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Systems Engineer Contract Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer IV

Redmond, WA · On-site

$75 - $80/hr

Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to improve system performance, reliability, and ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA. Pay and Benefits The pay ...

Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to improve system performance, reliability, and ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA. Pay and Benefits The pay ...

Showing results 21-40

Systems Engineer Contract information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$60.9K

$144.8K

$190.1K

How much do systems engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer contract in Seattle, WA is $144,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $178,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a systems engineer contract?

A Systems Engineer Contract job is a temporary or project-based position where an engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex systems. These roles often involve working with hardware, software, networking, and security components to ensure system functionality and efficiency. Contract Systems Engineers may work for a specific duration or on a particular project for a company, typically through a consulting firm or as independent contractors. They are expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams, troubleshoot issues, and optimize system performance. The contract terms, duration, and scope of work can vary based on the employer's needs.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges of a systems engineer contract?

As a Systems Engineer working on a contract basis, your daily responsibilities usually include managing infrastructure deployments, configuring and maintaining servers, troubleshooting system issues, and optimizing network performance for client projects. You may face challenges such as quickly adapting to new environments, understanding legacy systems, or integrating new technologies with existing IT infrastructure. Contract roles often require working independently while effectively collaborating with internal IT teams, project managers, and other stakeholders. This environment provides valuable exposure to diverse industries and technical challenges, which can greatly enhance your experience and open avenues for future permanent or advanced contract opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for a systems engineer contract?

To thrive as a Systems Engineer Contract, you need a strong background in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and integration, typically supported by a degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with tools such as VMware, Linux/Windows server environments, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and relevant certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are highly valued. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills set top candidates apart in contract roles where autonomy and collaboration are both crucial. These skills and attributes ensure efficient delivery, adaptability to different project requirements, and successful collaboration in dynamic technical environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Systems Engineer Contract jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Systems Engineer Contract job openings:

Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Contract job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $144,774 per year, or $69.6 per hour.

System Safety & Risk Assurance Engineer (Contract)

Gravitics, Inc

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About Gravitics
At Gravitics, we're not exploring space-we're building it. We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers. We design and manufacture large-scale orbital structures that enable commercial operations while meeting the requirements of defense and government missions.
Our systems are built to scale and built to last-bridging commercial innovation with mission-critical performance. If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you. Let's build the future together.
About the Role (This is a contract role.)
In this role, you will be responsible for evaluating off-nominal conditions, influencing spacecraft architecture, and driving system-level trades across performance, mass, safety, and reliability. Crucially, you will ensure our modular structures and pressurized spacecraft meet the rigorous criteria required for human-rated flight profiles and government/commercial space program delivery.
Core Responsibilities
  • Hazard & Failure Analysis: Lead and support spacecraft system safety assessments, including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA).
  • Human-Rating & Pressurized Systems Safety: Own hazard analysis and safety compliance for high-pressure systems, structures/mechanisms, and Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) required for human habitation.
  • Fault Management (FDIR): Develop and refine fault-protection concepts including fault detection, isolation, containment, recovery, safing, and mission-recovery strategies across flight software, avionics, and operational segments.
  • Cross-Functional System Integration: Collaborate with Chief Engineers, Manufacturing, and Integration & Test teams to translate safety and mission assurance objectives into verifiable technical requirements.
  • Verification & Testing: Define and execute verification plans for hazard controls and fault-protection requirements through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, simulations, and fault injection.
  • Root Cause & Anomaly Resolution: Lead or participate in Failure Review Boards (FRBs), analyzing testing anomalies, waivers, deviations, and operational constraints for safety and mission impacts.

Required Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or a related technical STEM field.
  • Experience: 5+ years of direct experience in systems engineering, system safety, reliability engineering, or mission assurance within space system development.
  • Domain Expertise: Deep technical understanding of structural integrity, pressure vessels, leak paths, or human-rating safety frameworks (e.g., NASA-STD-8719.13 or military range requirements).
  • Execution Mindset: Comfortable navigating technical ambiguity, balancing engineering rigor with rapid product manufacturing and testing cadences.
  • U.S. Person Status: Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual to conform to U.S. space technology export regulations (ITAR/EAR).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience with life-support (ECLSS) systems, active thermal loops, or human-tended space station docking mechanisms.
  • Familiarity with requirements and engineering configuration tracking systems (e.g., Jama, Jira, Confluence, or NX/Simcenter environment pipelines).
  • Direct experience handling commercial launch licensing approvals (FAA-AST) or working alongside commercial space station operators (e.g., Axiom Space, U.S. Space Force).

Travel Requirements
This position requires approximately 10-20% travel to support business needs, including visits to company facilities, customer sites, industry events, and team meetings. Travel frequency may vary based on business priorities and project requirements.
Compensation and Benefits
This position will initially be engaged as a contract (1099) role, with the opportunity to transition to a regular full-time employee based on business needs and performance. Compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will vary depending on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills.
Upon successful conversion to full-time employment, the selected candidate may become eligible for Gravitics' comprehensive employee benefits package, which includes company equity, medical benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan, and other employee programs, subject to applicable plan terms and company policies.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Gravitics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
Salary Range
$65-$90 USD