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Lead Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Lead, Systems Engineer

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

Lead, Systems Engineer Job Req: 36585 Job Location: Palm Bay, FL Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off The Lead ...

SAIC

Lead Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · Hybrid

$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 ...

Curtisswright

Lead Systems Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

Lead Systems Engineer - Defense - Onsite Position Our Santa Clarita, CA facility has rewarding opportunity for a Lead Systems Engineer to join our team! As our Lead Systems Engineer you will be at ...

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 ...

Curtiss-Wright

Lead Systems Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

Lead Systems Engineer - Defense - Onsite Position Our Santa Clarita, CA facility has rewarding opportunity for a Lead Systems Engineer to join our team! As our Lead Systems Engineer you will be at ...

Curtiss-Wright

Lead Systems Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$108K - $145K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer - Defense - Onsite Position Our Santa Clarita, CA facility has rewarding opportunity for a Lead Systems Engineer to join our team! As our Lead Systems Engineer you will be at ...

Leidos

Lead Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer - Ground-Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) Location: Colorado Springs, CO Make a Meaningful Impact at Leidos At Leidos , we deliver innovative solutions through the dedication of ...

Peraton

Lead Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO

... Lead Systems Engineer / Systems Engineer will lead systems engineering, integration, sustainment engineering, and digital engineering activities supporting mission-critical NORAD and USSPACECOM ...

Ad Hoc

Lead Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · Remote

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 ...

Curtiss-Wright

Lead Systems Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA

$108K - $145K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer - Defense - Onsite Position Our Santa Clarita, CA facility has rewarding opportunity for a Lead Systems Engineer to join our team! As our Lead Systems Engineer you will be at ...

Leidos

Lead Systems Engineer

$131K - $237K/yr

The Lead Systems Engineer directs the technical team throughout the prototype lifecycle and serves as the primary technical authority responsible for ensuring all technologies, subsystems ...

Peraton

Lead Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

... Lead Systems Engineer / Systems Engineer will lead systems engineering, integration, sustainment engineering, and digital engineering activities supporting mission-critical NORAD and USSPACECOM ...

Peraton

Lead Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

... Lead Systems Engineer / Systems Engineer will lead systems engineering, integration, sustainment engineering, and digital engineering activities supporting mission-critical NORAD and USSPACECOM ...

New

Hologic Inc.

Lead Systems Engineer

Newark, DE · On-site

$119K - $186K/yr

The Lead Systems Engineer is responsible for owning and driving the system-level definition, integration, and verification of capital/hardware equipment. This role provides technical leadership ...

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 ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Systems Engineer

Greenville, TX · On-site

Lead, Systems Engineering Job Code: 40818 Job Location: Greenville, TX Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off The Lead ...

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Lead Systems Engineer information

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$91K

$199.3K

$253K

How much do lead systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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, 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.
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Lead Systems Engineer jobs near you

Lead, Systems Engineer

L3HHCM20

Palm Bay, FL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Lead, Systems Engineer
Job Req: 36585
Job Location: Palm Bay, FL
Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off
Job Description:
The Lead, Systems Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for architecting mission concepts, defining system requirements, and developing CONOPS, use cases, and systemsengineering artifacts across the full system lifecycle. This role provides consultativelevel technical direction and guides multidisciplinary teams in delivering missioncritical, endtoend system solutions. The engineer works in complex mission environments, collaborates closely with product owners and engineering teams, and ensures system architectures meet evolving mission needs.

Key Responsibilities:
Architect mission concepts, system solutions, CONOPS, and use cases across the full lifecycle.

Define, decompose, allocate, and manage systemlevel requirements and traceability.
Provide consultativelevel technical direction across engineering teams.
Lead system design, implementation, system integration, and endtoend verification and validation (V&V), including lab infrastructure and crossteam coordination.
Conduct systemlevel trade studies and allocate performance and functional requirements across software, firmware, and hardware.
Produce and maintain system architecture diagrams, interface drawings, and related engineering artifacts.
Analyze system performance, generate supporting data, identify rootcause issues and trends, and lead Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA).
Support design reviews, readiness reviews, proposals, and customer and internal presentations.
Collaborate with product owners to capture evolving mission requirements and refine system concepts.
Influence technical direction, engineering decisions, and crossteam alignment through strong communication and leadership.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Active TS/SCI with Poly clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong background in requirements definition and systems architecture.
  • Ability to quickly learn and understand customer missions and assist in developing CONOPS.
  • Experience with Digital Engineering / MBSE tools (Cameo, SysML).
  • Familiarity with defense development lifecycles, milestone review processes, gated development practices, and INCOSE standards.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proficiency across mechanical, electrical, RF, software, and hardware engineering domains.
  • Experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
  • Background in Agile development processes and rapid mission onboarding.
  • Ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

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