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Systems Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Support procurement activities of vendors implementing components and systems to BWXT ... design engineers. * Prepare and present design results to internal and external stakeholders.

Support procurement activities of vendors implementing components and systems to BWXT ... design engineers. * Prepare and present design results to internal and external stakeholders.

Design Engineer - Modular The Design Engineer plays a critical role in transforming virtual design ... Interpret and develop drawings for power, lighting, systems, underground, site, and temporary power ...

Design Engineer - Modular The Design Engineer plays a critical role in transforming virtual design ... Interpret and develop drawings for power, lighting, systems, underground, site, and temporary power ...

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Systems Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$117.6K

$172K

How much do systems design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems design engineer in Virginia is $117,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $135,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Systems Design Engineers?

Systems Design Engineers are professionals who develop, integrate, and optimize complex systems that often involve hardware, software, and processes. They work on designing system architectures, specifying requirements, and ensuring that all components function together efficiently. Their role often bridges multiple engineering disciplines, facilitating communication between teams and ensuring that the final product meets technical, business, and user needs. Systems Design Engineers are commonly found in industries like aerospace, automotive, technology, and manufacturing.

What does a System Design engineer do?

A Systems Design Engineer develops and plans complex systems by analyzing requirements, creating architecture, and integrating hardware and software components. They use modeling tools and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system functionality, reliability, and efficiency. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Systems Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Design Engineer, you need a strong background in systems engineering, mathematics, and design principles, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and systems modeling languages like SysML is typically required, along with relevant industry certifications such as INCOSE CSEP. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help facilitate effective collaboration and innovation. These skills ensure the successful design, integration, and optimization of complex systems that meet both technical and client requirements.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior systems design engineers, software engineers in specialized fields, and engineering managers often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Compensation can also include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits depending on the company and location.

How does a Systems Design Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Systems Design Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a central part of the job. You will regularly interface with hardware engineers, software developers, project managers, and quality assurance teams to ensure that system-level requirements are met. This often involves participating in design reviews, providing technical documentation, and troubleshooting integration issues. Effective communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential, as you will help bridge gaps between disciplines to deliver cohesive, functional systems.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior systems design engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in software architecture, and expertise in high-demand industries like technology or finance, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant growth potential.

What is the difference between Systems Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectSystems Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Systems Engineering, Electrical, or related fields; certifications like INCOSEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning complex systems, often in tech, aerospace, or defense industriesDesigning mechanical components, machinery, or thermal systems in manufacturing or automotive sectors
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, systems integratorsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, product design

Systems Design Engineers focus on creating integrated systems combining hardware and software, while Mechanical Engineers primarily design mechanical components and systems. Both roles require engineering degrees and often work in related industries, but their core responsibilities and expertise differ significantly.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior systems design engineers, software engineers in specialized fields like AI or cybersecurity, and engineering managers with extensive experience can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities in large or tech-focused companies.
Infographic showing various Systems Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,572 per year, or $56.5 per hour.
Electrical System Design Engineer

Electrical System Design Engineer

BWX Technologies

Lynchburg, VA

$85K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram .
Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We require a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.
Position Overview:
BWXT Advanced Technologies is seeking a highly motivated Electrical System Design Engineer. The position reports to the System Design Manager. The group supports programs for internal and external customers across Advanced Manufacturing, Medical Radioisotopes, and Nuclear Reactor Design. The ideal candidate would have a broad understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals with an interest in applying that knowledge across a variety of programs.
Location:
On-site in Lynchburg, Virginia
Your Day to Day as an Electrical System Design Engineer:
  • Utilize relevant system requirements and interface requirements to prepare appropriate engineering documentation, drawings, analyses, reports, etc.
  • Drive requirements for and support test activities/data analysis as a part of the design team.
  • Support procurement activities of vendors implementing components and systems to BWXT specifications.
  • Lead the creation of appropriate output documentation such as electrical schematics.
  • Coordinate with other interfacing disciplines such as mechanical engineers, system engineers, nuclear engineers, and system design engineers.
  • Prepare and present design results to internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
  • A Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline (Electrical, Mechanical or similar discipline) is required.
  • A minimum of four (4) years of relevant work experience is required.
  • Must have demonstrable ability to recognize and solve problems and recommend solutions to technical problems.
  • Must be self-directed with minimal day-to-day supervision needed and capable of effectively working both as part of a team and independently.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications is required.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in specifying motors, transformers, inductors, or other magnetic devices.
  • General understanding of Systems Requirements, Architecture, Interface Definition, and Design.
  • Proficiency in ANSYS Electronics Desktop (including Maxwell), or equivalent electromagnetic field simulation.
  • Programming experience with Python, C, C#, Visual Basic or similar computer programming languages.
  • Experience with the design and operation of electromechanical nuclear reactor control systems.
  • Knowledge or ability to design, develop, and/or specify sensors for extreme operating environments.
  • Experience with SABER or other electrical/electronic modeling software.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
  • Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
  • An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
  • The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $85,000 - $134,000
The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000 and $134,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with (no dual citizenship) ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications.
BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.
BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid ("Agreement"). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT's Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.
Nearest Major Market: Lynchburg
Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia
Job Segment: Nuclear Engineering, Defense, DoD, Manufacturing Engineer, Security Clearance, Engineering, Government

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