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System Engineer Phd Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Advanced Systems Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related technical field * Expert system engineering ...

Showing results 21-40

System Engineer Phd information

See Arizona salary details

$49.9K

$118.5K

$155.6K

How much do system engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for system engineer phd in Arizona is $118,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $146,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a system engineer PhD?

System Engineer PhDs are professionals who have earned a doctoral degree (PhD) in systems engineering or a closely related field. They specialize in designing, analyzing, and managing complex systems across various industries, such as aerospace, defense, IT, and manufacturing. Their advanced education enables them to conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and lead multidisciplinary teams to tackle large-scale engineering challenges. System Engineer PhDs often work in academia, research institutions, or high-level industry roles, focusing on optimizing system processes and integration.

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

To thrive as a System Engineer PhD, you need advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles, research methodologies, and typically a doctorate in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink), systems engineering software (e.g., IBM DOORS), and relevant industry certifications are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you lead complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving innovation, ensuring robust system design, and successfully managing sophisticated engineering challenges.

What are common challenges system engineer PhDs face when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

System Engineer PhDs often encounter challenges when shifting from academic research to industry, such as adapting to faster project timelines and working within cross-functional teams. In industry, there is typically a greater emphasis on practical application and collaboration, rather than theoretical exploration. Adjusting to structured workflows and aligning technical solutions with business objectives are also key transitions. However, this environment offers opportunities to see the tangible impact of your work and to advance into senior technical or leadership roles.

What is the difference between System Engineer Phd vs Network Engineer?

AspectSystem Engineer PhdNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsPhd in Engineering or related field, possibly with certifications like Cisco or CompTIAAssociate's or Bachelor's in Computer Science or related, with certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNP
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, or advanced technical teams in tech companiesNetwork operations centers, IT departments, or telecommunications firms
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, or organizations requiring advanced system designTelecom providers, enterprise IT, or service providers

The main difference between a System Engineer Phd and a Network Engineer lies in their focus and qualifications. System Engineers with a Phd typically engage in advanced system design, research, and development, often in research or high-tech environments. Network Engineers focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure, usually with industry certifications. Both roles are essential in tech industries but serve different technical needs and expertise levels.

What can I do with a PhD in system engineer?

A PhD in system engineering prepares individuals for advanced roles in research, development, and systems design across industries such as aerospace, defense, technology, and manufacturing. Graduates often work as systems engineers, research scientists, or technical consultants, utilizing skills in systems analysis, modeling, and simulation, and may pursue careers in academia or industry innovation.

What job categories do people searching System Engineer Phd jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for System Engineer Phd jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for System Engineer Phd jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most System Engineer Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various System Engineer Phd job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,550 per year, or $57 per hour.

Systems Engineer- MBSE Level 3/4

Northrop Grumman Corp. (AU)

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$98.40 - $184.20/hr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available

Clearance Required for Start: No

Clearance Type: None

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Responsibilities

User Experience, Documentation Owner, Core Systems Engineering.

User Experience

Execute Digital Engineering:

  • Develop new capabilities within the descriptive model to ensure programs can utilize the descriptive model to drive their engineering.
  • Coach programs on the use of the descriptive model.
  • Assist the users of our products to definitively know they have successfully completed a task to the necessary level of fidelity for the program phase.
  • Strive for continuous improvement/efficiencies in the approach.
Drive Intuitive Methodology
  • Scope and align the digital engineering capabilities with the engineering tasks being performed by the programs (i.e. perform Requirement Analyses rather than create a Requirement Diagram).
  • Drive adoption of using task-based templates.
  • Develop navigation diagrams to enable users to maintain their situational awareness.
  • Fewest "clicks", "searches", etc. to add/ update their content. (Smart packages that contain work templates, libraries, etc.)
Lead Usability Studies
  • Collaborate with Customers and Product Owners to study user experiences, and monitor usability, to further improve both tool and program experiences.
Documentation Owner

Manage Documentation.

  • Identify the scope of releases and approve all additions/modifications to Documentation solutions.
  • Review and confirm that all added or modified capabilities are well-formed, documented and follow template criteria.
  • Perform document releases, as needed. Inclusive of updating the Revision History for completeness.
Core Systems Engineering
  • Manage systems engineering activities, work products, and team dynamics using agile/scrum methodologies.
  • Perform requirement decomposition analyses.
  • Support System Architecture development, including Interface Management.
  • Interface with program management, engineering staff and external customers.
  • Prepare and present materials at program major milestone meetings.
Salary

Level 3: $98,400 - $147,600

Level 4: $122,800 - $184,200

QualificationsBasic Qualifications - Level 3
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience, or a PhD and 1 year of experience.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability to obtain Secret Security Clearance.
  • Work onsite at the Chandler, AZ facility.
Basic Qualifications - Level 4
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related experience or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of experience, or a PhD and 4 years of experience.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability to obtain Secret Security Clearance.
  • Work onsite at the Chandler, AZ facility.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Agile Framework, Jira, Confluence, creating Video Tutorials (Screen recordings).
  • MagicDraw/Cameo Systems Modeler.
  • Systems Modeling Language (SysML).
  • Experience with Multi-Disciplinary Automation & Optimization (MDAO).
  • ModelCenter, DOORS, HTML, Python, and/or JavaScript.
  • Experience teaching/coaching adults.
  • ASEP (Associate Systems Engineering Professional) or CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional) INCOSE Certification.
Benefits

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and other benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.

EEO Statement

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939