems / combat systems and performing the full spectrum of systems engineering, modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, life cycle support, combat system integration, and production engineering to provide quality systems engineering and integration for the Department of Defense. Position responsibilities include provision of effective systems engineering and integration for Surface Navy weapons systems in the areas of Air Defense, Missile Defense, and Anti-Surface Warfare including, but not limited to, Standard Missile (SM) variants, Surface Missile Systems, and Vertical Launch System (VLS) across multiple ship classes.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or related technical field.
  • At least fifteen (15) years of experience in conducting detailed, complex engineering activities associated with engineering systems, capabilities, and activities for Surface Navy Weapons Systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with functional and system level requirements analysis, requirements generation, and technical community review, including inter-agency and Joint Service program cooperation and solutions.
  • Demonstrated experience in the development of systems engineering, including the definition, functional allocation, design development, modeling and simulation, testing, integration, and production / life cycle support for military applications.
  • Demonstrated experience with development of total system solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
  • Active DoD TOP SECRET clearance, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in an Engineering or related technical field.
  • Demonstrated experience with Foreign Military Sales (FMS).
  • Demonstrated experience providing technical support for Naval Science & Technology (S&T) and/or Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) programs.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain the top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Salary Range: $170k-200k.
Pay Range Information
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Washington, DC, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $170,000.00/Yr. - USD $200,000.00/Yr.

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