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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities The Senior Manager, Systems Engineering provides leadership to a team of engineers and professional staff in developing, modifying, creating, and testing solutions to our client ...

Provide expert-level technical project management and systems engineering support with tailored expertise in DoD and/or Intelligence Community R&D management processes and procedures associated with ...

Systems Engineer Manager

Springfield, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Provide expert-level technical project management and systems engineering support with tailored expertise in DoD and/or Intelligence Community R&D management processes and procedures associated with ...

Senior Systems Engineering

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... management, logistics, project schedules, systems engineering technical reviews, test readiness reviews, and system validations and certifications. * Such support shall include any corresponding ...

Showing results 41-60

Systems Engineering Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$60K

$140.9K

$194.3K

How much do systems engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering manager in Virginia is $140,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a systems engineering manager do?

A Systems Engineering Manager oversees a team of engineers responsible for designing, integrating, and maintaining complex systems within an organization. They coordinate project activities, ensure technical requirements are met, and manage resources to deliver efficient solutions. Additionally, they serve as a liaison between engineering teams and other departments, helping to translate business needs into technical specifications. Their role often involves mentoring staff, managing budgets, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a systems engineering manager?

To thrive as a Systems Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in systems engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (such as SysML), requirements management software, and relevant industry certifications like INCOSE CSEP are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively guide teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure project success, technical excellence, and seamless integration of complex systems.

What are some common challenges faced by systems engineering managers, and how can they be addressed?

Systems Engineering Managers often navigate challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring clear communication across departments, and balancing technical leadership with project management duties. They may also face difficulties in aligning system requirements with organizational goals and managing resource constraints. To address these, effective managers foster open communication, implement structured processes for requirement management, and prioritize continuous training for their teams. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and promoting a culture of collaboration can also help overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Systems Engineering Manager vs Systems Engineer?

AspectSystems Engineering ManagerSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in Engineering, relevant technical certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, oversees system developmentDesigns, develops, tests systems, works on technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing companiesCommon in similar industries, often as technical staff
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, leadership responsibilitiesTechnical skills, system design, implementation

The main difference between a Systems Engineering Manager and a Systems Engineer lies in their roles and responsibilities. The manager oversees teams and projects, focusing on leadership and strategic planning, while the engineer concentrates on technical system development and implementation. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and are vital in industries like aerospace, defense, and technology.

What are popular job titles related to Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Systems Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Systems Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Systems Engineering Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,851 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services


Job description

SAIC is seeking an executive-level Senior Systems Engineer and Program Management Advisor to join an exciting program in Springfield VA, supporting the planning, initiation, execution, and transition of technology developments to engineering development and/or acquisition programs.  The successful candidate would support the oversight management and reviews of a portfolio of technology projects, develop and present technical briefings to senior-level audiences and committees, and support the implementation of a broad array of R&D procedures and practices.  The successful candidate will lead support efforts to develop innovative Concepts of Operation to address emergent threats by exploiting opportunities in the maritime environment.  The desired outcome is to support development of robust new customer capabilities coordinating with key senior stakeholders, performers, and others across the Program and the broader community.  

JOB DUTIES

  • Provide expert-level technical project management and systems engineering support with tailored expertise in DoD and/or Intelligence Community R&D management processes and procedures associated with complex maritime systems.
  • Apply critical thinking to propose creative and flexible solutions for acquisition strategies to meet systems engineering, programmatic requirements, and acquisition objectives.
  • Support the formation of technology roadmaps to depict a phased maturity development strategy that incrementally resolves capability gaps.
  • Assist with developing a technology transition process that ensures R&D investments smoothly shift into externally controlled acquisition projects.
  • Support the development of Program Budgets and Justification narratives that clearly articulate the R&D strategy and associated return on investment.
  • Develops oral and written products, briefs, memoranda, and testimonies used by senior leadership to communicate strategies and program successes to oversight boards, committees, stakeholders at the highest levels of the Government.
  • Capture and track program milestones and metrics for internal management and higher reporting purposes.
  • Coordinate across directorates to capture technical and operational details, then translate the information into capability requirements and value propositions based on past experience.
  • Assist in the immediate coordination and execution of all other tasks as assigned.
  • Travel (10-15%) outside assigned work area.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND CLEARANCE

  • Bachelors in a management or technical discipline and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience.
  • 10 years or more experience with DoD and/or IC acquisitions.
  • 5 years or more managing R&D technology portfolios. 
  • 5 years or more experience developing R&D budgets.
  • 5 years or more experience in Program/Project Management.
  • 10 years or more experience providing Systems Engineering management/support.
  • Experience planning classified cost-reimbursement type contracts and/or sole source services contracts.
  • Diplomatic, tactful, and strong interpersonal and professional skills to work effectively in politically sensitive environments.
  • An active Top Secret clearance with eligibility for access to sensitive compartmented information (TS/SCI); The ability to complete a counter-intelligence scope polygraph (post-hire).

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