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Sme Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title SME System Network Engineer Location San Diego, CA 22400 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Staff Education Bachelor's Degree ...

SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May 2027 and requires a commitment to work full-time ... You may also assist SME engineering staff in performing field evaluations and quality control ...

Civil Engineering Co-op - Spring 2027

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May 2027 and requires a commitment to work full-time ... You may also assist SME engineering staff in performing field evaluations and quality control ...

Civil Engineering Co-op - Spring 2027

Kirtland, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May 2027 and requires a commitment to work full-time ... You may also assist SME engineering staff in performing field evaluations and quality control ...

SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May 2027 and requires a commitment to work full-time ... You may also assist SME engineering staff in performing field evaluations and quality control ...

Civil Engineering Co-op - Spring 2027

Hilliard, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May and requires a commitment to work full-time though ... You may also assist SME engineering staff in performing field evaluations and quality control ...

Showing results 21-40

SME Engineer information

See salary details

$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do sme engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for sme engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sme Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectSme EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or bachelor's in engineering or related fieldBachelor's or master's in mechanical engineering or related discipline
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, or service industriesDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, R&D labs
Industry UsageUsed in industries like manufacturing, maintenance, and service sectorsCommon in automotive, aerospace, energy, and machinery sectors
Job FocusSpecialized technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenanceDesign, analysis, and development of mechanical systems

While both roles require technical knowledge, Sme Engineers focus on supporting and maintaining specific systems within industries, whereas Mechanical Engineers are involved in designing and developing mechanical components and systems. The choice depends on whether you prefer hands-on technical support or engineering design work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an SME engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an SME (Subject Matter Expert) Engineer, you need deep technical expertise in your engineering discipline, a relevant engineering degree, and industry-specific knowledge. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry regulations or certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies enable SME Engineers to provide authoritative guidance, drive innovation, and ensure project success within complex technical environments.

What is an SME engineer?

An SME Engineer, or Subject Matter Expert Engineer, is a professional with specialized knowledge and expertise in a particular technical field or industry. They provide guidance, support, and solutions for complex engineering problems, often acting as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders. SME Engineers are relied upon for their in-depth understanding of specific processes, technologies, or products, and they play a crucial role in project development, troubleshooting, and decision-making.

How does an SME engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a SME (Subject Matter Expert) Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a core part of the role. You will often work closely with product managers, designers, quality assurance, and other engineering teams to ensure technical accuracy and feasibility throughout a project. This involves attending regular meetings, providing expert guidance, reviewing technical documentation, and offering solutions for complex problems. Effective communication and the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders are essential for success in these collaborative environments.
More about SME Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Sme Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Sme Engineer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Sme Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sme Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sme Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Directed Energy Laser Subject Matter Expert (SME) Engineer

Boeing

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Directed Energy Laser Subject Matter Expert (SME) Engineer
Company:
The Boeing Company
The Boeing Company is seeking a highly experienced Directed Energy (DE) Laser Subject Matter Expert (SME) Engineer to lead technical strategy, system design, integration, and test activities for advanced laser weapon and electro-optical systems. The ideal candidate will provide authoritative technical guidance across concept development, prototyping, fielding, and sustainment of high-energy laser (HEL) systems on aerospace, maritime, and ground platforms. This role interfaces with multidisciplinary engineering teams, program managers, government stakeholders, and external partners.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the technical authority for HEL system architecture, beam control, optical design, and power/thermal management throughout system lifecycle.
  • Lead requirements derivation, system trade studies, risk assessments, and design reviews.
  • Develop and validate models, simulations, and performance predictions for propagation, atmospheric effects, and target interaction.
  • Define and direct integration and test plans, including lab demonstrations, field tests, and operational evaluations.
  • Provide guidance on safety, laser hazard analysis (LHAL), and compliance with applicable standards (e.g., ANSI Z136, MIL-STD, STANAG).
  • Collaborate with systems engineering, controls, optics, power electronics, thermal, and mechanical teams to ensure subsystem compatibility and system margin.
  • Mentor junior engineers, set technical direction, and capture lessons learned and best practices.
  • Support proposal development, technical briefs, and customer engagements; prepare technical reports and presentations.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging DE technologies, countermeasures, and regulatory/policy changes.
  • Represent the organization in cross-industry working groups, technical conferences, and with government customers as needed.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science
  • 20 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in directed energy or high-power laser systems development, integration, and test.
  • Experience in one or more of the following: high-energy solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, chemical lasers, beam combining, adaptive optics, beam control, pointing/tracking, laser-target interaction, or laser safety.
  • Experience with system-level requirements, modeling and simulation (optical propagation, thermal management, structural dynamics), and test execution in relevant environments.
  • Experience with power generation/distribution, thermal control, and electro-optical system integration on airborne, naval, or ground platforms.
  • Experience conducting laser hazard analyses and implementing laser safety controls and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • MS/PhD with thesis or publications in optics, lasers, or related fields.
  • Prior experience with weaponization, safety certification, and operational deployment of HEL systems.
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD development, DO-178/DO-254 interaction for avionics integration, and Government acquisition processes.
  • Experience with high-fidelity optical/atmospheric propagation tools (e.g., MODTRAN, WaveTrain, FRED) and control-system simulation (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and mentoring early-career engineers.
  • Proven problem-solving skills and ability to decompose complex system issues into actionable engineering tasks.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical material to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Advanced optics and photonics knowledge.
  • Systems engineering and architecture skills.
  • Modeling & simulation proficiency.
  • Test & evaluation planning and execution.
  • Laser safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Effective stakeholder communication and leadership.
  • Strong project and risk management capabilities.

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Relocation: This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.
Pay & Benefits:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary Pay Range (Subject Matter Expert - Level 6): $197,200 - $266,800
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
Export Control Requirement:
This is not an Export Control position.
Safety Sensitive:
This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.
Security Clearance:
This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)
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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
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