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Systems Engineer Sme Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Description We're hiring a Systems Engineer SME to join our team at Scott Air Force Base. In this role, you will initiate, supervise, and/or develop requirements from a project's inception ...

Systems Engineer SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

R0241504 Systems Engineer SME The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical skills with big picture thinking to make an impact on national security? You understand ...

SAIC has an opening for a SME Systems Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) services to an IC customer. The customer organization we support provides the enterprise ...

Systems Engineer SME

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

SAIC has an opening for a SME Systems Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) services to an IC customer. The customer organization we support provides the enterprise ...

Everforth ECS is seeking a Systems Engineer - SME (CAASM) to work remotely . Program Description ECS is seeking talented professionals to join our successful and growing team in building the next ...

Space Systems Engineer SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer SME with extensive ground system knowledge to provide advisory & assistance services (A&AS) to support a major defense program, focusing on ...

Join GDIT as a Virtualization Systems Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) and build an impactful career in enterprise IT, collaborating with people who are driven and resourceful like you. We are ...

The Windows System Engineer SME provides support and administration of the CAA and Army Contracting Command - Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) in a Windows Server distributed environment. · Perform ...

AnaVation is seeking a Senior-Level Systems Engineer to plan, design, and implement enhancements to network hardware, server infrastructure, and operating systems in support of a mission-critical ...

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Systems Engineer Sme information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do systems engineer sme jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer sme 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 some common challenges faced by Systems Engineer SMEs when working on complex projects?

Systems Engineer SMEs often encounter challenges related to integrating new technologies with legacy systems, ensuring system scalability, and managing cross-functional communication between technical and non-technical teams. Balancing multiple stakeholder requirements and maintaining detailed documentation can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide opportunities to develop advanced problem-solving skills and foster collaboration with diverse project teams, which are highly valued in this role.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced systems engineers, especially those in senior or specialized roles within industries like technology, finance, or defense, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and typically requires advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Systems engineering is a field open to individuals of various ages, and starting a career at 40 is possible with relevant skills, certifications, and experience. Many employers value diverse backgrounds and lifelong learning, making age less of a barrier than skill and expertise. Continuous education and practical experience can help transition into engineering roles at any age.

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

To thrive as a Systems Engineer SME, you need advanced expertise in systems architecture, integration, troubleshooting, and a relevant degree such as computer science or engineering, often with extensive industry experience. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Linux/Windows servers, automation frameworks, and certifications such as CISSP or AWS Solutions Architect are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and leadership are critical soft skills for collaborating across teams and managing complex projects. These skills ensure reliable system performance, seamless implementation, and the ability to solve challenging technical problems efficiently.

What is a Systems Engineer SME?

A Systems Engineer SME (Subject Matter Expert) is a professional with advanced expertise in systems engineering, responsible for designing, integrating, and managing complex systems throughout their lifecycle. They provide specialized knowledge, solve technical challenges, and guide teams on best practices in areas such as system architecture, requirements analysis, and troubleshooting. As SMEs, they often mentor junior engineers and ensure that projects meet technical and business objectives efficiently. Their role is critical in industries like IT, aerospace, defense, and telecommunications where complex systems are prevalent.

What is an SME in engineering salary?

An SME (Subject Matter Expert) in engineering typically earns a salary that varies based on experience, location, and industry, but generally ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. Senior SMEs with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially when working on complex projects or in high-demand fields like aerospace, defense, or software systems engineering.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior systems engineers, especially those with specialized skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, or network architecture, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.
More about Systems Engineer Sme jobs
What cities are hiring for Systems Engineer Sme jobs? Cities with the most Systems Engineer Sme job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Sme job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, and 80% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Systems Engineer SME

Second-61

Scott Air Force Base, IL • On-site

$54 - $59/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide technical leadership and hands-on development and implementation of commercial cloud solution architectures focusing on security, scalability, and resiliency.

  • Plan, design, and manage the migration, integration, implementation, and operation of complex client cloud environments enabling managed shared services.

  • Ensure commercial cloud service offerings adhere to Department of Defense Cloud Computing policy and guidelines.


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Second-61: Our foundation is built upon the heart of patriotism; grounded in protecting that which matters most as Vigilant Defenders. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our mission to love and honor each other, our community, our country, and our customers, through superb services as their front-line Vigilant Defenders.
Position Description
We're hiring a Systems Engineer SME to join our team at Scott Air Force Base. In this role, you will initiate, supervise, and/or develop requirements from a project's inception to conclusion for complex to extremely complex programs. You will provide strategic advice, technical guidance and expertise to program and project staff; Provide detailed analysis, evaluation and recommendations for improvements, optimization development, and/or maintenance efforts for client-specific or mission critical challenges/issues; Consult with client to define needs or problems, supervise studies and lead surveys to collect and analyze data to provide advice and recommend solutions.
Location and Hours:
  • On-site at Scott Air Force Base, near O'Fallon, IL
  • Usual business hours M-F. May be required to provide after-hours and weekend support during planned or emergency events.

