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Systems Engineer 1 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer 1

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$109K - $182K/yr

As a Senior Systems Engineer you will provide technical support for Department of War programs, ensuring weapons and munitions systems are effectively designed, integrated, tested, and fielded. This ...

As a Senior Systems Engineer you will provide technical support for Department of War programs, ensuring weapons and munitions systems are effectively designed, integrated, tested, and fielded. This ...

$109 - $182/hr

As a Senior Systems Engineer you will provide technical support for Department of War programs, ensuring weapons and munitions systems are effectively designed, integrated, tested, and fielded. This ...

Senior Systems Engineer 1

Holloman Air Force Base, NM · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Support engineering design development and identify, analyze, document, and manage system requirements to ensure the final product meets its intended purpose * Assist with engineering calculations ...

Showing results 21-40

Systems Engineer 1 information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do systems engineer 1 jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer 1 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 a Systems Engineer 1?

A Systems Engineer 1 is an entry-level professional who helps design, implement, and maintain computer systems and networks within an organization. They assist in troubleshooting technical issues, ensuring system security, and supporting system upgrades or installations. Typically, they work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and collaborate with IT teams to ensure smooth operation of hardware and software systems. This role is a starting point for a career in systems engineering and often involves learning on the job while gaining hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Systems Engineer 1, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Engineer 1, you need a solid understanding of computer systems, networking, and operating systems, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Familiarity with system administration tools, scripting languages, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals is often expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable IT infrastructure, resolving issues efficiently, and collaborating across technical teams.

What are some common challenges faced by a Systems Engineer 1 in their first year on the job?

As a Systems Engineer 1, you may initially face challenges balancing multiple projects while learning to navigate complex IT infrastructures. You'll often need to quickly familiarize yourself with the organization's unique systems, tools, and protocols, which can be overwhelming at first. Collaboration with senior engineers and other departments is essential, as is effective communication to ensure smooth integration and troubleshooting. Developing strong documentation habits and seeking mentorship can help you overcome these early hurdles and accelerate your professional growth.

What is the difference between Systems Engineer 1 vs Systems Engineer 2?

AspectSystems Engineer 1Systems Engineer 2
Required CertificationsBasic certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNAAdvanced certifications such as Cisco CCNP or VMware Certified Professional
Work EnvironmentEntry-level technical support and system maintenanceMore complex system design and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in IT departments across various industriesTypically in larger organizations with more complex infrastructure

The main difference between Systems Engineer 1 and Systems Engineer 2 lies in experience, certifications, and scope of responsibilities. Systems Engineer 2 generally handles more complex tasks and requires advanced certifications, whereas Systems Engineer 1 focuses on foundational support and maintenance roles.

Is Systems Engineer 1 entry level?

Systems Engineer 1 is typically considered an entry-level or junior position in the engineering field, often requiring some foundational knowledge of systems, networks, or related technologies. Candidates usually need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and may have limited professional experience, with responsibilities focused on supporting and learning from more senior engineers.
More about Systems Engineer 1 jobs
Infographic showing various Systems Engineer 1 job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Specialist, Systems Engineer 1

L3Harris Technologies

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer

Job Number: 43768

Job Location: Nashville, TN

Schedule: 9/80-Every other Friday off

Job Description:

ForceX is seeking an engineer to deliver mission-focused technical solutions from concept through deployment and sustainment. The role partners across disciplines to translate requirements into executable designs that meet performance, cost, and schedule objectives. This Systems Engineering role is focused on product and mission-system engineering, including requirements, architecture, integration, verification, and lifecycle technical execution. This level is an experienced professional role with proficient job-area knowledge and practical project execution capability.

This systems engineering role will support design, integration, test & deployment of mission management products that support Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) missions fielded on government-owned, government-operated (GO-GO) platforms. The ideal candidate will interact with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. end users, platform integration teams & Agile software teams) to define and maintain system configurations, to include software integration labs (SIL) and deployable mission management systems as required by each program.

Essential Functions:

- Execute engineering work products from requirements through verification and technical documentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hardware, software, and operational constraints into practical solutions.
- Conduct technical analysis, risk identification, and trade studies to support design decisions.
- Present technical status, issues, and recommendations in formal and informal reviews.
- Contribute to proposal, planning, and execution activities aligned to program milestones.
- Support compliance with customer, regulatory, and security requirements.
- Travel up to 25% to support integration, test, customer engagement, and program execution.
- Support work performed in a classified and or controlled environment.
- Perform technical planning, requirements decomposition, interface definition, and verification strategy for mission systems.
- Execute system integration, validation, and technical baselines across concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal.
- Lead or support design reviews, peer reviews, and technical interchanges.
- Produce and maintain system engineering artifacts including requirements traceability, risk registers, and verification evidence.
- Ensure system designs comply with security and government compliance requirements.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD security clearance.
- 4+ years of experience in systems engineering methods across full lifecycle activities.
- 4+ years of experience with requirements management, risk management, and system integration and verification practices.

Preferred Additional Skills:

- Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline preferred; Engineering preferred, Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science acceptable.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.
- Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) familiarity.
- Experience with multi-domain mission systems and secure architectures.
- Experience supporting government or defense technical reviews.
- Experience balancing technical, schedule, and cost constraints across system-level decisions.
- Ability to collaborate across software, hardware, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and program teams.
- Role scope expectation: Works independently on moderately complex assignments and supports operational targets for projects and programs.
- Collaboration expectation: Communicates across departments to explain and align on operational processes and execution plans.

#LI-EB1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time