1

System Engineer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System Engineer, DSP

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$166.90K - $195K/yr

Requirements: • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, System Engineering, Physics or related field. • MS with 5+ years or PhD with 3+ years of relevant industry experience. • Experience ...

Requires 5 to 8 years with BS/BA or 3 to 5 years with MS/MA or 0 to 2 years with PhD. * Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or in related technical or scientific fields such as engineering ...

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

Requires 5 to 8 years with BS/BA or 3 to 5 years with MS/MA or 0 to 2 years with PhD. * Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or in related technical or scientific fields such as engineering ...

3GPP System Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$141.30K - $211.90K/yr

OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. *Global travel ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

System Engineer Phd information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do system engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for system engineer phd in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are System Engineer PhDs?

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 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.

More about System Engineer Phd jobs
What cities are hiring for System Engineer Phd jobs? Cities with the most System Engineer Phd job openings:
What states have the most System Engineer Phd jobs? States with the most job openings for System Engineer Phd jobs include:
Infographic showing various System Engineer Phd job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
System Engineer - Physics

System Engineer - Physics

ThinKom Solutions, Inc

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$80K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
System Engineer - Physics is responsible for conducting architectural assessments, breakdown of the system into components, the component interactions and interfaces, and the technologies and resources to be used in the design. Leads the system design, development, testing, and implementation of all aspects of the HPM System development lifecycle, under the leadership of the given Program Manager. Outlines integrated solutions that meet performance, usability, reliability, and security needs. Develop technical documentation on applications and systems. Facilitates and leads in the evaluation and selection of commercial-off-the-shelf product evaluations. Additional responsibilities include analyzing engineered products to meet customer use-cases and assure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces to meet system requirements.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Works as part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT) as Systems Engineer under the direction of the Director of Systems Engineering and with the given Program Manager
  • Support the development of subsystem and system requirements by leading requirements IPT and working group meetings with the customer and subcontractors.
  • Identify and perform hands-on evaluation of system components.
  • Review, develop, and document system-level operational concepts
  • Provides effective and efficient system engineering support during the conceptual design, detailed design, integration, and test phases of a product development program and production delivery, supporting on-time completion of assigned tasks
  • Maintain compliance with DoD contract requirements, including maintaining an active SECRET clearance and ensuring adherence to relevant regulations and standards.
  • Performs requirement flow-down and traceability and evaluating the verification test results to satisfy requirements
  • Drives continuous improvement initiatives in the areas of analysis, monitoring and performance management
  • Sets systems and test requirements of new products and makes decisions relative to system architecture, components selection, and customer use-cases
  • Works to support multiple programs/products simultaneously
  • Prepares and presents design and analysis summary material during internal and external design reviews
  • Documents system designs using ThinKom records retention procedures
  • Follows Company design procedures and corporate policies
  • Other tasks, as assigned from time to time

Skills and/or Experience Needed:
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Technically proficient System Engineer with strong architecture skills, subject matter expertise in High Power Microwave Systems, and solid knowledge of all major components of HPM Systems
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in systems engineering, with a track record of successfully architecting, developing, and validating complex High Power Microwave Systems
  • Hands-on expertise with Vector Network Analyzers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other RF measurement equipment.
  • Active SECRET clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance for DoD contracts
  • Technical experience and familiarity with the directed energy & weapon systems industry and integrated systems development
  • Experience with simulation tools such as Python, COMSOL Multiphysics, CST Microwave Studio, Ansys HFSS
  • Technically proficient in MS Office products

Additional Skills Desired, but not required:
  • Experience working on DoD contracts, with a strong understanding of defense acquisition processes and requirements

Language Skills:
  • Interpersonal skills to effectively work with ThinKom people internally as well as working effectively with suppliers and customers
  • Ability to effectively present information in team meetings and design reviews, as needed

Other Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate clearly in a well thought out manner, verbal and written
  • Must have substantial problem-solving abilities

Additional Requirements:
  • Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US DoD Security Clearance in support of US Government contracts/ subcontracts

Physical Demands:
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
  • This position uses a computer terminal to access, input, and retrieve data.
  • This position may be subject to interruptions that may cause a change in immediate priorities and/or work focus.
  • While performing duties to this position, employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, reach, and/or bend.
  • May occasionally lift and/or move files or boxes up to 50 pounds.
  • May be subjected to occasional irregular or extended work hours.
  • May be required to sit for extended lengths of time.
  • Must be able to work in an environment that may be subjected to occasional loud noises, hazardous materials and chemicals.

Salary Range - $80,000 - $135,000
ThinKom offer generous benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, 401k Matching (4%), PTO, paid Holidays and Bonus Plan.
ThinKom Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
ThinKom Solutions is a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment with a zero-tolerance policy