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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineering SME

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$170K - $180K/yr

... management, performance engineering, risk management and interface design. โ€ข Operates at the level of integrating multiple systems, services, processes, and interfaces within a Major Systems ...

Manage the daily operations of the systems engineering department, overseeing planning, infrastructure development, and team execution * Ensure hardware and software systems are designed and ...

The Systems Engineering Lead will serve as the principal systems engineering authority for large ... Manage comprehensive requirements traceability from statutory mandates (such as Title 13) through ...

Systems Engineering Lead

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$145K - $180K/yr

The Systems Engineering Lead will serve as the principal systems engineering authority for large ... Manage comprehensive requirements traceability from statutory mandates (such as Title 13) through ...

The Systems Engineering Lead will serve as the principal systems engineering authority for large ... Manage comprehensive requirements traceability from statutory mandates (such as Title 13) through ...

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 ...

Senior Manager, Systems Engineering

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

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 ...

Senior Manager, Systems Engineering

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

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 ...

Manage the daily operations of the systems engineering department, overseeing planning, infrastructure development, and team execution * Ensure hardware and software systems are designed and ...

Systems Engineering/SME

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Systems Engineering/SME Location: Washington, DC, 20001 Position Overview We are seeking a highly ... Conduct and lead MSAM (Major Systems Acquisition Management) and NMAP (Non-Major Acquisition ...

Systems Engineering/SME

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/hr

Systems Engineering/SME Location: Washington, DC, 20001 Position Overview We are seeking a highly ... Conduct and lead MSAM (Major Systems Acquisition Management) and NMAP (Non-Major Acquisition ...

Showing results 21-40

Systems Engineering Manager information

See Washington salary details

$68.5K

$160.9K

$222K

How much do systems engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering manager in Washington is $160,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,100.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How much should a systems engineering manager be paid?

The average salary for a systems engineering manager typically ranges from $110,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Higher salaries are common in sectors like aerospace, defense, and technology, especially for managers with advanced certifications and leadership skills.

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 Washington? For Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Systems Engineering Manager jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Systems Engineering Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,908 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Manager of Systems Engineering

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.

Germantown, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!
Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)
  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid working environment

We are seeking to fill a Systems Engineering Manager position located in our Germantown, MD Campus focused on our DRT (Digital Receiver Technologies) line of Electronic Warfare/ SIGINT software-defined radio technologies. This role is responsible for providing technical and organizational leadership and is well suited for a motivated and experienced engineering manager or design/ systems engineer with technical leadership experience. The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical understanding and systems design of hardware and software for SIGINT/EW equipment coupled with a strong understanding and experience in the organizational development of people and processes.
Responsibilities
  • Provides technical and managerial leadership for the DRT Systems Engineering department.
  • Proactively interfaces with engineering project leads, program management leads and engineering management in resolving issues, coordinating department staffing resources, equipment and facilities and managing department activities.
  • Works with department staff to develop and achieve strategic business plan objectives.
  • Provide subject matter expertise of DRT systems and products.
  • Provide subject matter expertise of hardware and software systems (both integrated and modular designs) of high complexity and high-density which utilize RF transceivers, filters, microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, user interfaces, antennas and high efficiency low noise power supplies capable of supporting advanced algorithms used in state-of-the-art SIGINT and EW products.
  • Support product development teams with use case analysis, requirements capture and allocation, trade studies, architectural design, development and analysis, system implementation, unit level testing, automated testing, integration, verification and validation efforts and transition to manufacturing.
  • Support Business Development with technical support for business capture, including customer meetings, RFI responses and white paper generation, requirements elicitation and proposal support.
  • Develop technical proposals and support cost estimations.
  • Evaluate competing products and solution offerings.
  • Represent Thales/DRT at relevant industry forums.
  • Develops, maintains and enforces Thales/DRT development processes and tools.
  • Support design reviews and other technical interchanges.
  • Support integration, installation, testing, evaluation, and troubleshooting of equipment during development phase and customer lab and field trials.
  • Support government certification testing of equipment.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's operating policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities can include interviewing, hiring, training and developing employees; creating effective staff plans - assigning and directing work in a matrix organization; performance appraisals, rewarding and management of employee discipline when required; and addressing complaints and resolving conflicts. Active mentoring and development of staff is a critical element of the supervisory responsibilities to create a highly performing cohesive team.
Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • BSCE, BSCS, BSEE, BSME, BSSE or equivalent.
  • 8+ years as a Design/ Systems Engineer, coupled with technical leadership experience.
  • Must have strong presentation and writing skills. Fluent in English.
  • Experience with system level design, development, and testing of tactical, secure, state-of-the-art military SIGINT/EW or communications systems.
  • Experience with requirements elicitation, decomposition, traceability, and lifecycle management.
  • Experience with vehicular/transportable rack mount modular systems or man portable/handheld integrated tactical communications or SIGINT/EW systems design.
  • Knowledge of RF design, Digital design, Software design, and Information Security.
  • Experience working in a laboratory environment with RF and Digital test equipment.
  • Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values.

The annualized pay range for this role is $156,600- $200,100 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 10%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at careers@thalesdsi.com.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.
If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 202-961-1016.
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