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System Engineer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Momentum

Senior System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$108K - $147K/yr

Senior System Engineer Senior System Engineers to provide SETA (Systems Engineering & Technical ... PhD preferred) * Active Top Secret SCI with CI Poly or the ability to get a CI Poly after hire ...

Momentum

Senior System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$108K - $147K/yr

Senior System Engineer Senior System Engineers to provide SETA (Systems Engineering & Technical ... PhD preferred) * Active Top Secret SCI with CI Poly or the ability to get a CI Poly after hire ...

Momentum

Senior System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$108K - $147K/yr

Senior System Engineer Senior System Engineers to provide SETA (Systems Engineering & Technical ... PhD preferred) * Active Top Secret SCI with CI Poly or the ability to get a CI Poly after hire ...

Omm IT Solutions

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

Solvarus

SIGINT System Engineer - Mid

Chantilly, VA · On-site

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 ...

Apple

Prototyping System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Description As a Home Prototyping System Engineer, you will be responsible for the electrical ... Preferred Qualifications MS or PhD in electrical engineering or similar field Experience leading ...

Solvarus

SIGINT System Engineer - Mid

Chantilly, VA · On-site

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 ...

Nova Ltd.

Senior System Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

MS or PhD in Physics or relevant engineering field with more than 5-10 years of experience in ... Ability to develop and validate end to end system models for complex mapping of multidimensional ...

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System Engineer Phd information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do system engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced degrees, or possessing rare expertise in areas like machine learning or systems architecture.

Is a PhD worth it as an engineer?

A PhD can enhance a system engineer's expertise, especially in research, development, and specialized technical roles. It may lead to higher-level positions, increased salary potential, and opportunities in academia or advanced R&D, but it also requires significant time and effort with no guaranteed immediate job advantage. The decision depends on career goals and industry demands.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior system engineers, especially those with advanced skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, or network architecture, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, specialized certifications, and working in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles.

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 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, systems engineering, or engineering management can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-demand industries like technology or aerospace. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often leadership roles or ownership of critical projects.
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System Engineer Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Engineer Phd job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

System Engineer, Level 4

Avalore, LLC

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Applies systems engineering principles throughout the systems life cycle phases: Concept, Development, Production, Utilization, Support, and Retirement. Interacts with the Government regarding Systems Engineering technical considerations and for associated problems, issues or conflicts. Communicates with other program personnel, government overseers, and senior executives. Responsibility for the technical integrity, quality, and completeness of work performed and deliverables associated with one or more of the 25 process areas defined by ISO/IEC15288:
  • Technical Process Area - Stakeholder Requirements Definition, Requirements Analysis, Architectural Design, Implementation, Integration, Verification, Transition, Validation, Operation, Maintenance, and Disposal;
  • Project Process Area - Project Planning, Project Assessment and Control, Decision Management, Risk Management, Configuration Management, Information Management, and Measurement;
  • Enterprise (Organizational Project-Enabling) Process Area - Project Portfolio Management, Infrastructure Management, Lifecycle Model Management, Human Resource Management, and Quality Management; • (U) Agreement Process Area - Acquisition and Supply.

Systems Engineer shall also:
  • Perform systems engineering activities and assist in the preparation of a work product in
  • Technical Process Areas associated with the ISO/IEC 15288.
  • Develop and deliver a work product in any of the ISO/IEC 15288 Process Areas.
  • Perform analysis of technical alternatives for a project and make preliminary recommendations.
  • Assist in performing systems engineering activities in the ISO/IEC 15288 Agreement or Enterprise Process Areas.
  • Perform systems engineering activities and assist in the preparation of multiple work products in Project and/or Technical Process Areas associated with any of the ISO/IEC 15288 processes.
  • Perform systems engineering activities and develop and deliver work products in each of the ISO/IEC 15288 Project and Technical Process Areas.
  • Independently analyze, and recommend alternatives for elements of project's technical design.
  • Perform systems engineering activities and develop and deliver work products of either the ISO/IEC 15288 Agreement or Enterprise Process Areas.
  • Assist in developing a new or innovative approach to a technical or engineering issue.
  • Assist in conducting an evaluation to determine its suitability for project implementation.
  • Analyze and propose appropriate engineering standards and processes for a project.
  • Supervise or coordinate the work of other contractor engineers or technicians on a project.

Requirements
  • A Bachelor's degree in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus ten (10) years of systems engineering experience OR
    • A High School Diploma or GED plus fourteen (14) years of general systems engineering experience (any process area) OR
    • A Master's degree in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus eight (8) years of systems engineering experience 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.
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI with an appropriate current polygraph is required to be considered for this role; Ability to receive privileged access rights.

Benefits
Eligibility requirements apply.
  • Employer-Paid Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA) with a generous matching program
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Employee Assistance Program

Apply