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Mission Systems Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Mission Systems Test Engineer KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical solutions and expert support to the U.S. Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation, cyber ...

Mission Systems Test Engineer KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical solutions and expert support to the U.S. Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation, cyber ...

The Systems Engineer will be an integral member of the Mission Systems ADP team, driving the definition, integration, verification, and sustainment of complex missioncritical systems. Working across ...

Lead the Avionics/Mission Systems IPT which develops the technical solution for Programs ... Lead System Engineering trade study processes. * Evaluate trade studies for accuracy and ...

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Mission Systems Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$49.8K

$118.5K

$155.6K

How much do mission systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission systems engineer in Texas is $118,520.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $146,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Mission Systems Engineer?

A Mission Systems Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, integrating, and managing complex systems that support the objectives of a mission, often in aerospace, defense, or space exploration projects. They ensure that all technical components work together seamlessly to meet mission requirements, from initial concept through deployment and operation. Their work involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, analyzing system performance, and troubleshooting issues to ensure mission success. Mission Systems Engineers play a critical role in balancing technical capabilities, safety, cost, and schedule constraints.

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

AspectMission Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, often with security clearancesBachelor's or higher in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDefense, aerospace, military projectsVarious industries including tech, manufacturing, aerospace
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and aerospace companiesBroad industry application across sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for specialized military and aerospace rolesMore general engineering roles

The main difference is that Mission Systems Engineers focus on developing and integrating complex systems for defense and aerospace projects, often requiring security clearances. Systems Engineers have a broader scope, working across various industries to design and manage engineering systems. Both roles require similar technical credentials but differ in industry focus and project types.

How do Mission Systems Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Mission Systems Engineers work closely with professionals from various disciplines, such as software developers, hardware engineers, project managers, and operations staff. Throughout the project lifecycle, they facilitate communication between teams to ensure that system requirements are clearly understood and integrated across all components. Their role often involves coordinating technical reviews, troubleshooting integration issues, and ensuring that all subsystems work together to achieve mission objectives. Effective collaboration and strong interpersonal skills are essential, as Mission Systems Engineers often act as the bridge between technical specialists and stakeholders.

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

To thrive as a Mission Systems Engineer, you need a solid grounding in systems engineering, aerospace principles, and mission planning, typically backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools (such as MATLAB or Simulink), requirements management systems, and often security clearances or certifications like INCOSE are important. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and manage complex project requirements. These skills ensure mission success, technical reliability, and seamless integration of systems within demanding aerospace or defense environments.
What are popular job titles related to Mission Systems Engineer jobs in Texas? For Mission Systems Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mission Systems Engineer job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,520 per year, or $57 per hour.

