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System Engineer Phd Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

STR

Principal Model-Based Systems Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$206K - $284K/yr

Government * BS, MS or PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field * Technical Project Lead experience * Minimum of 10 years work experience as a Systems Engineer or ...

STR

Principal Model-Based Systems Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$206K - $284K/yr

Government * BS, MS or PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field * Technical Project Lead experience * Minimum of 10 years work experience as a Systems Engineer or ...

Jobtailor

Engineer Systems 5

Lincoln, MA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Perform technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk ... with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years ...

New

STR

Principal Radar Systems Engineer

Woburn, MA

Decomposing customer needs/complex problems and developing system concepts and solutions ... Master's degree and at least 8 years of applicable experience; or PhD and at least 5 years of ...

STR

Principal Radar Systems Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

Decomposing customer needs/complex problems and developing system concepts and solutions ... Master's degree and at least 8 years of applicable experience; or PhD and at least 5 years of ...

STR

Principal Radar Systems Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

Decomposing customer needs/complex problems and developing system concepts and solutions ... Master's degree and at least 8 years of applicable experience; or PhD and at least 5 years of ...

Onto

Senior Systems Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

Develop system architecture and identify/mitigate technical risks. * Collaborate with program ... PhD (preferred) or advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field ...

Onto

Senior Systems Engineer

Wilmington, MA

$115K - $172K/yr

Develop system architecture and identify/mitigate technical risks. * Collaborate with program ... PhD (preferred) or advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field ...

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All JobsSystem Engineer Phd JobsSystem Engineer Phd Jobs in Massachusetts

System Engineer Phd information

See Massachusetts salary details

$58.4K

$138.9K

$182.4K

How much do system engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for system engineer phd in Massachusetts is $138,934.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $171,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to System Engineer Phd jobs in Massachusetts?

For System Engineer Phd jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

System Engineer Phd jobs near you

Lead Systems Engineer, Flight Autonomy

Merlin Labs

Boston, MA • On-site

$165K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead a small team of System Engineers and be accountable for the execution of System Engineering tasks and delivery of work products.

  • Manage systems engineering development plans, processes, tasking, and system-level verification and validation activities.

  • Review concepts of operation, system architecture, requirements, and interfaces for Merlin products, and work cross-functionally with safety, hardware, and software teams.

Job description

About Merlin:
Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full-stack autonomy for any aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot autonomy system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles and has been proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from Merlin's global flight test facilities, including Kerikeri, New Zealand; Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and soon, Bedford, Massachusetts. Headquartered in Boston, Merlin is expanding its organization to accelerate the development and deployment of its autonomy platform, helping customers solve some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety. Backed by some of the world's leading investors prior to its public listing, Merlin continues to advance the certification and commercialization of autonomous flight across commercial and defense aviation. 

Who you are: 

You are an experienced systems engineer with experience in the development of system/sub-system architecture, system/sub-system requirements, and testing of systems to comply with its requirements.  You have experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams of varying engineering domains, customers, suppliers, and partners.  You have experience in the definition of Autonomous behaviors and functions of AI enabled control systems.  You have a passion for new development and have a proven record of navigating the challenges in new product development. You've worked in an experimental R&D of safety critical systems/sub-systems and have the ability to keep safety at the forefront while still moving quickly.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead a small team of System Engineers and be accountable for the execution of System Engineering tasks and delivery of work products which includes the following:

    • Lead the development of systems engineering development plans and processes as needed for technical execution.

    • Managing systems engineering tasking and aligning disciplines to support their successful and timely completion

    • Manage system-level verification and validation activities.

  • Lead reviews of artifacts with customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities as required.

  • Review of concepts of operation, system architecture (including functional and physical architectures), system requirements, and system interfaces for Merlin products. On this small, agile team, you will own significant pieces of these activities yourself.

  • Work cross-functionally with the safety, hardware, and software teams to capture, document, and communicate requirements and interfaces.

Qualifications:

  • BS in Electrical/Aerospace/Systems Engineering or a related subject, MS preferred.

  • 6-9 years of experience conducting systems engineering (4-6 years with MS degree; 2-4 years with PhD).

  • Specific experience in Flight Control Systems with aspects of ML or Autonomy

  • Experience in Flight Control System Development

  • Demonstrated ability to lead small teams in solving complex architectural and systems engineering-related problems.

  • Experience with requirements management tools and processes

  • Demonstrated ability to develop system-level requirements, architecture, and interfaces, and perform requirements validation and verification

Highly Desired Experience:

  • Experience conducting systems engineering in FAA/EASA/DOD certification programs

  • Hands-on experience in certifying avionics equipment using ARP4754A and RTCA DO-178B/C for safety-critical systems.

  • Specific experience in the area of Automatic Flight Controls, Flight Management, or Display Systems.

  • Specific experience in developing software requirements and performing software verification.

  • Working knowledge of FAA/EASA/DOD regulations and standards is a plus.

  • Working knowledge of Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a plus but not required.

  • Familiarity with Simulink, Cameo, IADS, Jama

$165,000 - $220,000 a year

The compensation range provided is a good-faith estimate based on a wide range of factors, inclusive of base salary only. The actual offer will be determined by a variety of factors including the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, and training. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Merlin's total compensation package. Additionally, Merlin offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees.

Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.
 
Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.
 
At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. 
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
 
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: [email protected]
 
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.
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