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Systems Engineer Level 2 Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Level II Systems Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Summary The Level 2 Systems Engineer role is to ensure system operation and functionality so that end users can accomplish business tasks. The objective of the Systems Engineer will be to respond to ...

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Systems Engineer Level 2 information

See Denver, CO salary details

$55.1K

$130.9K

$171.9K

How much do systems engineer level 2 jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer level 2 in Denver, CO is $130,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,900.00 and $161,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a systems engineer level 2?

Systems Engineer Level 2 positions are mid-level roles responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IT systems. They build upon foundational experience to handle more advanced troubleshooting, system upgrades, and performance optimization. These engineers often collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system reliability and security, and may mentor junior staff. Level 2 engineers typically have a few years of relevant experience and a strong understanding of various hardware, software, and networking components.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a systems engineer level 2?

To thrive as a Systems Engineer Level 2, you need a solid understanding of computer systems, networking, troubleshooting, and typically a bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience. Familiarity with operating systems (such as Windows and Linux), virtualization platforms, and certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) are often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in diagnosing issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for maintaining system reliability, implementing solutions efficiently, and supporting organizational IT infrastructure.

What are some common challenges a systems engineer level 2 may encounter when working on cross-functional IT projects?

As a Systems Engineer Level 2, you may often work on projects that require coordination between networking, security, and application teams. A common challenge is managing conflicting priorities and ensuring seamless integration between various systems while adhering to project timelines. Effective communication, prioritization, and documentation are crucial to overcoming these challenges. Being proactive in identifying potential technical or logistical roadblocks and collaborating closely with stakeholders will help ensure project success.

What is the difference between Systems Engineer Level 2 vs Network Engineer?

AspectSystems Engineer Level 2Network Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Cisco CCNP
Work EnvironmentIT departments, data centers, enterprise environmentsNetwork operations centers, enterprise networks, service providers
ResponsibilitiesSystem installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, supportNetwork design, configuration, troubleshooting, security

Systems Engineer Level 2 and Network Engineer roles share certifications like Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Network+. While Systems Engineers focus on overall system support and maintenance, Network Engineers specialize in designing and managing network infrastructure. Both roles are vital in IT environments, but their core responsibilities differ, with Systems Engineers handling broader system issues and Network Engineers concentrating on network-specific tasks.

Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Level 2 job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,940 per year, or $63 per hour.

Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3

Northrop Grumman

Boulder, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) Advanced Programs Group has an exciting career opportunity for a Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals.

We are working on an autonomous distributed tracking system - Join our high performing software team as the primary systems engineer and come make history with us. This job is in Boulder, CO - Boulder is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and only 25 miles from downtown Denver. Due to the nature of our work, full-time in-person work is required.

Position Overview: As a Systems Engineer or Principal Systems Engineer on this program, the role will focus on providing systems engineering support directly to both the Chief Architect and Program Manager of the program. Tasking will touch on all parts of the overall systems engineering lifecycle including planning, design, integration, and verification. This role requires a highly collaborative individual who has strong verbal and written communication skills.

Technical writing experience and great attention to detail in developing customer-facing presentations and documentation will be a big component of this role. Essential Functions: The selected engineer will be responsible for creating design documentation, maintain ICDs, ATBs, CONOP diagrams, requirements and mapping/creation of test requirements and documentation of results. This role would also require generating systems engineering diagrams and other elements in confluence/PPT that will be used to brief current status in programmatic events.

This may include milestone roadmaps, risk and opportunity tracking, and other various tasking to support the software engineering team to aid in clarifying design, deployment, and launch of the software products. Other examples of tasking may include collaborating with graphics teams to depict how the system works, and developing media to help with showing our current and future capabilities. Or leveraging modeling and simulation software to build depictions of how the system works.

The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/teams comprised of all experience levels. This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below. This requisition may be filled at either a Systems Engineer - Level 2 or a Principal Systems Engineer - Level 3.

Basic Qualifications (Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3): Systems Engineer Level 2: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree in STEM and 0-2 years of related work experience. Principal Systems Engineer Level 3: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree in STEM and 3 years of related work experience, or a PhD. and 1 year of related work experience.

Applicants must have a current active in-scope U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance at the time of application which is required to start. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with SDA's PWSA Experience with OPIR systems Experience with embedded systems Experience working on systems engineer for software products specifically Experience with Cameo or other MBSE modeling tools Experience with Agile; Experience with Atlassian tools (Jira and Confluence) or similar agile workflow environments

Prior experience developing presentations for IDRs, PMRs, or other large customer facing events Prior experience with modeling and simulation software Familiarity with OPIR data and software development and analysis of specialized combat systems that are providing advanced algorithms to improve tracking, prediction, and discrimination capabilities for emerging threats worldwide Experience collaborating with engineering disciplines and stakeholders across IPTs Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results

Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date.

However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939