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Surveillance Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead system-level engineering for cutting-edge surveillance and positioning systems in defense platforms. * Define and manage detailed system requirements to ensure project success. * Support ...

Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $128K/yr

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As the Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As a Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$80K/yr

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As the Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As the Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $128K/yr

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As a Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As a Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

Systems Engineer

Bowie, MD ยท On-site

$80K/yr

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As the Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As a Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As a Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$80K/yr

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As the Systems Engineer you'll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure.

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Surveillance Systems Engineer information

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$50K

$89.5K

$161K

How much do surveillance systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for surveillance systems engineer in the United States is $89,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or certain senior software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What are the typical challenges faced by Surveillance Systems Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing security infrastructures?

Surveillance Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new and legacy hardware, maintaining uninterrupted system operation during upgrades, and addressing cybersecurity concerns when integrating advanced technologies. Successful integration requires close collaboration with IT, security, and facilities teams to plan and test deployments, minimizing downtime and disruptions. Staying current with industry standards and proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Surveillance Systems Engineer vs Security Systems Technician?

AspectSurveillance Systems EngineerSecurity Systems Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or related field, certifications like CCDP or CCNPTechnical diploma or certification in security systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and integration of surveillance systems in various settingsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of security hardware
Employer & IndustryTech firms, security companies, government agenciesSecurity service providers, installation companies

Surveillance Systems Engineers focus on designing and developing surveillance solutions, requiring advanced technical skills and certifications. Security Systems Technicians handle installation and maintenance, often with hands-on technical training. Both roles are essential in security infrastructure but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a Surveillance Systems Engineer do?

A Surveillance Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting surveillance and security camera systems. They work with various technologies such as CCTV, IP cameras, video management software, and network infrastructure. Their role often involves assessing security needs, recommending appropriate solutions, and ensuring optimal system performance. These engineers may also provide technical support, conduct system upgrades, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surveillance Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surveillance Systems Engineer, you need expertise in electronic engineering, networking, and video surveillance technologies, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+. Familiarity with CCTV systems, video management software (VMS), IP networking, and integration tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the design, deployment, and maintenance of reliable surveillance solutions that meet security requirements and client expectations.

What engineers make 300,000 a year?

Senior surveillance systems engineers, cybersecurity engineers, and specialized hardware engineers in high-demand industries can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. These positions often require expertise in network security, system design, and the use of advanced tools, typically working in large organizations or specialized sectors.

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Surveillance Systems Engineers in cybersecurity can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, certifications like CISSP, and experience in high-demand areas such as network security or threat analysis. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and expertise, with senior roles and specialized knowledge commanding higher pay.

What does a surveillance engineer do?

A surveillance systems engineer designs, installs, and maintains security camera and monitoring systems for various environments. They analyze system requirements, configure hardware and software, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure reliable operation. Knowledge of networking, security protocols, and relevant certifications are often important in this role.
Who are the top companies hiring for Surveillance Systems Engineer jobs? The top employers for Surveillance Systems Engineer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Surveillance Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surveillance Systems Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Surveillance Systems Engineer jobs? For Surveillance Systems Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Surveillance Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,500 per year, or $43 per hour.
Chief Systems Engineer - Surveillance Products

Chief Systems Engineer - Surveillance Products

Real Time Consulting, LLC

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

REAL TIME CONSULTING (An RTCo Company)โ€”POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Chief Systems Engineer - Surveillance Products
ABOUT THE JOB: We are seeking a Chief Systems Engineer to lead product and technology initiatives within the Surveillance product line. This role is responsible for defining and driving the technology strategy, shaping system architectures, and ensuring technical excellence across development programs.
The Chief Systems Engineer leads technology roadmap development, coordinates technical pursuits, supports R&D investment planning, and evaluates the R&D portfolio to identify technology discriminators and capability gaps. This role serves as the technical approver for major product development design reviews and leads root cause investigations for significant technical issues. Close collaboration with engineering leadership, program management, and customers is central to success in this role.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead identification, development, and execution of Surveillance technology roadmaps
  • Maintain awareness of disruptive technologies, emerging trends, innovation opportunities, and competitive landscapes
  • Coordinate engineering pursuit activities including solution architectures, risk mitigation plans, and technical estimates
  • Develop topโ€‘level system specifications and manage requirements flowโ€‘down to lowerโ€‘level specifications
  • Develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and system use cases
  • Partner with business and engineering leadership to align technology strategy with business priorities and growth opportunities
  • Establish initial design requirements and guide riskโ€‘reduction activities to ensure timely, highโ€‘quality, compliant product designs
  • Ensure system designs are traceable to customer, regulatory, and industry requirements
  • Work directly with customers, operators, and partners to define requirements and develop competitive technical solutions
  • Serve as technical authority and approver for product design reviews and major engineering decisions
  • Lead root cause investigations and corrective action strategy for systemโ€‘level issues

REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in a STEMโ€‘related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience in an aviation product development environment, or a graduate degree with a minimum of 10 years of related experience
  • Demonstrated experience in technology management, strategy development, and driving innovation aligned with business growth objectives
  • Experience conducting independent technology development reviews and technical assessments
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop dataโ€‘driven conclusions and recommendations
  • Experience with R&D portfolio management and technology roadโ€‘mapping for complex hardware/software systems
  • Expertise in one or more of the following surveillance domains is required:
  • Transponder Systems: Mode S and Mode C design, test, and evaluation
  • ADSโ€‘B Systems and Applications: requirements definition, modeling, test, and qualification
  • Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS): requirements definition, modeling, test, evaluation, and qualification
  • Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS): requirements definition, modeling, test, evaluation, qualification, and database management
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly collaborative team player with strong criticalโ€‘thinking skills
  • Selfโ€‘motivated, resultsโ€‘driven professional requiring limited direction

PREFERRED SKILLS:
  • Strong project and technical leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Operational experience within the National Airspace System (e.g., pilot, air traffic control, or related roles)
  • Experience with Intellectual Property Management.
  • Knowledge of Aerospace regulatory standards (e.g. 14 CFR, ARP4754A/B, DO-178B/C, DO-160B, DO-254).

ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Real Time Consulting (RTC) exists to partner outstanding engineering talent to support our clientsโ€™ success. Unsurpassed service is delivered to our clients by upholding responsibility, teamwork and quality. Our primary commitment is to help our clients.ย  Since 1997, RTC has been protecting and enhancing lives with safe, reliable, innovative solutions, providing full life-cycle design, development and testing of EMBEDDED ENGINEERING SYSTEMS and SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS with Program Management and Consulting Services. Our employees average 20+ years of versatile and accomplished expertise to our clients, driving continuous innovation forward. Employeesโ€™ innovative and analytical ideas are cultivated while maintaining the big picture vision in a fast-paced, changing environment. Our corporate values are to Uphold Responsibility, Support People, Promote Teamwork and Deliver Quality!
This position may require exposure to software, source code or technology that is subject to US export control laws and regulations (i.e., International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations). To comply with these requirements, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Departments of State or Commerce, as applicable.
ย 
RTCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with RTCo is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
To qualify for all positions with Real Time Companies, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.ย  Please be aware that Real Time Companies does not sponsor employment-based visas.ย  Additionally, certain positions with Real Time Companies that involve work with government entities may have more restrictive employment status requirements, such as U.S. citizenship, based on security clearance requirements or other governmental requirements.ย  Real Time Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.