Orion Systems Engineer - Mission Systems

Barrios Technology

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Overview
Half a century ago, humans last walked on the Moon. The next time they do, the systems making it possible will be shaped by people like you. Returning astronauts to the lunar surface, building a sustained presence on the Moon, and keeping humans living and working in low Earth orbit are among the hardest engineering challenges of our generation. This is the work of human spaceflight, and Barrios Technology has been part of it for more than 45 years.
Barrios Technology is a long-standing prime contractor to NASA and a trusted partner across the government and commercial space sectors. We provide engineering, technical integration, and mission support behind some of NASA's most critical human spaceflight programs, including the International Space Station, Orion, and the Space Launch System that will carry the Artemis generation back to the Moon. From low Earth orbit to deep space, our work helps turn the next era of exploration into reality.
We are a people-first company. We invest in your growth, support your work-life balance, and build teams where creativity and diverse perspectives drive mission success. If you are passionate about human space exploration and want to do work that genuinely matters, we need your talent, your teamwork, and your energy on this team.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Orion Systems Engineer to join the team with Barrios, a teammate company!
Responsibilities
The Orion Systems Engineer will:
  • Provide enterprise level leadership for test, planning, development, review, and maintenance of requirements and verification architectures, establishing approaches that influence multiple programs.
  • Shape and guide system lifecycle strategy across major technical reviews, operating at the mission architecture level and influencing decision making with NASA and commercial partners.
  • Anticipate and identify technical, programmatic, and organizational risks; develop strategic risk frameworks; and coach teams in robust risk planning and execution.
  • Lead mission level architecture trade studies and analyses that influence system verification design across hardware, software, and operations domains.
  • Guide the enterprise strategy for the use of requirements and systems engineering tools (DOORS, Cradle, Jama, MBSE toolchains), promoting modernization and integration across programs.
  • Define and oversee requirements strategies, flow-down methodologies, and interface architectures across multiple projects, enabling efficient verification closure and cross-team coordination.
  • Operate as a peer technical authority to program leadership, providing independent technical insight, resolving complex issues, and shaping long term technical direction.
  • Maintain and elevate strategic relationships with NASA executives, commercial customers, and partner organizations, proactively identifying capability gaps and positioning Barrios to address them.
  • Define system test and verification philosophies and strategies across efforts, ensuring alignment with program level verification and validation objectives.
  • Proactively identify enterprise-wide capability needs and lead cross-organizational initiatives, process improvements, and innovative investments.
  • Perform additional high impact assignments that build institutional knowledge and advance Barrios' engineering and verification integration capabilities.

Qualifications
Required Education/Experience/Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution, plus fifteen (15) years of systems engineering experience with recognized authority across multiple domains.
  • Demonstrated subject matter authority in systems engineering processes including requirements, architecture, design, integration, and verification/validation of complex systems.
  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence executive level engineering decisions and articulate technical differentiation to customers and business development organizations.
  • Experience mentoring and developing L3 and L4 engineers, operating at a coaching and capability building level.
  • Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams and cross program initiatives, including technical direction, partnerships, toolset decisions, and capability investments.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong familiarity with enterprise engineering toolsets.

Preferences:
  • Experience supporting Human Space Exploration programs (ISS, Orion, Commercial LEO, or similar) at a mission architecture enterprise verification and integration level.
  • Familiarity with NASA, DoD, and aerospace lifecycle and review processes, with ability to engage effectively at executive and chief engineer levels.
  • Experience driving adoption of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), SysML 2.0, and digital engineering methodologies across programs.
  • Demonstrated leadership in architecture, development, and integration of complex hardware/software systems.
  • Experience guiding design, assembly, verification, testing, and operation of space hardware; recognized for depth of institutional knowledge in flight hardware development.
  • Expertise in concept development, CONOPS, architecture definition, and V&V strategy at the organizational scale.
  • Deep understanding of space system certification processes and experience shaping certification strategies.
  • Familiarity with Design for Sustainment and ability to influence long term sustainment focused engineering decisions.
  • Experience with NASA JSC Flight Hardware Life Cycle, Certification, and Engineering processes, including mentoring others in navigating them.
  • Working knowledge of NASA, JSC, and ISS standards, including safety, fault tolerance, and specialized engineering disciplines.
  • Strong foundational knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, design documentation, materials, and engineering toolsets, with ability to mentor others across disciplines.
  • Familiarity with NASA/JSC documentation systems, SharePoint environments, and typical SE software products.
  • INCOSE CSEP certification or equivalent.
  • Master's degree in systems Engineering or related discipline.

Essential Requirements
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.
  • Applicant selected may be subject to government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Work may involve sitting for extended periods.
  • May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lb.
  • Must have sufficient mobility to enter areas of test facilities where necessary.
  • Generally, an office environment but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
  • Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.)
  • Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical.
  • Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements when required.
  • Must be able to work in a team atmosphere.
  • Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
  • Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
  • This position may require some commuting and traveling to other installations as needed.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity; for immediate consideration, apply now!
Barrios Technology is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in several states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.
Barrios Technology is an Equal Employment Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.