ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior System Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Chenega Corporation

Senior Systems Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Summary Senior System Engineer Vienna, Virginia Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where professional ...

Chenega MIOS

Senior Systems Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Req ID: 40520 Summary Senior System Engineer Vienna, Virginia Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where ...

Esri

Sr. System Engineer- ArcGIS

Vienna, VA · On-site

Broad system administration experience on Windows and/or Linux * Working knowledge of at least one scripting or programming language (such as Python, PowerShell, Javascript, C#) * Familiarity with ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

As the Senior System Engineer, you will perform and manage the full spectrum of systems engineering tasks to include requirements analysis, feature, system and interface design, system integration ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

As the Senior System Engineer, you will perform and manage the full spectrum of systems engineering tasks to include requirements analysis, feature, system and interface design, system integration ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

As the Senior System Engineer, you will perform and manage the full spectrum of systems engineering tasks to include requirements analysis, feature, system and interface design, system integration ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Takoma Park, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

As the Senior System Engineer, you will perform and manage the full spectrum of systems engineering tasks to include requirements analysis, feature, system and interface design, system integration ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

As the Senior System Engineer, you will perform and manage the full spectrum of systems engineering tasks to include requirements analysis, feature, system and interface design, system integration ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSystem Engineer JobsSenior System Engineer JobsSenior System Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Senior System Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$58.3K

$129.8K

$183.1K

How much do senior system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior system 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 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior System Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in network architecture, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, and often holding certifications like CISSP or AWS Certified Solutions Architect can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What are Senior System Engineers?

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior System Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or large-scale infrastructure can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or companies with competitive compensation packages.

What does a senior systems engineer do?

A senior systems engineer designs, implements, and maintains complex IT infrastructure and systems to ensure reliability and performance. They troubleshoot issues, optimize system operations, and often lead projects or teams, requiring strong technical skills and knowledge of tools like virtualization, networking, and scripting.
What are the most commonly searched types of System Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of System Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior System Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior System Engineer job openings:
Senior System Engineer jobs near you
Senior System Engineer - ArcGIS (Mission-Focused)

Senior System Engineer - ArcGIS (Mission-Focused)

Esri

Vienna, VA

$104K - $143K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Esri rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Overview

Join Esri`s Professional Services team and lead the design and delivery of mission critical ArcGIS deployments supporting Defense and Intelligence operations.

As a Senior System Engineer, you will architect and optimize enterprise scale geospatial systems across complex, secure environments. You will guide customers on deployment strategies, high availability architectures, system performance, and integration across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructures.

You will act as a trusted technical leader, solving complex system challenges, influencing architecture decisions, and ensuring ArcGIS platforms are scalable, resilient, and aligned to mission needs. 

This role combines deep hands-on system engineering with technical leadership in environments where performance, security, and mission impact are critical. 

Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Washington, DC area for this position. 

Responsibilities

  • Deploy and configure complex ArcGIS in a wide variety of environments across operation systems, cloud providers, security architectures, customer types and organizations, to meet the customer's service level agreement
  • Plan and execute the migration of content from one ArcGIS deployment to another, encompassing different architectures, deployment strategies and software components
  • Troubleshoot advanced ArcGIS deployments, providing guidance for platform components such as storage, networking and security
  • Work closely with customers and partners to identify, design, and certify key GIS workflows for the ArcGIS platform
  • Collaborate internally to help customer organizations align their technical objectives and business goals with Esri's technology platform

Requirements

  • 12+ years of professional experience in a similar position supporting similar responsibilities
  • Experience designing, implementing and/or administrating enterprise ArcGIS or other comparable IT systems (desktop, server and online)
  • Broad system administration experience on Windows and/or Linux
  • Working knowledge of at least one scripting or programming language (such as Python, PowerShell, Javascript, C#)
  • Familiarity with network concepts and topics (such as domains, directories, DNS, HTTPS, firewalls, proxies, load-balancing)
  • Experience with at least one RDBMS, including SQL query writing (such as SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL)
  • US citizenship with Active or Current (within 2 years of active) Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or STEM related field

Recommended Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or STEM related field
  • One or more industry-standard IT certifications (such as Esri, Microsoft, Amazon)
  • CompTIA Security + certification 
  • Experience with Esri software including ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Online, Portal for ArcGIS and ArcGIS Runtime and their associates APIs or interfaces
  • Cloud-based system operations (SysOps)

#LI-SS2

#LI-Onsite

What Esri employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

ESRI logo

About ESRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do. Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology inspires and enables governments, universities, and businesses worldwide to save money, lives, and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around them.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Redlands, CA, US

Year founded

1969

View All ESRI Jobs

Apply