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Senior Systems Engineer Jobs in Elgin, SC (NOW HIRING)

Works with Sr System Engineers to support the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), backup procedures and disk configurations. Supports Sr. System Engineers as requested with system analysis to keep systems ...

Works with Sr System Engineers to support the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), backup procedures and disk configurations. Supports Sr. System Engineers as requested with system analysis to keep systems ...

About the role The Systems Engineering role requires passion and drive to work towards enabling distributed operations of unmanned and autonomous vehicles in the maritime environment. This role ...

... senior staff in the development of system management tools; and works with other Company ... Working closely with Systems Engineers to install and configure networks based on an Installation ...

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Senior Systems Engineer information

See Elgin, SC salary details

$50.1K

$111.6K

$157.4K

How much do senior systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems engineer in Elgin, SC is $111,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $127,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior systems engineer?

A senior systems engineer is an IT (information technology) professional tasked with designing and maintaining network systems and security. Examples include large server or storage systems, computer networks, and mainframes. As a systems engineer, your primary duties are to oversee the daily operations of your facility and lead a team of engineers in designing new systems to replace old ones. You may work for a company that provides engineering services and solutions for other businesses, or you may be part of a large university or other institution's IT department. Skills needed for the career include the ability to work independently, leadership, and analytical problem-solving. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or IT and significant experience in a lower systems engineering position are essential qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Senior Systems Engineer, you need expertise in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and network administration, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of relevant experience. Familiarity with virtualization platforms, cloud services (like AWS or Azure), automation tools (such as Ansible or PowerShell), and certifications like CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco are often required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you lead initiatives and collaborate effectively across teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring system reliability, scalability, and security in complex IT environments.

What are some common challenges faced by senior systems engineers when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure?

Senior Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy systems and new technologies, minimizing downtime during migrations, and addressing unforeseen security vulnerabilities. Effective integration requires thorough planning, cross-team collaboration, and detailed testing to avoid disruptions to business operations. Staying current with emerging technologies and adopting best practices for change management are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth implementation.

What is the difference between Senior Systems Engineer vs Systems Administrator?

AspectSenior Systems EngineerSystems Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certificationsCompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and troubleshooting complex systemsManaging daily system operations and user support
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise environmentsIT support, small to medium businesses

While both roles involve working with IT systems, Senior Systems Engineers focus on designing and implementing complex infrastructure, whereas Systems Administrators handle routine maintenance and user support. The senior role typically requires more advanced certifications and experience, and often involves strategic planning and system architecture.

What cities near Elgin, SC are hiring for Senior Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Elgin, SC with the most Senior Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Systems Engineer job openings in Elgin, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,562 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Senior System Engineer

Columbia, SC • On-site

Cornerstone Defense LLC
Library and Information Services • 51 - 200 employees

$190 - $220/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Title: Senior Systems Engineer
Location: Columbia, MD
Compensation Range: $190 -$220K
Clearance: Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply

Company Overview

Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation’s toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don’t look any further than Cornerstone Defense.

Benefits Overview
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
  • Generous PTO Policy
  • 401(k)
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement and Training
  • Perks at Work Discount Program
  • Referral Program
  • Leads Generation Program
  • CollegeAmerica 529
  • Fitness Reimbursement Program
  • Travel Assistance
  • Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions
  • Life Planning Financial & Legal Services
Position Description

Seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide strategic systems engineering, technical governance, and enterprise integration support to PAE JCWA (Joint Cyber Warfare Architecture). This highly visible SETA position serves as a trusted advisor to leadership, supporting architecture development, systems engineering governance, Agile execution, and cross-functional coordination across JCWA programs. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, process discipline, and exceptional communication skills to support complex systems-of-systems development within a DoD environment.

Core Tasks
  • Provide strategic systems engineering, technical governance, and enterprise integration support across JCWA programs, serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
  • Collaborate with architecture and engineering teams to develop JCWA Systems Engineering documentation, Reference Designs, and governance artifacts including Charters, SOPs, MFRs, Systems Engineering Plans, ADRs, and Technical Needs.
  • Lead enterprise architecture governance, systems integration efforts, and decision-making processes while maintaining awareness of DoD and Army policies impacting engineering activities.
  • Facilitate and coordinate large-scale SAFe PI Planning events involving 900+ personnel across multiple ARTs; develop planning materials, communication guides, AARs, lessons learned, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Build automated workflows, dashboards, and reporting capabilities using Confluence and Jira to enhance transparency, requirements traceability, and operational effectiveness.
  • Support maturation of the JCWA Lean Agile Center of Excellence (LACE) and identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and standardization.
  • Coordinate Priority Operational Needs across Agile Release Trains to ensure alignment with operational and organizational priorities; collaborate with PMOs, Service Cyber Components, mission partners, and technical organizations.
  • Lead and support Functional Area Requirements Working Groups, improving governance, stakeholder transparency, and requirements management processes.
  • Develop executive‑level dashboards and reporting products demonstrating compliance, performance, and progress toward JCWA priorities.
  • Engage routinely with senior military and civilian leaders, communicating risks, issues, mission impacts, and technical recommendations.
  • Produce strategic communications that articulate JCWA capabilities, accomplishments, operational outcomes, and mission value for executive audiences.
  • Maintain situational awareness of key JCWA issues, dependencies, risks, and provide timely recommendations, briefs, and governance documentation.
  • Manage knowledge repositories and enterprise collaboration resources using expert‑level Confluence and Jira integrations.
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or related discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting DoD environments and defense contracting organizations.
  • Proven experience applying systems engineering principles to complex systems‑of‑systems and enterprise‑scale programs.
  • Experience supporting large organizations (200–2,000 personnel) with complex technical, operational, and governance structures.
  • Expert‑level proficiency with Atlassian Confluence and Jira, including dashboards, automation, requirements management, and enterprise collaboration.
  • Deep understanding of SAFe, Agile Release Trains, and Program Increment Planning.
  • Experience developing governance frameworks, technical documentation, SOPs, MFRs, ADRs, and systems engineering artifacts.
  • Strong understanding of DoD acquisition policies, lifecycle processes, and the Adaptive Acquisition Framework.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of distilling complex technical concepts for executive audiences.
  • Experience supporting USCYBERCOM, cyber mission programs, enterprise architecture initiatives, or large modernization efforts.
  • Experience with Mattermost and Confluence.
Preferred
  • SAFe certification or formal SAFe training.
  • CISSP certification preferred but not required
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