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Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer Position Overview The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer ... Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical ...

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer Position Overview The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer ... Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical ...

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer Position Overview The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer ... Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical ...

BCI Inc

Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

... Combat Systems Engineering. BCI's work force of employees and consultants includes human factors engineers, operational engineers and former naval officers and enlisted subject matter experts. Job ...

BCI Inc

Systems Engineer, Senior

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

... Combat Systems Engineering. BCI's work force of employees and consultants includes human factors engineers, operational engineers and former naval officers and enlisted subject matter experts. Job ...

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Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer information

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$21.5K

$91.4K

$181K

How much do naval combat systems engineering officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for naval combat systems engineering officer in the United States is $91,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officers when integrating new technology into existing ship systems?

Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, minimizing downtime during upgrades, and maintaining operational readiness. They must coordinate closely with software engineers, technicians, and operations staff to test and validate new equipment while adhering to strict safety and security protocols. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to navigate these complexities, as system integration can impact multiple departments aboard the ship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer, you need a strong background in engineering, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a degree in engineering and completion of military officer training programs. Familiarity with combat systems technologies, radar and sonar systems, weapons control software, and naval command-and-control platforms is essential, along with relevant security clearances. Leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing technical personnel and making quick, high-stakes decisions. These competencies ensure operational readiness, technical reliability, and effective mission execution in demanding maritime environments.

What are Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officers?

Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officers are specialized members of the navy responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and management of a ship's combat systems, including radar, sonar, weapons, and communications equipment. They ensure all systems are functioning efficiently and safely, supervise technical personnel, and play a key role in the ship’s readiness for combat and defense. Their expertise is essential for mission success, as they provide technical leadership and problem-solving skills to address any issues that arise with complex naval technologies.

What is the difference between Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer vs Naval Weapons Systems Officer?

AspectNaval Combat Systems Engineering OfficerNaval Weapons Systems Officer
CredentialsEngineering degree, security clearanceMilitary training, weapons systems certification
Work EnvironmentShipboard, combat systems labsShipboard, weapons control centers
Industry UsageNaval defense, maritime securityNaval combat, weapons operations

Both roles are vital in naval operations, focusing on different technical areas. The Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer specializes in integrating and maintaining combat systems, while the Naval Weapons Systems Officer manages weapons operations and targeting. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path within naval defense.

More about Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer jobs
What job categories do people searching Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer jobs are:
Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer jobs near you

Systems Engineer | Defense Systems Engineering

NERD UP, LLC

Mount Laurel Township, NJ • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About the job

Help engineer operational defense systems that protect U.S. Navy ships and allies around the world. This is an individual contributor role focused on engineering. It's not a software development role, and it's not a people management role. It's for engineers who enjoy understanding complex systems, solving difficult technical problems, and seeing their work become operational.

We're looking for systems engineers who enjoy requirements engineering, systems integration, verification & validation, and solving complex technical problems on operational defense systems.

Whether you're an early-career engineer looking to build a strong systems engineering foundation or an experienced engineer who still enjoys being hands-on, we'd enjoy talking with you.

You'll join a long-tenured engineering team embedded with a major defense prime supporting one of the Navy's most sophisticated operational combat systems. You'll become part of a specialized engineering organization that has supported this customer for nearly two decades. The engineers are treated as integral members of the team rather than as outside contractors, and the company has earned an exceptional reputation for stability, technical excellence, and investing in its engineers. Many members of the team have been there for years because they enjoy the work, the people, and the opportunity to continue growing technically.

If you enjoy figuring out why something doesn't work, tracing it back to the requirements, collaborating across disciplines, and solving complex technical problems, we'd love to talk.

You'll work alongside experienced engineers in an environment where technical collaboration, mentorship, and long-term relationships matter.

Prior experience supporting naval combat systems is welcome but not required.

About the Role

You'll work across multiple phases of the systems engineering lifecycle supporting operational defense programs. Depending on your experience, your responsibilities may include:

  • Requirements development, decomposition, allocation, and traceability
  • Verification & Validation (V&V)
  • Systems Integration and Test
  • Environmental Test & Evaluation (ET&E)
  • Technical investigations and root cause analysis
  • Defect analysis and troubleshooting
  • Working closely with software, hardware, and systems engineering teams
  • Collaborating with senior technical leaders on complex operational defense programs

Qualifications

While 4 10 years of systems engineering experience is typical, we're also interested in exceptional early-career engineers who are eager to learn, as well as experienced engineers who want to remain hands-on and continue solving challenging technical problems.

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or another technical discipline
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Active Secret clearance, recently lapsed clearance eligible for reinstatement, or the ability to obtain one through sponsorship
  • Strong candidates with less experience or more senior candidates who are focused on quality of work and quality of life (and who are eager to return to being hands-on rather than managing) are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills

We're particularly interested in engineers with experience in several of the following:

  • Systems Engineering
  • Requirements Engineering
  • Requirements decomposition
  • Requirements traceability
  • Verification & Validation (V&V)
  • Systems Integration
  • Integration & Test
  • Environmental Test & Evaluation (ET&E)
  • IBM Rational DOORS or DOORS Next Generation
  • Root cause analysis
  • Technical investigations
  • Ability to read C++ or Python to investigate system behavior (you do not need to be a software developer)
  • Requirements management
  • Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, or Rhapsody

Preferred Skills

Experience supporting one or more of the following is a plus (not required):

  • Naval combat systems
  • Missile defense programs
  • Integrated weapon systems
  • Shipboard systems
  • Automated testing
  • MATLAB
  • Cameo or other MBSE tools
  • Containerized environments

This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy understanding complex systems, collaborating across disciplines, and seeing their work become part of operational defense capabilities.

Whether you're building your systems engineering career or you're an experienced engineer looking to continue doing the technical work you enjoy most, you'll work alongside talented engineers, tackle challenging problems, and continue growing in an environment known for its stability, mentorship, and long-term investment in its people.

If you're looking to keep solving technical problems rather than spend your days managing people, and you're excited by the opportunity to work alongside talented engineers on systems that truly matter, we'd love to learn about you.

Featured benefits

401(k), Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Medical insurance, Disability insurance, Tuition assistance, Medical insurance, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, 401(k), Disability insurance, Medical insurance, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, 401(k), Tuition assistance, Medical insurance, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, 401(k), Tuition assistance, Disability insurance, Medical insurance, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, 401(k), Tuition assistance

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