Position Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical leadership and hands-on development and implementation of commercial cloud solution architectures that modernize the way our customers architect, deploy, and use cloud technology, focusing on security, scalability, and resiliency.
  • Plan, design, and manage the migration, re-platforming, integration, implementation and operation of our client's complex cloud environments enabling managed shared services.
  • Ensure commercial cloud service offerings (CSO) adhere to DoD Cloud Computing policy/guidelines.
  • Provide specific, detailed information for hardware and software selection, cloud service provider selection, implementation techniques, application data migration techniques and tools for the most efficient solution to meet business needs, including present and future capacity requirements.
  • Develop and conduct testing of cloud and virtualization systems.
  • Maintain technical expertise relevant industry standards and in cloud computing and virtualization technologies such as cloud service provider architecture, design, and configuration; cloud deployment models including public, community, private, and hybrid; cloud service delivery models including infrastructure-, platform-, and software-as-a-service; automation; hypervisors; containers; virtual compute, storage, and networks; virtual infrastructure management; self-provisioning; and scaling.
  • Evaluate and report on new cloud and virtualization technologies to enhance capabilities of cloud-based and virtualized services.
  • May also provide systems engineering activities such as: Concept of Operations Formulation, Requirements Definition, Analysis and Engineering, System Architecting, System Analysis and Design, Interface and Data Architectures, Validation and Verification, System Integration, System Op. Performance Analysis, Lifecycle Cost Analysis Estimation, Decision Analysis and Physical Configuration Analysis (PCA).
  • Participate with senior managers to establish strategic plans and objectives .
  • Make recommendations/decisions on administrative or project work matters and ensures effective achievement of program, project, or organizational objectives.

Requirements
Experience:
  • 10+ years of comparable experience.
  • Proven track record of work experience as a cloud architect, designing and deploying cloud solutions.
  • Proficient knowledge of RedHat Enterprise Linux operating system and command line administration.
  • Expertise in next generation firewall (Palo Alto) deployment, configuration and management.
  • In-depth understanding of, and experience as a cloud engineer with AWS, Networking, VPNs.
  • Understanding of layer three routing protocols, emphasis on BGP.
  • Experience troubleshooting end to end connectivity issues within DOD networking infrastructure.
  • Ability to utilize a variety of tools like Git, Jenkins, Groovy, YML, and AWS security capabilities (WAF, GuardDuty, Security Groups, IAM, etc.).
  • General knowledge of AWS EC2, S3, System Manager, CloudFormation, CloudTrail, Lambda, IAM.
  • Exposure to AWS Workspaces or experience deploying VDI solutions to AWS Cloud.
  • Experience with Route 53 deployment and management within AWS GovCloud environment.
  • Experience with Zero trust architectures.
  • Administration of multiple networking devices, i.e. firewalls, F5 with networking configuration management tools such as Panorama, Big IQ, etc.
  • Experience working in a team environment with the ability to mentor junior team members.
  • Proactively identify and resolve operational, tooling and process inefficiencies.

Security Qualifications:
  • Position is only open to US Citizens.
  • Active Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance.

Education and Certifications:
  • Must have at least one of these IAT Level III certifications: CASP+ CE, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP (or Associate), GCED, GCIH.
  • Computing Environment (CE) certification or certificate for the technical area of responsibility for Cloud or virtualization (e.g., Azure, AWS, oracle, IBM, etc.) with a preference in Azure.

Desired Qualifications:
  • MA/MS
  • 15 or more years of experience.
  • DoD TS/SCI clearance.
  • AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certification.
  • ITIL V4 Foundations Certification.
  • Experience with F5 Big-IP devices specifically the LTM and ASM modules.
  • Experience with AWS networking and AWS Transit Gateway.
  • Experience with Palo Alto FWs specifically managing security policy, NAT policy, and BGP routing.
  • Experience with Juniper and Cisco virtual cloud routers.
  • Experience with BGP routing in a DoD environment.
  • Familiarity with AWS Site-to-Site Connections.
  • Experience with Azure commercial cloud services.
  • Knowledge of Route53 DNS.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Salary Description
$54-59 hourly