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Systems Engineer Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... contracts, research and engineering, test and evaluation, logistics and industrial operations ... Participate in integrated avionics system/subsystem design maturity assessments, including ...

Controls Engineer - Contract

Grand Rapids, MI

$80.20K - $103.70K/yr

Controls Engineer - Contract DISHER is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for a 3 month ... Design of electrical control systems with little supervision * Provide PLC & HMI programming for ...

... contracts, research and engineering, test and evaluation, logistics and industrial operations ... Participate in integrated avionics system/subsystem design maturity assessments, including ...

Controls Engineer - Contract

Grand Rapids, MI

$80.20K - $103.70K/yr

Controls Engineer - Contract DISHER is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for a 3 month ... Design of electrical control systems with little supervision * Provide PLC & HMI programming for ...

Systems Engineer 3

Columbia, MD · On-site

$205K - $235K/yr

This opportunity supports an Enterprise IT contract with a team of Customer Service Specialists, Database Engineers, Information Systems Security Officers, Information Systems Security Engineers ...

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Systems Engineer Contract information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do systems engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer contract 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 Contract job?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Systems Engineer Contract position, and why are they important?

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 some typical responsibilities and challenges faced by a Systems Engineer under a contract position?

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 cities are hiring for Systems Engineer Contract jobs? Cities with the most Systems Engineer Contract job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Systems Engineer Contract jobs? States with the most job openings for Systems Engineer Contract jobs include:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Contract job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Systems Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Odyssey is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to support the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Program Office delivering critical capabilities for the Defense of Guam (DoG). This role supports a priority national defense effort in a dynamic environment, ensuring effective integration of missile defense elements to protect a key strategic location. The selected candidate will provide senior-level systems engineering support, guiding technical efforts across multiple domains and ensuring alignment with MDA objectives

Responsibilities

Duties include, but not limited to: 

  • Perform integrated analysis and evaluation of DoG test events including Flight Tests, Ground Tests, and System Integration Check Out (SICO) activities
  • Participate in and support engineering milestones such as Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews (PDR/CDR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and technical assessments
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across MDA and supporting organizations to coordinate schedules, resolve issues, and ensure technical accuracy
  • Provide input on secure system design considerations, risk identification, and mitigation strategies
  • Lead or support technical interchange meetings (TIMs), action tracking, and meeting coordination
  • Develop executive-level briefings, technical papers, and correspondence for senior leaders, including Flag Officers and SES personnel
  • Coordinate GENser and SAP-level meetings and VTCs as needed
  • Represent the Government customer in IPTs, working groups, and forums
  • Apply engineering tools such as DOORS, Windchill, and Qlik for analysis and coordination
  • Support efforts related to system security, including compliance tracking or integration of cybersecurity inputs into engineering processes
Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Minimum Required Qualifications

ClearanceActive Secret Clearance

Education: Master's Degree in STEM field

Years of Experience: 12+ years of relevant systems engineering or technical experience for missile defense related programs

Skills:

  • Strong understanding of MDA systems engineering processes and procedures
  • Demonstrate understanding of system architecture and system
  • Experience with MDA system elements (e.g., Patriot, THAAD, Aegis, C2BMC)
  • Familiarity with secure development practices, configuration management, and cybersecurity-informed engineering
  • Knowledge of the ETM-2 system and experience managing Congressional or routine taskers
  • Ability to operate independently and communicate effectively across diverse technical teams
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project)
  • Skilled in developing and delivering technical briefings to senior decision-makers

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in STEM in addition to Master's degree in STEM

  • Preferred background that includes exposure to secure system development and cybersecurity-informed engineering practices

Additional Information

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Travel:Yes- level TBD based on Customer requirements

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Customer site; telework authorized, subject to change at the customer's discretion

#LI-JK1

Company Overview

Odyssey is a world-class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military's operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain-specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.

Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Please Note:

Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

This position is filled through continuous recruitment and will remain open until a sufficient pool of applications has been received.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Tricare supplement, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, learning and development benefit, paid time off, and holidays.Odyssey Benefits

Employment Type: FULL_TIME