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System Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The System Engineering Manager provides leadership and technical oversight for BrightRidge's System Engineering Department, ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electric ...

System Engineering Lead Location: Washington, D.C. Career Level: Senior Travel Percentage: Type of Position: Full-Time-Contingent Relocation Available: No ITAR: US Citizen Required Security Clearance:

The Principal Systems Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for the reliability, security, scalability, governance, and strategic direction of critical enterprise platforms and cloud ...

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System Engineering information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do system engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for system engineering 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 is system engineering?

System engineering is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on designing, integrating, and managing complex systems throughout their life cycles. It involves understanding and defining customer needs, translating them into system requirements, and creating solutions that span hardware, software, and processes. System engineers coordinate across various disciplines, ensuring that all parts of a project work together efficiently and effectively. Their work is crucial in industries such as aerospace, defense, IT, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system engineer?

To thrive as a System Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or engineering, along with expertise in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and integration. Familiarity with operating systems (like Linux and Windows), scripting languages, cloud platforms, and certifications such as CompTIA, AWS, or Microsoft Certified: Azure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication, and collaboration skills help system engineers excel in cross-functional teams and resolve complex technical challenges. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure reliable, scalable, and secure IT infrastructure that meets organizational needs.

What are some common challenges faced by system engineers when working on cross-functional teams?

System Engineers often collaborate with professionals from software development, hardware design, quality assurance, and project management. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication across these teams, as each may use different technical jargon and have distinct priorities. System Engineers must bridge these gaps, translating requirements and constraints to all stakeholders while balancing technical feasibility with project timelines. Developing strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving can help overcome these challenges and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between System Engineering vs Network Engineering?

AspectSystem EngineeringNetwork Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like INCOSE, PMPBachelor's in Computer Science or related, Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP)
Work EnvironmentDesigning and integrating complex systems across industriesDesigning, implementing, and maintaining computer networks
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, defense, ITTelecommunications, IT services, enterprise networks
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical scope and certificationsFocuses on network infrastructure and security

System Engineering and Network Engineering share overlapping skills in technical certifications and work environments, but differ in focus. System Engineers design complex systems across various industries, while Network Engineers specialize in network infrastructure. Both roles are vital in technology and engineering sectors, often requiring similar credentials but serving distinct functions.

Is a system engineering a high paying job?

System engineering is generally considered a well-paying profession, especially for those with specialized skills, certifications, and experience in areas like systems design, integration, and project management. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and level of expertise, but it is often among the higher-paying engineering roles.

What is the job of a system engineer?

A system engineer designs, develops, and manages complex systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and meet requirements. They analyze system needs, integrate hardware and software components, and often use tools like modeling and simulation. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles are essential for this role.

What jobs can you get as a system engineer?

A system engineer can work in roles such as systems analyst, network engineer, security engineer, or infrastructure engineer. These positions involve designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IT systems, often requiring knowledge of networking, scripting, and certifications like CompTIA or Cisco. Job opportunities are available across industries including technology, defense, healthcare, and manufacturing.
More about System Engineering jobs

What cities are hiring for System Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most System Engineering job openings:

What states have the most System Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for System Engineering jobs include:

Infographic showing various System Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

System Engineering Manager

Brightridge

Johnson City, TN • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

The System Engineering Manager provides leadership and technical oversight for BrightRidge's System Engineering Department, ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electric transmission and distribution system. This position manages engineering staff, oversees system planning and analysis, supports capital improvement initiatives, and develops technical standards and processes to meet organizational, regulatory, and customer needs.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Support the Chief Engineering and Systems Design Officer in establishing departmental goals, priorities, budgets, and long term strategic initiatives.

  • Lead, develop, and evaluate System Design Engineers and the Environmental Specialist, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and workload coordination.

  • Direct system planning, modeling, and engineering studies, including load flow, reliability, fault current, protection coordination, and power quality analysis.

  • Manage relay protection and control programming, settings development, testing strategies, and standardization efforts.

  • Oversee relay protection, control systems, SCADA integration, and system modeling accuracy to support safe and reliable electric system operations.

  • Manage capital improvement planning, project prioritization, cost estimating, asset management programs, and long term infrastructure strategies.

  • Guide distribution automation, grid modernization, and system reliability initiatives to improve operational efficiency, resilience, and service quality.

  • Evaluate commercial and industrial customer requests, including load additions, system impact analysis, and service recommendations.

  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, industry standards, and internal policies, including oversight of SPCC programs and environmental compliance.

  • Lead power quality investigations and corrective recommendations, leveraging data analytics, monitoring equipment, and engineering best practices.

  • Prepare technical studies, reports, switching orders, operational recommendations, and cost benefit analysis to support informed business and engineering decisions.

  • Promote continuous improvement, innovation, teamwork, and professional development within the department.

  • Maintain reliable, predictable, and regular attendance.


ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Participate in the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, policies, and procedures.

  • Support emergency response activities, storm restoration efforts, and after-hours system events as needed.

  • Interpret and apply local, State, Federal and District and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

  • Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for capital and operational budgets.

  • Evaluate new technologies, tools, and processes that support reliability and efficiency.

  • Represent the Engineering Department in internal committees, cross-functional initiatives, and external regulatory or industry engagements.

  • Perform role as on-call supervisor as scheduled on a rotating basis; available for call-in whenever needed.

  • Must maintain a valid driver's license from the state of residence.

  • Assist after hours during emergency situations.

  • Maintain assigned vehicle.

  • Perform other related duties as assigned.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Assist in the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, policies, procedures, and best practices.

  • Support departmental budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and strategic planning activities.

  • Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and processes to improve system reliability, efficiency, and performance.

  • Serve as on-call supervisor on a rotating basis and respond to after hours emergencies, storm restoration efforts, and system events as needed.

  • Must be able to read, interpret, and convey details of schematic diagrams.

  • Understanding of environmental regulations related to substations, transformers, oil containment, and SPCC requirements.

  • Excellent oral and written communication, customer facing, people management skills.

  • Demonstrate behavior consistent with BrightRidge's culture in the spirit and core values of technical competency, respect and dignity, accountability, integrity, trustworthiness, and servant leadership to empower or otherwise enable others to optimally perform their job responsibilities.

  • Promote ethics and behaviors consistent with BrightRidge's culture, Board policies, and business practices. Understand and fulfill the role and responsibility for all compliance.

  • Maintain a valid driver's license and assigned company vehicle.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires constant vision and sitting. Frequent handling, talking, hearing, depth perception, and arm/hand machine control operation is required. Approximately 25% of this position's time is spent outside working with System Design Engineers, Environment Specialist/Transmission Line Inspector, Substation employees, and Construction crews to achieve goals of the department in serving customers. Employee may be required to ambulate on uneven terrain.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

Generally, work is performed in an indoor temperature-controlled office environment with appropriate lighting.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline.

  • Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in utility engineering.

  • Experience with C&I customers, SCADA systems, protective relays, system analysis, and capital planning.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.

  • Experience leading engineering teams and capital projects.

  • Demonstrated success in mentoring and developing engineers.

  • Experience managing employee performance, workload prioritization, and professional development.


_______________________________________


BrightRidge wishes to be in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In accordance with the Act, we will make reasonable accommodation to any person who needs such accommodation, whether a new hire or a current employee, assuming that the person is fully qualified for the position.


These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Since jobs tend to change over time, Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required without a formal update of the job description.

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