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Mission Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mission Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Mobility, Surveillance & Bombers (MS&B) is seeking a Senior Mission Systems Engineer with a focus on ...

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Tukwila, WA ยท On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

Senior Mission Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Mobility, Surveillance & Bombers (MS&B) is seeking a Senior Mission Systems Engineer with a focus on ...

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Tukwila, WA ยท On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

Senior Mission Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Mobility, Surveillance & Bombers (MS&B) is seeking a Senior Mission Systems Engineer with a focus on ...

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site +1

$108K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Mission Systems Engineer , you will play a crucial role in the CONOPs definition, design, development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, and operations of our advanced electro ...

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Jacksonville, FL ยท On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Senior Mission Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Mobility, Surveillance & Bombers (MS&B) is seeking a Senior Mission Systems Engineer with a focus on ...

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Mission Systems Engineer , you will play a crucial role in the CONOPs definition, design, development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, and operations of our advanced electro ...

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA

$108K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Mission Systems Engineer , you will play a crucial role in the CONOPs definition, design, development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, and operations of our advanced electro ...

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site +1

$108K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Mission Systems Engineer , you will play a crucial role in the CONOPs definition, design, development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, and operations of our advanced electro ...

Showing results 21-40

Mission Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do mission systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mission systems engineer?

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.

How does a mission systems engineer 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 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.

More about Mission Systems Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Mission Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Mission Systems Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Mission Systems Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mission Systems Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Mission Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Systems Engineer III - Mission Systems

Protingent

Westminster, CO โ€ข On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description


Job Title: Systems Engineer III - Mission Systems
Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Systems Engineer III - Mission Systems with our client located in Louisville, CO.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Develop and certify Mission Systems, including requirement verification and validation
  • Create test plans, conduct testing, and provide user training and support
  • Develop documentation for design, operations, and training
  • Refine operational concepts and processes
  • Support real-time missions and pre mission simulations
  • Flight Operations end user support
  • Perform general systems engineering and integration tasks
  • Work closely with NASA during all mission preparation and planning
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret, or higher, U.S. Security Clearance may be required.
  • Must pass NASA background check

Job Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 5 or more years of relevant experience. Relevant experience may count towards degree requirement
  • Relevant advanced degree may count towards required years of experience
  • Experience with VMware, Docker, python, RF, Cisco switches, and Palo Alto Firewalls
  • Experience with command and telemetry software (InControl & Amergint | ARKA)
  • Proficient with Linux and Windows operating systems
  • Experience in IT system & network administration, data management, software configuration, and real-time mission support
  • Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
  • Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles
  • This position is based on site at our Louisville location
Nice To Haves:
  • Experience in real-time operations, spacecraft ground systems, and control center operations
  • Experience managing IT applications, systems, and networking
  • Experience with requirements management and system modelling tools, such as DOORS, Rhapsody, NoMagic, MATLAB
  • Practical knowledge of industry standard mechanical design principles, to include, but not limited to requirements management, Model Based System Engineering (MBSE)
  • Knowledge of ground to space communication systems and control center development
  • Proficiency in Jira and Confluence
  • Experience or certification in INCOSE standards
  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
  • Ability to administer baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting, including the use of high impact trade studies and other measures
  • Exposure to establishing and tracking key Technical Performance Measurements (TPM)

Job Details:
  • Job Type: Direct Hire.
  • Pay Range: $119,064 - $163,713.
  • Location: Louisville, CO (Onsite).
  • Required US Citizenship -May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level.

About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation - from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We're passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.
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