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Systems Engineer Level 3 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Systems Engineer Level 3 information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

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.
More about Systems Engineer Level 3 jobs
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:
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 2 or Level 3

Systems Engineer Level 2 or Level 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 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: No
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 has an exciting career opportunity for a Systems Engineer Level 2 or Level 3 to join the System Safety Engineering team within the Launch Systems business unit located in Chandler, AZ. Be part of a team dedicated to keeping complex systems safe to manufacture, test, and operate. You will define and evaluate safety requirements, ensure implementation of critical safety features, and communicate with colleagues, customers, users, and other stakeholders whose lives are on the line in using these systems!
In this job you will:
  • Work with a small team of System Safety engineers in defining, implementing, and verifying System Safety requirements to ensure that the inherent risks are mitigated.
  • Apply the systems engineering process to define and verify launch vehicle and ground support equipment requirements to ensure safe operations and conduct system safety analyses to architect and implement a safe and robust system.
  • Understand the entire mission, including the launch vehicle, payload, ground support equipment, range infrastructure, and safety interfaces.
  • Understand how the different components, subsystems, systems, and integrated launch vehicle function and interact, with a focus on System Safety.
  • Interact with key internal and external customers and partners regarding system safety topics.
  • Support launch vehicle design and development to ensure that customer and internal goals for safety, mission success, and performance are met.
  • Analyze and explain launch vehicle designs to external customers to explain how applicable safety requirements for design, build, and test are met.
  • Interface with customer safety and launch integration personnel and support ground operations and launch mission working groups as requested.
  • Analyze integration and test processes to demonstrate customer and internal requirements are met for both safety and mission success, whether at the various launch sites or at our facilities in Chandler, AZ.
  • Reviews product systems associated with support equipment and facilities, functional specifications and operations, and establishes safety requirements for assigned systems.
  • Independently analyze and recommend safety criteria in system design, equipment, and procedures to control or eliminate hazards.
  • Develop safety documents as required to support customer and test/operational range requirements.
  • Perform audits of operational areas and reports effectiveness of system safety program.
  • Participate in accident investigations involving damage to products or related facilities and assist in identification of causes and corrective actions.
  • Evaluate the interrelationship of system safety requirements and other aspects of concept design and development requirements to ensure the most cost-effective program.

This position may be filled at level 2 or level 3
Salary Level 2: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00
Salary Level 3: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Basic Qualifications Level 2:
  • Bachelor's degree with 2 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree no professional experience
  • Experience with launch vehicle system design, testing, or mission operations
  • Exposure to the systems engineering discipline and its application for system safety
  • Awareness of FAA, RCC-319, RCC-324, SSCMAN 91-710, and/or MIL-STD-882
  • Experience managing deadlines, scheduling work, reporting cost expenditure
  • Applicants must be a current U.S. Citizen
  • Must be capable of obtaining DoD Secret Security Clearance

Basic Qualifications level 3
  • Bachelor's Degree with 5 years of professional experience or Master's Degree with 3 years of professional experience.
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Experience with launch vehicle system design, testing, or mission operations
  • Exposure to the systems engineering discipline and its application for system safety
  • Awareness of FAA, RCC-319, RCC-324, SSCMAN 91-710, and/or MIL-STD-882
  • Experience managing deadlines, scheduling work, reporting cost expenditure
  • Applicants must be a current U.S. Citizen
  • Must be capable of obtaining DoD Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience, or a master's degree and 3 years of related experience, or a PhD degree and 1 year of related experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently
  • Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate complex ideas and reach decision milestones
  • Demonstrated Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience in CAMEO
  • Experience with tailoring and implementing FAA, RCC-319, RCC-324, SSCMAN 91-710, and/or MIL-STD-882
  • Experience with Navy safety boards.
  • Active Secret Security Clearance or higher

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
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