1

System Engineer Phd Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

... PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience. * A Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph is ...

System Engineer III

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience. * A Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph is ...

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience. Required Technical Skills * Strong System ...

System Engineer 3

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience. Required Technical Skills * Strong System ...

System Engineer 3

Annapolis, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience. Required Technical Skills * Strong System ...

System Engineer 3

Annapolis, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience. Required Technical Skills * Containers ...

System Engineer 3

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$55.72 - $137.86/hr

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience. Required Technical Skills * Containers ...

System Engineer 3

Annapolis Junction, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience. Required Technical Skills * Containers ...

AI System Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OR A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus eight (8) years of systems engineering experience , Desired Skills * Cloud Architecture ...

System Engineer 6

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$201K - $231K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field (See Note 1) or a related discipline (See Note 2) from an accredited college or university plus eighteen (18) years of systems engineering experience. Must have ...

System Engineer, Level 2

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field (See Note 1) or a related discipline (See Note 2) from an accredited college or university may be substituted for three (3) years of systems engineering ...

System Engineer, Level 3

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university may be substituted for four (4) years of systems engineering experience. * Clearance: Active TS ...

Hypersonics System Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. * Experience in hypersonics and advanced materials ...

Hypersonics System Engineer

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. * Experience in hypersonics and advanced materials ...

System Engineer, Level 3

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university may be substituted for four (4) years of systems engineering experience. * Clearance: Active TS ...

System Engineer 5

Linthicum Heights, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OR * A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus thirteen (13) years of systems engineering experience. Required Technical Skills

System Engineer 5

Linthicum, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OR * A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus thirteen (13) years of systems engineering experience. Required Technical Skills

OR * A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus thirteen (13) years of systems engineering experience. Required Technical Skills

Showing results 21-40

System Engineer Phd information

See Washington, DC salary details

$60.6K

$144.1K

$189.1K

How much do system engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for system engineer phd in Washington, DC 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 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 are popular job titles related to System Engineer Phd jobs in Washington, DC?

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

Infographic showing various System Engineer Phd job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,083 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

System Engineer III

Prosync

Annapolis Junction, MD

Contractor

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

ProSync Technology Group, LLC (ProSync) is an award-winning, SDVOSB Defense Contracting company with a strong military heritage and a record of excellence in supporting the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.  If you have prior military service or government contracting experience, are proud to serve and support our nation, and want to help support ProSync's mission to "Define and Redefine the State of Possible," please apply today!

We are seeking a System Engineer who has experience working all phases of the system engineering lifecycle. The candidate must have strong experience in the design and modification of architectures. This includes the ability to produce documentation and drawing packages as required.  Candidate must be willing to learn and be prepared to work with a small, mission focused team that frequently interacts with other teams, users, and customers. 

  • Proven expertise in System Engineering, encompassing the development and maintenance of comprehensive systems documentation.
  • Extensive experience in the integration of both hardware and software components, ensuring seamless functionality and performance across diverse systems.
  • Demonstrated capability to work effectively within both Windows and Linux operating systems, showcasing versatility and adaptability in varying technical environments.
  • Proficient in using Visio or similar drawing applications to create detailed diagrams and visual representations of complex systems, facilitating better understanding and communication among team members.
  • Foundational knowledge in System Administration, enabling effective management and support of system resources, with a commitment to maintaining optimal system performance and reliability.

Requirements

  • A Bachelor's degree in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus six (6) years of experience in system engineering (OR) A High School Diploma or GED plus ten (10) years of general system engineering experience (OR) A Master's degree in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus four (4) years of systems engineering experience (OR) A PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience.
  • A Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph is required.

Desired:

  • Familiarity with Cisco and Juniper devices.
  • Familiarity with Ansible and scripting.

Benefits

Join PROSYNC and enjoy our great benefits!

Compensation:

  • We offer bonuses that are awarded quarterly to our employees and our compensation rates are highly competitive.

Health & Retirement:

  • We offer a comprehensive Health Benefits package and 401K Retirement plan so you can take care of yourself and your family, now and in the future. Other health-related benefits include an employee assistance program for those difficult times or when you need to take care of your mental health.

Education:

  • Individual growth is a priority at ProSync. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of our company-sponsored continuing education program so you can get your degree or that next certification you need to propel you to the next level.

Work/Life Balance:

  • A healthy work/life balance is essential for building and executing your work effectively at ProSync, but it's also necessary to allow you the room to pursue everything else you want to develop in your personal life.. We offer generous Paid Time Off and 11 paid holidays a year. ProSync also provides flexible work options that work with your schedule and lifestyle.