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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 May 31, 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 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 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 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.

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:
Systems Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3

Systems Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Aurora, CO • Hybrid

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 512 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 (NGSP) is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3 to support a program out of our Aurora, CO office.

What You'll Get to Do:

Performs system integration, and verification and validation, for total systems. Work is performed at all levels of total system product to include: concept, design, test, installation, operation, and maintenance. Ensures the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical and schedule constraints. Maintain existing operations procedures up-to-date to also include lessons learned from real-time performance. Develop new procedures as required. Interface with program and customer personnel as required.

Additional duties/responsibilities:

  • Ability to decompose and allocate requirements to different levels of the system architecture (HW, FW, and SW) and functional engineering group.
  • Ability to develop and release Systems Engineering Artifacts, including but not limited to Specifications, Technical Document Architectures, Concept of Operations, Algorithm and Architecture Design Document, Interconnect Diagrams, Interface Control Documents, Test Plans, Test Procedures, Test Reports, System Analysis Plans, System Inspection Plans, Configured Items Lists, Deployment Plans and Procedures
  • Collaborate with multiple functional engineering groups to synthesize requirements, capability statements, and new technology integration as well as high-level design into low level and implementable design
  • Participate and Support in Engineering Development, Production, and Deployment Milestones, both internally and externally
  • Review and provide feedback of engineering drawings and documentation
  • Document and voice process improvements and new technologies to be considered for implementation

This position requires being onsite and does not support remote or hybrid work.

This position may be filled at a higher job grade based on the qualifications listed below.

This requisition may be filled as either a Level 2 or Level 3.

Basic Qualifications for a Level 2:

  • Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance at the time of application with the ability to obtain a Counter-Intelligence (CI) polygraph (Poly)
  • You must have a completed STEM degree with below years of experience in systems engineering [a degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics]
    • 2 Years of relevant experience with a completed Bachelor's (STEM)
    • 0 Years of relevant experience with a completed Master's (STEM)
  • Previous work as a systems engineer, system integrator, software engineer

  • Experience with requirements engineering or MBSE

  • Excellent written and oral communications skills

Basic Qualifications for a Level 3:

  • Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance at the time of application with the ability to obtain a Counter-Intelligence (CI) polygraph (Poly)
  • You must have a completed STEM degree with below years of experience in systems engineering [a degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics]
    • 5 Years of relevant experience with a completed Bachelor's (STEM)
    • 3 Years of relevant experience with a completed Master's (STEM)
    • 1 Year of relevant experience with a completed Master's (STEM)
  • Previous work as a systems engineer, system integrator, software engineer

  • Experience with requirements engineering or MBSE

  • Excellent written and oral communications skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience using Jira/confluence to collaborate regarding tasking and work instructions inside a team

  • Experience using DOORs and/or Cameo for requirements management

  • Experience creating interface description documents

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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