ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

System Development Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Exatech Solutions Inc

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Description Athenix Solutions Group is looking for a Systems Engineer in Northern Virginia for a ... Requirements development and management * Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based ...

Athenix Solutions Group

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Athenix Solutions Group is looking for a Systems Engineer in ... Requirements development and management * Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based ...

Athenix Solutions Group

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Athenix Solutions Group is looking for a Systems Engineer in Northern Virginia for a variety of ... Requirements development and management * Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsSystem Development Engineer JobsSystem Development Engineer Jobs in Washington

System Development Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$60.6K

$144.1K

$189.1K

How much do system development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for system development engineer in Washington is $144,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $177,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a System Development Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, systems architecture, and programming languages like Python, Java, or C++. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), automation tools, CI/CD systems, and relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect are often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability help you effectively address complex system challenges and collaborate across technical teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing, building, and maintaining robust, scalable systems that support organizational goals.

What are some common challenges System Development Engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

System Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new features into complex legacy systems, ensuring scalability, and maintaining high reliability under heavy loads. Coordinating with cross-functional teams, such as QA, DevOps, and product managers, can add layers of communication and alignment that require strong collaboration skills. Additionally, keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and best practices is essential for delivering robust solutions.

What does a System Development Engineer do?

A System Development Engineer designs, develops, and maintains complex systems and infrastructure, often focusing on scalability, reliability, and performance. They work with both hardware and software components, integrating them to create efficient solutions that support business needs. Their responsibilities may include system architecture design, troubleshooting, automation, and collaborating with other engineers to implement best practices. They typically work in environments that require a deep understanding of both development and operations.

What is the difference between System Development Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectSystem Development EngineerSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; sometimes certifications in systems or network managementBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; certifications like Java, Python, or cloud platforms
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and testing integrated systems, often involving hardware and software componentsDeveloping, coding, and testing software applications and programs
Industry UsageUsed in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and manufacturing for system integrationCommon across tech companies, startups, and software firms for application development

While both roles involve technical development, System Development Engineers focus on creating and integrating complex systems, often combining hardware and software. Software Engineers primarily develop software applications and code. The roles overlap in skills like programming but differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to System Development Engineer jobs in Washington? For System Development Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching System Development Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for System Development Engineer jobs in Washington are:
System Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Development Engineer job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,083 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

Principal Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner

Iridium Satellite, LLC

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium's unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.
At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves. We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.
What We're Looking For:
If you are passionate about space and deploying disruptive space technology, you'll be excited about the Principal Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner position for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Product Owner on the Ground System Development team, you'll be responsible for managing multiple activities and projects, including those with cross-functional teams, to deliver customer-driven Ground System Management Systems. In this role, you will work alongside a team of Engineers, Scrum Masters and other Product Owners leading a team to build and deliver state-of-the-art Mission Management Software. To thrive, you'll need excellent technical and communication skills in Mission Planning, Ground System software development and hardware interfaces.
What You'll Do:
  • Contribute to the Technical Roadmap and support the design, implement, and operate the Ground Resource Manager (GRM) and Flight Management System (FMS) software components required to meet the SDA PWSA (Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture) mission objectives
  • Lead collaborative efforts and initiatives with the Mission Management team to develop ground software components founded upon modern industry standard platforms, languages, and deployment techniques
  • Prioritize software development objectives within the Iridium-defined Agile/Scrum framework
  • Plan and execute software releases, providing input into stakeholder/program schedules and budgets
  • Provide technical and analytics support to stakeholders to promote informed decision making
  • Leverage experience to assist in ground system operations process/procedure/training documentation and identify technical training needs
  • Deliver constructive, meaningful feedback and proactively offer guidance and knowledge-sharing
  • Collaborate cross-team with stakeholders to define technical roadmaps, identify and mitigate technical risks, and remove barriers to success
  • Interface with operations team to obtain user feedback and update software accordingly
  • Interface with customer explaining the status of GRM/FMS software development

What You'll Need to Succeed:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in the Aerospace industry, specifically associated with the development and operation of complex Satellite Ground Systems
  • Breadth of knowledge in satellite operations, mission planning, and satellite subsystem
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues clearly and confidently, and recognize and adapt to different communication techniques.
  • Can easily build meaningful relationships with others, including senior leadership outside of your own department, and is comfortable providing constructive feedback to your team members and management
  • Be able to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion
  • Must possess the creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions and determine methods on new assignments
  • Can thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities
  • Be proactive in sharing knowledge you've learned with others
Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:
  • Experience with defining, analyzing and documenting RF (Radio Frequency) and optical communication system interface requirements
  • Experience with Satellite RF Communications theory or practical experience
  • Experience with designing, developing, and operating Space Vehicle Subsystems and various command and control systems (e.g. OS Comet, InControl, etc.)
  • Experience with aspects of the Hardware Software Development Life Cycle process
  • Programming languages such as: Java, Java-Script, Python, Shell scripting
  • Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, etc.
We'll also need you to:
  • Be able to travel up to 5%
  • Be a US Citizen

Work Environment:
This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.
We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium's Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least three days per week (approximately 60%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.
Additional Information
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.
Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Apply