ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Distributed Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

SAIC

DevSecOps Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

... complex, distributed systems. You will work closely with government partners, development ... Craft and deliver concise technical briefings to senior leaders , stakeholders, and diverse ...

Zel Technologies

Sr. Systems Engineer-MBSE

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Support the development of vehicle control, power control, power conversion, and power distribution ... Apply systems engineering and project management processes, including requirements development and ...

GDIT

Senior Systems Engineer

Langley, VA · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Assess system feasibility, performance, and interoperability across distributed environments ... Advise senior leadership on integration priorities, risks, and modernization strategies.

VTG

Sr Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site +1

$109K - $149K/yr

Senior-level Systems Engineers guide engineering teams in taking a multi-discipline approach to requirements engineering, solutions engineering, scheduling, reliability, resiliency, services ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSenior Distributed Systems Engineer JobsSenior Distributed Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Distributed Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$55.5K

$123.7K

$174.5K

How much do senior distributed systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior distributed systems engineer in Virginia is $123,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,600.00 and $141,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Distributed Systems Engineer vs Cloud Solutions Architect?

AspectSenior Distributed Systems EngineerCloud Solutions Architect
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related, experience with distributed systemsBachelor's/Master's in CS, IT, or related, cloud certifications (AWS, Azure)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and maintaining distributed systems in tech companiesDesigning cloud infrastructure solutions for clients or internal teams
Industry UsageTech, finance, e-commerce, and enterprise sectorsIT consulting, cloud service providers, enterprise IT departments

The Senior Distributed Systems Engineer focuses on building and optimizing distributed computing systems, while the Cloud Solutions Architect designs cloud infrastructure solutions. Both roles require technical expertise and often overlap in cloud environments, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Distributed Systems Engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in cloud infrastructure, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives in large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

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

A Senior Distributed Systems Engineer requires deep expertise in computer science fundamentals, scalable system architecture, and proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Go, or Python, often supported by a relevant degree and significant experience in distributed systems. Familiarity with tools like Kubernetes, Docker, Kafka, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) is typically expected, along with knowledge of monitoring and CI/CD pipelines. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help in tackling complex engineering challenges and collaborating across teams. These skills are crucial for designing robust, scalable, and reliable systems that support organizational growth and high availability.

What is the role of a DCS engineer?

A DCS (Distributed Control System) engineer designs, implements, and maintains control systems used in industrial processes, ensuring reliable and efficient operation. They work with automation tools, programming languages, and system integration to optimize plant performance and safety.

How much do distributed systems engineers make?

Distributed systems engineers typically earn between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior roles with specialized skills in cloud platforms, programming, and system architecture can command higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000.

What are some common challenges Senior Distributed Systems Engineers face when designing scalable systems?

Senior Distributed Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing data consistency, ensuring fault tolerance, and minimizing latency across multiple nodes. Balancing trade-offs between availability and partition tolerance (as outlined by the CAP theorem) is a frequent consideration. Additionally, coordinating between development and operations teams to maintain system reliability and efficiently resolve issues that arise in production environments is crucial. Strong communication skills and a deep understanding of distributed architectures help address these complexities effectively.

What are Senior Distributed Systems Engineers?

Senior Distributed Systems Engineers are experienced professionals who design, build, and maintain large-scale computing systems that run across multiple machines or locations. They focus on ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance of distributed applications, often dealing with challenges like data consistency, fault tolerance, and network latency. These engineers typically have deep expertise in distributed computing principles, programming languages, and cloud infrastructure. They also mentor junior team members and help architect robust solutions for complex technical problems.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior distributed systems engineers, software engineers in specialized fields like machine learning or cloud infrastructure, and senior roles in high-demand tech companies often earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and expertise in distributed architectures, scalable systems, and relevant tools such as Kubernetes or cloud platforms.
What are the most commonly searched types of Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Distributed Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Distributed Systems Engineer job openings:
Senior Distributed Systems Engineer jobs near you

Senior Systems Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis

Springfield, VA • On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!
The Intelligence Programs Group (IPG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community. We utilize mission-proven, data-driven advisory tools and capabilities. We provide highly technical support to ensure the government acquires cutting edge technology necessary for our National Defense. Our portfolio includes the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Come where you will be part of our high-caliber team!
Responsibilities
SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Systems Engineer. The successful candidate will employ a multi-discipline approach to GEOINT requirements engineering, solutions engineering, reliability, resiliency, services development, integration, test and evaluation to ensure modernization and integration of the GEOINT architecture across the enterprise.
The key duties associated with this role include but are not limited to the following:
  • Ensure the GEOINT architecture is maximized to support the TCPED cycle (Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, Dissemination).
  • Ensure maintainability and access across controlled program/special access program (CAP/SAP) architectures.
  • Develop and maintain System Engineering Plans (SEPs) and contractors' System Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs).
  • Develop and maintain standard acquisition documentation for PMO portfolio, including standardized requirements documentation and processes (e.g. DOORS).
  • Define repeatable processes/procedures for transitioning new technologies and integrating new applications into the PEO infrastructure.
  • Participate in requirements development and documentation.
  • Create and maintain standards and specifications for PEO programs and capabilities.
  • Prepare and review Requests For Information (RFI) responses to identify innovative and new technologies to prototype and transition into the operations.
  • Assist in the evaluation of proposed industry solutions including program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
  • Provide input to PEO strategic roadmaps and systems engineering products to help ensure program rigor, resolve potential gaps, drive cross-cutting integration, ensure data is protected appropriately, and ensure mission capabilities are met.
  • Provide baseline requirements (Request For Change (RFC)) support to include the full breadth of National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) and mission partner requirements.

Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Master's degree in Systems Engineering or in related technical or scientific fields such as Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Engineering Management, Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or related STEM degree program; or 18 years of experience as a Systems Engineer in lieu of a degree
  • 10 years of working experience in government or industry in relevant work areas, including DoD/IC Acquisition Process, Requirements Process, PPBES Process, or system engineering of large complex System of Systems or Service Oriented Architecture/Cloud environments
  • Experience with and strong understanding of systems engineering lifecycle
  • Documented Expert-level work experience and demonstrated knowledge of:
    • GEOINT TCPED cycle and familiarity with systems / services that comprise TCPED
    • NGA and its Mission Partners
  • Ability to report to designated work location in Springfield, VA, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

Apply