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Senior System Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Senior Systems Engineer

Middletown, RI

$104K - $142K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an organized and motivated Senior Systems Engineer who will ... The System Engineer's activities and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the ...

Raytheon

Senior System Navy Radars Onsite

Portsmouth, RI

$104K - $142K/yr

Raytheon's Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SE&TC) Surface Radars & Sensors Center is seeking Senior Systems Engineers interested in Naval Radar engineering. Our Portsmouth, RI team ...

SAIC

Senior Systems Engineer

Middletown, RI · On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an organized and motivated Senior Systems Engineer who will ... The System Engineer's activities and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the ...

SAIC

Senior Systems Engineer

Middletown, RI · On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking an organized and motivated Senior Systems Engineer who will work ... The System Engineer's activities and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the ...

SAIC

Senior Systems Engineer

Middletown, RI

$104K - $142K/yr

SAIC has an opening for an organized and motivated Senior Systems Engineer who is looking for an ... System Requirements Reviews (SRRs), System Functional Reviews (SFRs), Preliminary Design Reviews ...

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All JobsSystem Engineer JobsSenior System Engineer JobsSenior System Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island

Senior System Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$54.8K

$122.2K

$172.4K

How much do senior system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior system engineer in Rhode Island is $122,151.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,300.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior System Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSenior System EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNABachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like Cisco CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining IT systems and infrastructureDesigning, deploying, and managing network infrastructure and security
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise environmentsTelecommunications, IT, enterprise networks
Common Search/ComparisonSenior System Engineer vs Network Engineer

While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications, Senior System Engineers focus on overall system architecture and integration, whereas Network Engineers specialize in network infrastructure and security. The roles often overlap but serve different core functions within IT teams.

What is a senior system engineer?

Senior System Engineers are experienced IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining complex computer systems and networks within an organization. They play a critical role in ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of IT infrastructure. Their tasks often include troubleshooting system issues, optimizing performance, overseeing upgrades, and mentoring junior engineers. Senior System Engineers typically collaborate with other IT teams and departments to support business objectives and technological needs.

What are some common challenges faced by senior system engineers when managing large-scale IT infrastructure projects?

Senior System Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with cross-functional teams, ensuring system scalability, and maintaining high availability during upgrades or migrations. Managing complex environments requires balancing security, performance, and compliance, all while minimizing downtime. Effective communication and proactive planning are crucial to successfully navigating these challenges and delivering robust solutions that meet organizational needs.

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

To thrive as a Senior System Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of system architecture, network administration, and troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of experience. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Linux/Windows servers, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and handle complex technical challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring system reliability, security, and efficient operation in dynamic IT environments.

How much money does a senior system engineer make?

A senior system engineer typically earns between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have specialized skills in network infrastructure, scripting, and certifications like Cisco or Microsoft, which can influence salary levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of System Engineer jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of System Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Senior System Engineer jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Senior System Engineer job openings:
Senior System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior System Engineer job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,151 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer

SAIC

Middletown, RI

$104K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614392

Location: Middletown, RI, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-08

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking an organized and motivated Senior Systems  Engineer who will work effectively in a fast-paced environment. You will be part of a collaborative team of engineers and support technicians working to bring a variety of mechanical designs from the early concept stage all the way through prototype development and eventual transition to production.

More on the Role: This job requires a broad engineering skillset, well-developed work habits, and an eagerness and enthusiasm for solving engineering challenges. Your projects will include the design, documentation and testing of a wide array of systems in the areas of undersea defensive systems, torpedo test equipment, Automated Test Equipment (ATE), system design, and other evolving tasking.

Location: Work will be performed at 28 Jacome Way, Middletown, RI, and/or the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport. Travel to additional customer sites may be necessary.

Growth: Our management team is focused on enabling our engineers to succeed and achieve long-term career goals and promoting leaders from within our programs. We have multiple long-term programs within the local area and are continuously pursuing similar expansions in the future.

The System Engineer's activities and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:

  • Providing system-level engineering support and expertise to a cross-functional team.

  • Providing preliminary solutions to engineering problems of moderate scope and complexity in an expeditious, efficient, and timely manner.

  • Apply knowledge and principles of architecture design, system integration, risk assessment/management, and other systems engineering disciplines to support recommendations to address these challenges.

  • Support prototype development and making technical recommendations to inform sponsor and partner of capability requirements and decisions.

  • Support the generation and maintenance of technical documentation such as Requirements Specifications, Concepts of Operation, Design Reviews, Product and Performance Specifications, Interface Control Documents, Compliance Matrices, Qualification Test Plans, Procedures, and Reports.

  • Development and documentation of engineering processes and standards in support of customer requirements.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited college or university and two (2) or more years of related experience.
  • Must have an understanding of typical Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) events followed during the design process, not limited to: 
    • System Requirements Review (SRR)
    • Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
    • Critical Design Review (CDR)
    • Test Readiness Review (TRR).

Clearance Requirement:

  • Must have the ability to obtain and hold an Active Secret Clearance for the duration of work on the contract.

Desired Experience:

  • Experience developing documentation for and participating in milestone SETR events.
  • Electro-mechanical hardware design and engineering.
  • Experience with the marine environment and naval operations and systems.
  • Experience working in cross-functional teams consisting of multiple engineering disciplines and technicians.

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