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Systems Engineer Level 3 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Markon

Systems Engineer Level 3

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

Description Markon is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer Level 3 to to support the design, integration, and sustainment of mission-critical packet-based systems for an intelligence community ...

Markon

Systems Engineer Level 3

Fort George G Meade, MD

$200K - $220K/yr

Markon is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer Level 3 to to support the design, integration, and sustainment of mission-critical packet-based systems for an intelligence community customer. The ...

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How much do systems engineer level 3 jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer level 3 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or principal systems engineer with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often working in high-demand industries or at large technology companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such roles typically require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes stock options or bonuses as part of compensation packages.

How much do level 3 engineers make?

Systems Engineer Level 3 positions typically have a salary range between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require advanced technical skills, certifications, and several years of experience in systems design, implementation, and troubleshooting.

What jobs can I get with a level 3 in engineering?

A Level 3 Systems Engineer typically qualifies for advanced technical roles such as senior systems engineer, network engineer, or technical lead. These positions often require expertise in system design, troubleshooting, and familiarity with tools like scripting languages and network protocols. Certifications like Cisco CCNP or CompTIA Network+ can enhance job prospects at this level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Systems Engineer Level 3, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Engineer Level 3, you need advanced expertise in systems architecture, network administration, troubleshooting, and a relevant bachelor's degree or higher in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with enterprise operating systems (Windows, Linux), virtualization platforms, cloud services, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA/CCNP, or Microsoft certifications are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IT infrastructures that support organizational goals and ensure operational reliability.

What are some key challenges a Systems Engineer Level 3 might face when managing large-scale infrastructure projects?

As a Systems Engineer Level 3, you may encounter challenges such as integrating legacy systems with new technologies, ensuring high system availability, and managing complex troubleshooting across distributed environments. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—including network engineers, software developers, and cybersecurity professionals—can also present communication and project alignment hurdles. Staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies and compliance standards is essential to effectively address these challenges and drive successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Systems Engineer Level 3 vs Network Engineer?

AspectSystems Engineer Level 3Network Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIA
Work EnvironmentData centers, enterprise IT teams, cloud environmentsNetwork operations centers, enterprise networks, service providers
ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, troubleshoot systems and serversDesign, configure, troubleshoot network infrastructure
Industry UsageIT services, technology firms, large enterprisesTelecommunications, ISPs, large organizations

Systems Engineer Level 3 and Network Engineer roles share certifications and work environments but focus on different technical areas. Systems Engineers primarily handle systems and server infrastructure, while Network Engineers specialize in network design and troubleshooting. Both roles are vital in enterprise IT, often collaborating to ensure seamless technology operations.

What are Systems Engineer Level 3?

A Systems Engineer Level 3 is an experienced professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IT systems and networks within an organization. They typically lead technical projects, troubleshoot advanced issues, and provide guidance to junior engineers. Level 3 engineers are expected to have deep expertise in systems architecture, security, and integration, as well as strong problem-solving skills. Their role often involves collaborating with other departments to ensure systems meet business requirements and operate efficiently.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior-level engineers such as Software Engineers, Systems Engineers, and Data Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within certain industries like technology or finance. These roles typically require advanced technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes managerial duties.
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What cities are hiring for Systems Engineer Level 3 jobs? Cities with the most Systems Engineer Level 3 job openings:
What states have the most Systems Engineer Level 3 jobs? States with the most job openings for Systems Engineer Level 3 jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Systems Engineer Level 3 jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Engineer Level 3 jobs are:
Systems Engineer Level 3 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Level 3 job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Systems Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Systems Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 349 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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) has an exciting career opportunity for a Systems Engineer - Level 3 or 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be in Huntsville, AL.
Position Overview:
The selected Systems Engineer - Level 3 or 4 will work as a member of an Agile Scrum team performing Algorithm development and Analysis for the GMD Weapon System (GWS) Fire Control (GFC) product, you will be part of the team that develops new algorithms, improves old algorithms, and assesses the effectiveness and performance of them in the context of the GFC software (currently ~1.5 million lines of code) that controls the missile defense system that protects the United States from intercontinental ballistic missile attack.
Essential Functions:
  • Work in a collaborative team environment to understand, implement, and assess new capabilities and algorithms.
  • Perform algorithm development and analysis which are mathematics and physics based complex solutions that are critical to the performance of Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) mission.

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 Principal Systems Engineer - Level 3 or a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Level 4.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer - Leve 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 1 year of related work experience with a PhD in STEM.
  • Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Level 4: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree in STEM and 6 years of related work experience, or 4 years of related work experience with a PhD in STEM.
  • Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: data analysis, performance analysis, and physics/Mathematics-based algorithm development
  • Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical personnel
  • High proficiency in technical problem solving
  • Knowledge of MATLAB, Python or similar engineering tools used in prototyping complex algorithms
  • Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills
  • Proven track record of successfully integrating problem solutions into a larger system
  • Extensive background in at least one of the following: Ballistic Missile Defense, midcourse missile defense, battle management, threat processing, weapon target assignment, target object map population
  • Capable of performing assigned tasks with very little or no direction
  • Well-developed skills in critical thinking and paying attention to detail
  • Proven experience in developing, prototyping and evaluating complex algorithms
  • Must be able to support an in-person / closed-area work environment
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to support business needs.
  • 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 the MDA GMD program.
  • Advanced degree in Mathematics or Physics
  • General understanding of any or all of the following algorithm domains: track processing, track reporting, discrimination, sensor resource management, resource utilization optimization, battlespace analysis
  • Unix/Linux Operating System Experience
  • Experience with optimization algorithms
  • Experience with planning / scheduling algorithms
  • Experience with sensor modeling, communication modeling, and / or missile modelling
  • Battle Management or Fire Control experience
  • Experienced with Linux, scripting, and operations

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $169,700.00
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

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