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Mission Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing

Senior Mission / Systems Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most ...

Loft Federal

Principal Mission Systems Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

$180K - $235K/yr

As a Mission System Engineer, you'll embark on a dynamic journey, working with business development and program management teams to shape multiple satellite missions simultaneously, each boasting a ...

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Mission Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do mission systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 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.
More about Mission Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Mission Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Mission Systems Engineer job openings:
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Mission Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

IronMountain Solutions

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

501601 Senior Mission Systems Engineer
Work Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Schedule: Full Time
Relocation: Negotiable
IronMountain Solutions is currently seeking a highly qualified and experienced Senior Mission Systems Engineer to support a government customer in the Huntsville, AL area. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated leader capable of operating with minimal supervision, building strong relationships across multiple project offices, and managing complex technical programs from concept through fielding.
Education and General Experience:
  • Possess a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 12 years' experience in a technical field related to Army Aviation.
  • Demonstrated experience in senior-level program execution, from concept design to product integration and obtaining Airworthiness Release.
  • Extensive background in technical project management, weapons integration, and Launched Effects (LE) integration.
  • Expert knowledge of aircraft systems and formal systems engineering processes, including requirement development, analysis, and verification.
  • Understanding of aircraft mission systems, including navigation, communication, sensor suites (e.g., EO/IR, Radar), and electronic warfare systems.
  • Experience with Modular Open Systems Approaches (MOSA), including standards like Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) and Open Mission Systems (OMS).
  • Familiarity with military data bus architectures (e.g., MIL-STD-1553) and Ethernet-based data networks.
  • Experience working on Army Aviation development programs and supporting government Project Management Offices (PMO) is highly desired. A background in Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA) is a plus.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills are required to facilitate coordination with government leadership, prime contractors, and cross-functional teams.

Job Duties:
  • Serve as the Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, responsible for the strategic management of development, integration, and sustainment programs.
  • Act as the primary technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the integration of mission equipment, including conventional weapon systems (e.g., bomb racks, rocket pods, cannons), Launched Effects (LE), and aircraft survivability equipment (e.g., flare dispensers, radar warning).
  • Lead coordination efforts between key government stakeholders, including the Army Future Concepts Directorate (FCD), Project Manager Uncrewed Aerial Systems (PM UAS), and other major aviation platform organizations.
  • Develop and manage comprehensive program acquisition strategies, program cost and schedule estimates, and program risk assessments and mitigations.
  • Oversee the development and execution of all documentation for Contracts Requirements Packages (CRPs), including Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Contracts Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), and Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs).
  • Serve as the lead technical evaluator for contractor proposals and ensure prime contractor performance meets all technical, schedule, and cost requirements.
  • Collaborate with prime contractors, vendors, and government airworthiness and test organizations to define, resource, and execute a clear path to qualification and safety confirmation for new and modified configurations.
  • Brief senior government management on the status, progress, and risks of all assigned projects on a regular basis.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use tools or controls; normal physical activity (reach with hands and arms; climb stairs); and communicate effectively with all levels of employees and leadership. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 25 pounds.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Must currently hold a Secret level security clearance; a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance is desired.
  • Must be able to commit to job-related travel (up to 25%).

IronMountain Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer

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