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Senior Staff Systems Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$184K - $289K/yr

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) is seeking an experienced Senior Staff Systems Engineer for an I&T Lead role in the Intelligence Systems Division Engineering organization supporting our ...

Viasat, Inc.

Staff Systems Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

As a Staff Systems Engineer, you will own the engineering integrity of the platform across its full lifecycle - from requirements and architecture through implementation, verification, release, and ...

New

Viasat

Staff Systems Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

As a Staff Systems Engineer, you will own the engineering integrity of the platform across its full lifecycle - from requirements and architecture through implementation, verification, release, and ...

New

Arenatechnologies

Sr. Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

In addition to management and advisory services, CIG staff collaborate closely with our clients to ... We have an upcoming need for a Sr. Systems Engineer to provide onsite/hybrid support in the ...

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All JobsStaff Systems Engineer JobsSenior Staff Systems Engineer JobsSenior Staff Systems Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Senior Staff Systems Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$58.3K

$129.8K

$183.1K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior staff systems engineer in Reston, VA is $129,766.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,700.00 and $148,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior staff systems engineer do?

A Senior Staff Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, integrating, and managing complex systems within an organization. They lead technical projects, provide expert guidance on system architecture, and ensure that all components work together seamlessly. Their role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, troubleshooting high-level system issues, and developing strategies to improve system performance and reliability. Senior Staff Systems Engineers are also expected to mentor junior engineers and contribute to long-term technology planning.

How does a senior staff systems engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during complex projects?

As a Senior Staff Systems Engineer, you'll frequently work alongside software, hardware, and product management teams to design and integrate complex system solutions. This role often involves facilitating technical discussions, translating requirements across disciplines, and ensuring that all components align with the overall system architecture. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, as you may mentor junior engineers and coordinate project milestones across departments. Effective collaboration helps ensure timely delivery and high-quality results in fast-paced engineering environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior staff systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Staff Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, integration, and engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (e.g., SysML), requirements management platforms, and certifications like INCOSE CSEP are often expected. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you coordinate cross-functional teams and drive project success. These skills ensure robust system design, seamless integration, and the delivery of complex technical solutions that meet organizational goals.

What is the difference between Senior Staff Systems Engineer vs Lead Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Staff Systems EngineerLead Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Engineering, certifications like CISSP, PMP often preferredSimilar educational background, often with additional leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize complex systems; collaborate across teamsOversees project execution, manages teams, and ensures system integration
Industry UsageCommon in aerospace, defense, and large tech firmsUsed in similar industries, often with a focus on project leadership
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on technical expertise and system designEmphasizes leadership and project management skills

The main difference is that a Senior Staff Systems Engineer primarily focuses on advanced technical system development, while a Lead Systems Engineer combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities overseeing projects and teams.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Staff Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Staff Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Staff Systems Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,766 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Sr Staff Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Northrop Grumman Corporationexternal

$184K - $289K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
The Intelligence Systems Division, a division within Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation, redefining engineering capabilities, and driving advances in various sciences through cutting-edge technology. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, and innovative technologies to develop, design, produce, and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) is seeking an experienced Senior Staff Systems Engineer for an I&T Lead role in the Intelligence Systems Division Engineering organization supporting our Intelligence and Sensing Business Unit (BU) to support a program out of our Fairfax, VA or Morrisville, NC locations.
This position requires being onsite and does not support remote or hybrid work.
Basic Qualifications
  • Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance at time of application
  • Must have a completed STEM degree with below years of experience in systems engineering [a degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics]
    • 14 Years of relevant experience with a completed Bachelor's (STEM)
    • 12 Years of relevant experience with a completed Masters' (STEM)
    • 10 Years of relevant experience with a completed Ph.D. (STEM)
  • Must have experience on all of the below:
    • Ability to work and successfully achieve program goals/objectives with minimal guidance
    • Ability to lead a geographically dispersed, diverse team in a dynamic, high paced software testing environment
    • Experience with ground system software deployment, integration and testing in complex, layered, cloud-based environments
    • Experience with SW Requirement Verification & Validation (V&V), to include manual and automated test methodologies
    • Familiarity with requirements, the decomposition process and how verification methods are applied
    • Familiarity with Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and how they're utilized in the testing process
    • Ability to brief higher management, customers, and outside organizations clearly and concisely
    • Ability to clearly define and communicate test strategy, drive progress and remove roadblocks
    • Posses effective time management skills with the ability to prioritize/triage tasks in the most efficient manner possible while still in line with stated program objectives/milestones
    • Experience with ground system software deployment, integration and testing in complex, layered, cloud-based environments
    • Development and review of software-intensive test plans & procedures
    • Ability to proactively identify software issues, perform troubleshooting and root cause investigation in support of generating detailed problem reports and engage in rapid, collaborative resolution
    • Familiarity with Agile processes
    • Familiarity with the use of Confluence, Jira and Bitbucket
    • Familiarity with the use and/or management of Jenkins (or other) CI/CD pipelines

Preferred Qualifications
  • Favorably adjudicated CI polygraph
  • Experience with Python, Behave and Matlab
  • Experience working within the Linux environment
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

#NoVASpace
#SpaceSysEngJobs
#SpaceEngJobs
Primary Level Salary Range: $184,100.00 - $289,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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