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Senior Systems Engineer Jobs in Sumner, WA (NOW HIRING)

Based on-site in Sumner, WA, and reporting to the Director of Operations and working closely with the Sr. Systems Engineer, this role involves deploying, configuring, monitoring, and optimizing ...

Systems Engineer Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior Systems Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. This ...

Systems Engineer Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior Systems Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. This ...

Systems Engineer Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior Systems Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. This ...

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Des Moines, WA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Des Moines, WA We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering ...

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Des Moines, WA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer Location: Des Moines, WA We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Systems Engineer information

See Sumner, WA salary details

$60.4K

$134.6K

$189.9K

How much do senior systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems engineer in Sumner, WA is $134,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,800.00 and $154,300.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in Sumner, WA?

The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Sumner, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Systems Engineer jobs in Sumner, WA?

For Senior Systems Engineer jobs in Sumner, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Sumner, WA are hiring for Senior Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Sumner, WA with the most Senior Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Systems Engineer job openings in Sumner, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,613 per year, or $64.7 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer - Autonomy & Sensing

PowerLight Technologies

Kent, WA • On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:
PowerLight Technologies is the leading developer of safe, long-distance laser power beaming solutions to transmit kilowatt-level power remotely, making energy accessible to new and increasingly mobile distributed digital assets on and off planet Earth. Laser power beaming delivers energy to digital infrastructure, enabling power to be delivered when and where it is needed, including in hard-to-reach places or at high altitudes, with or without human access, and without the tether to today's battery- and power-cord power distribution environment. At PowerLight Technologies we seek to hire contributors who exhibit three special traits: the hands-on skill to create hardware and software; a commitment to teamwork; and a track record of high achievement ideally with startup experience growing into a larger organization. The most successful members of our team exhibit all of these qualities, wrapped with genuine niceness and respect for others.
Successful team members are undeterred by extremely challenging, first-of-their-kind problems to solve. They experiment, fail-and-learn quickly, and lock in the mastery of their explorations alongside like-minded innovators.
We hire professionals who know their craft; we look for those who can design boards, assemblies, optical chains, code, and processes with an eye toward successful, field-ready, secure, nicely documented products and systems. We also value academic chops, people who love embrace physics, analysis, and technical progress.
Our culture is one of urgency, accountability, teamwork, and a healthy sense of fun, along with a passion for science. We show up prepared, engage in healthy debate, embrace deadlines, and work hard to maintain a workplace environment that is energizing.
A career here means you will interact with the world's leading scientists, engineers, and builders. Join our team - bring your skills, experiences, and determination to make a difference. This is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional and thought leader to work in the emerging field of long-distance power beaming.
Power Beaming Video
Power Over Fiber Video
Job Description:
PowerLight Technologies is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Systems Engineer, with referenceable expertise in systems design, including sensors and tracking systems, system requirement analysis, flow down of the requirements for subsystems; sensor evaluation and fusion, and systems software. In this role, you will play a key part in developing our next-generation laser systems. If you are passionate about pushing the limits of technology and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment, we want to hear from you.
The ideal candidate is an analytical, high-agency generalist. You have gone deep enough in at least one area to know what rigor feels like, but you are energized by a wide scope. You are comfortable with quantitative reasoning and spreadsheets. They will also have a strong background in the development of real-time systems, data acquisition, controls, and all aspects of product hardware and testing, including standards such as ISO, MIL, ANSI, and others.
What You'll Do:
  1. System Design: Lead and contribute to the design of complex laser and photovoltaic systems, including mechanical and electrical and electronic components and assemblies, sensors, from concept to production.
  2. Sensors: Sensor evaluation and selection; design of multi sensor and high precision tracking systems.
  3. Analysis: Create detailed designs and perform comprehensive analysis to ensure system performance and reliability, conduct/lead/support the technical reviews such as Preliminary/Critical Design Review, etc. in the development cycles.
  4. Algorithm Development: Develop and implement algorithms for laser control, signal processing, real time safety, and data analysis.
  5. Testing and Validation: Design and execute tests to validate the functionality and performance of laser systems and electronic interfaces, making necessary adjustments and improvements.
  6. Documentation: Maintain detailed records, prepare technical documentation, and contribute to patent applications as needed.
  7. Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software engineers, optical engineers, and physicists, to achieve project goals.
  8. Research: Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure PowerLight remains at the forefront of optical, laser, and digital innovation.

Experience and Abilities:
  • 10+ years of proven experience in a leadership role in turning customer requirements into written specifications, along with system design, schematics, analysis, algorithm development, safety systems, mechanical design, and data acquisition.
  • Demonstrated self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills and a track record of innovative hardware and software solutions designing, analyzing, and building complex systems.
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, giving and receiving feedback, and turning key conversations into effective results.
  • Proficiency in CAD tools.
  • Hands-on experience developing and testing prototype systems.
  • Ability to plan projects, be accountable for deliverables & schedules, and lead others as a senior technical resource.
  • Experience with relevant computer programming languages such as C/C++, Python, Matlab for algorithm development, other.
  • 5+ years designing real-time embedded software applications (audio, video, control, etc.)
  • BS degree in electrical or systems engineering or related field.

Preferred Skills and Experiences:
  • Systems architecture experience, along with familiarity with schematic design, analysis, mechanical engineering, embedded microcontrollers firmware & IDE experience, and FPGA (Xilinx in particular). Aerospace, defense systems and space engineering a plus.
  • Data analytics experience.
  • Experience with AI applications a plus.
  • Prior experience in a research and development (R&D) or product development environment is preferred. Start-up experience a plus.
  • MS degree or PhD a plus, along with direct experience putting products and systems into space.

Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer, as well as setting up and adjusting laser power beaming equipment for testing, both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds (e.g. computer, printer paper). Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers using a computer, keyboard, mouse, writing.
Benefits:
  • 401K and HSA options
  • Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
  • Additional voluntary benefits offered
  • Flexible paid time off program and paid holidays
  • TeleDoc and Employee assistance programs
  • In-office gym and locker rooms, plus Green River Trail access right outside the office doors
  • Snacks/beverages
  • Community giving programs and events

Contact us at careers@powerlighttech.com or on our website: https://powerlighttech.com.
PowerLight Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.