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System Engineer Phd Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Generates quantifiable requirements based on customer description, system planning and design, and ... 5 years, or PhD plus 0-2 year of professional experience in systems engineering for high ...

Engineer VI

Englewood, CO · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

Our Space Systems team is looking for an experienced engineering team lead for our Space Systems ... Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ...

Engineer VI

Englewood, CO · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

Our Space Systems team is looking for an experienced engineering team lead for our Space Systems ... Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ...

Identify any degradations in system performance. Support notifications to the government and ... 10, MS 6-8, PhD 3-5 * Active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph * Strong analytical skills ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Niwot, CO · On-site

$120 - $177/hr

The role will drive system architecture, integration, and verification across the full product ... MS or PhD preferred. * 8+ years experience in complex instrumentation or precision product ...

Showing results 41-60

System Engineer Phd information

See Colorado salary details

$56.3K

$133.8K

$175.6K

How much do system engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for system engineer phd in Colorado is $133,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $165,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities in Colorado are hiring for System Engineer Phd jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most System Engineer Phd job openings:
Infographic showing various System Engineer Phd job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,769 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Principal Missile Defense Space Systems Engineer with Security Clearance

MITRE Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Space Capabilities Program Office (DCS) is responsible for the development and demonstration of space based capabilities required to support the Missile Defense mission. The MITRE MDA/DCS project is seeking an experienced engineer and strategic thinker with deep technical skills, an ability to communicate concepts and recommendations clearly and effectively with leadership, and a demonstrated track record of fostering, promoting, and fielding innovative ideas and solutions. This position would interface directly with MDA/DCS programmatic and engineering leadership, space and ground segment development teams (both industry and FFRDC/UARCs), MDA C2BMC, MDA Weapon Systems, and the Space Mission enterprise to help develop, demonstrate and integrate capabilities toward successful fielding. This is a Principal System Engineer Step, Colorado Springs, CO-based, position; this work location is required to effectively foster staff relationships and shape the direct work program. Roles & Responsibilities: Highly competitive candidates must be self-directed and bring a strong technical background and depth of domain knowledge to advance the department's strategic growth in next generation missile defense in one or more of the following ways: * Drive innovation in next generation missile defense space enterprise architecture
* Advance space systems integration within future Missile Defense Architectures
* Lead technical efforts to ensure space-based assets and associated ground segments are integrated into broader defense systems frameworks, enabling interoperability across sensors, interceptors, and Command/Control elements
* Coordinate across MDA and DoW space enterprises and industry partners to achieve MDA and DoW enterprise outcomes
* Leverage space systems engineering subject matter expertise to understand and analyze MDA and DoW enterprise priorities, requirements, architectures, and designs, and craft associated recommendations to inform and facilitate mission critical leadership decisions.
* Lead strategic communication with MDA government senior leadership, MITRE division and center leadership, Inter-Agency and Intra-Agency/Service Leadership, -Industry Partner Leadership, individual Govt personnel
* Inform and influence system development, integration, demonstration, and test and evaluation of MDA/DCS developed and external space capabilities.
* Architect, integrate, and demonstrate data distribution architectures, command and control interfaces, and constellation management solutions.
* Develop and coordinate Enterprise Architectures, System Specifications, Concept of Operations, Concept of Employment, and Operational Concepts for Missile Defense Space Capabilities programs. Basic Qualifications: * Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a BS engineering, physics, mathematics or equivalent; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience. * Active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.
* U.S. Citizenship required
* Demonstrated systems engineering experience, including Command and Control (C2), space platform development and integration
* Understanding of large, complex C4I System of Systems
* Understanding of space-based sensor system capabilities
* Analytical, decision-making, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
* Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to executive-level stakeholders
* This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site. Preferred Qualifications: * Software/system development experience
* Analysis and assessment experience
* MS or higher degree and 10+ years' experience in relevant domain
* Experience working in a multi-national military environment
* Depth of knowledge and experience in Missile Defense systems
* Interoperability experience
* Experience in requirements management and verification
* Active TS/SCI clearance This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$162,400 - $203,000 - $243,600 Annual Work Location Type:
Onsite Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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