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Systems Engineer Contract Jobs in Washington, DC

Systems Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Minimum of seven (7) years of Systems Engineering experience on programs/contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity. * Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, Computer Science, Information ...

New

You Have: * 7+ year of experience as a Systems Engineer on contracts and programs of similar scope * Experience with supporting dataflow operations, including monitoring system data from collection ...

Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$120K - $160K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... contracts effectively deliver required services and capabilities. * Self-starter, able to ...

Systems Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$76.92 - $100.96/hr

Qualifications You Have: * 14+ years experience with systems engineering for complex DoD programs and contracts * Experience with system requirements analysis, allocation, traceability, and ...

... contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity. • 14+ years of experience in Systems Engineering in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity. • Ability to see impacts of ...

Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$114K - $252K/yr

Job Title: Systems Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance ... and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies ...

Showing results 41-60

Systems Engineer Contract information

See Washington, DC salary details

$60.6K

$144.1K

$189.1K

How much do systems engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer contract in Washington, DC is $144,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $177,800.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What job categories do people searching Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Contract job openings in Washington, DC 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 $144,083 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

Specialized Infrastructure Services Systems Engineer

Peraton

Laurel, MD • On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 226 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is hiring a Specialized Infrastructure Services Systems Engineer to join our Cyber Mission business unit in Jessup, MD. As a Systems Engineer on our team, you will support one of the largest enterprise-wide engineering contracts within the Intelligence Community. This is a full-time position requiring 1880 hours of support per year; and work is performed at a customer location.

As a Specialized Infrastructure Services Systems Engineer, you will provide systems engineering assessments of end user architectures, and system administration solutions to meet required capabilities and you will help administer Windows, and both VMWare and Desktop-based systems. You will also work with network, storage, and server personnel to define new or modified solutions to complex problems; respond to requests for new systems to meet capacity and user requirements; and install and administer user desktops for specific critical user-access systems. #AJCM #MDFSP

Qualifications

Individual Capabilities/Experience Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or other related discipline plus at least 15 years of systems engineering experience.
    • A Master's degree or PhD may be substituted for two years of experience.
    • A high school diploma or GED plus 19 years of systems engineering experience would also be acceptable.
  • DoD 8570 compliance with Information Assurance Management (IAM) Level I or higher is required.
  • Assess end user computer architectures for optimizing resource management and allocation.
  • Ability to optimize system operation and resource utilization and perform system capacity analysis and planning.
  • Ability to break down complex problem space, formulate technical strategies, build action plans, and track progress against established baselines to resolve technical challenges and meet customer expectations.
  • Configure and manage Windows operating systems, VMWare and installs/loads operating systems software, troubleshoot, maintain integrity of and configure network components, along with implementing operating systems enhancements to improve reliability and performance.
  • Position requires an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.

 Individual Capabilities/Experience Desired:

  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Peraton offers enhanced benefits to employees working on this critical National Security program, which include heavily subsidized employee benefits coverage for you and your dependents, 25 days of PTO accrued annually up to a generous PTO cap and eligible to participate in an attractive bonus plan.

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$146,000 - $234,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017