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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in Brainerd, MN

Interstates

Senior Project Manager - Energy

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Manage projects involving power generation systems, SCADA integration, and behind-the-meter energy solutions * Coordinate across construction, engineering, OT, and automation teams to keep projects ...

Interstates

Senior Project Manager - Energy

Brainerd, MN · On-site +1

$135K - $160K/yr

Manage projects involving power generation systems, SCADA integration, and behind-the-meter energy solutions * Coordinate across construction, engineering, OT, and automation teams to keep projects ...

Elemet Group

Quality Manager

Aitkin, MN · On-site

The Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing the Quality Management System (QMS) within the ... A 4-year degree in Business Management, Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on Quality ...

Elemet Group

Quality Manager

Aitkin, MN · On-site

$36.06 - $43.27/hr

The Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing the Quality Management System (QMS) within the ... A 4-year degree in Business Management, Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on Quality ...

Lexington Manufacturing LLC

General Manager

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Build strong partnerships with Engineering, Quality, HR, Safety, Finance, and IT. * Lead continuous ... Proficiency with ERP systems Nice-to-Have: * Master's degree (MBA or related) * Plant Manager or ...

Lexington Mfg Inc

General Manager

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$150 - $175/hr

Build strong partnerships with Engineering, Quality, HR, Safety, Finance, and IT. * Lead continuous ... Proficiency with ERP systems. * Master's degree (MBA or related). * Plant Manager or senior ...

Lexington Mfg Inc

General Manager (Brainerd)

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Build strong partnerships with Engineering, Quality, HR, Safety, Finance, and IT. * Lead continuous ... Proficiency with ERP systems. * Master's degree (MBA or related). * Plant Manager or senior ...

New

Interstates

Project Manager - Brainerd, MN

Brainerd, MN · On-site

... value engineering and determine the most efficient and effective project delivery methods and ... Open to continuously adjusting project systems to plan and deliver projects successfully * Strong ...

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All JobsSystems Engineering JobsSystems Engineering Manager JobsSystems Engineering Manager Jobs in Brainerd, MN

Systems Engineering Manager information

See Brainerd, MN salary details

$59.2K

$139K

$191.8K

How much do systems engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering manager in Brainerd, MN is $139,004.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $169,300.00 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 cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Systems Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Systems Engineering Manager job openings:
Systems Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering Manager job openings in Brainerd, MN 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 $139,004 per year, or $66.8 per hour.

Senior Project Manager - Energy

Interstates

Brainerd, MN • On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Interstates rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Take Charge of Your Career at Interstates
At Interstates, we don't just show up to work, we show up for each other. From our headquarters in Iowa to job sites across the country, we're doing award-winning electrical, controls, automation, and OT work that powers industrial facilities for clients here in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you're bending conduit, wiring panels, writing code, supporting projects, or helping things run behind the scenes, you'll be part of a crew that works hard, shares laughs, and takes pride in doing quality work. We believe in building strong teams, doing the right thing, and making a difference in the communities where we live. If you want to grow and do meaningful work, you'll feel at home here.
We're looking for someone who wants to help build something.
Not just manage projects. Not just maintain client relationships. Build a market.
At Interstates, we're continuing to grow our Energy business and are looking for a Senior Project Manager who wants to play a major role in shaping where it goes next. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in ownership, sees opportunities before others do, and wants to help establish the vision, relationships, and operational foundation for long-term growth.
We're looking for someone who can:
  • Build strong, lasting client relationships
  • Create trust through execution and accountability
  • Help drive growth within the energy market
  • Lead complex industrial energy projects with confidence
  • Influence strategy while staying close to operations
  • Help establish how Interstates shows up in the energy space for years to come

What You'll Do
As a Senior Project Manager - Energy, you'll lead complex industrial and energy-related projects from kickoff through commissioning and closeout.
You'll help:
  • Lead full lifecycle project execution including planning, execution, forecasting, and turnover
  • Manage projects involving power generation systems, SCADA integration, and behind-the-meter energy solutions
  • Coordinate across construction, engineering, OT, and automation teams to keep projects aligned
  • Drive accountability around scope, schedule, budget, and project performance
  • Identify project risks early and proactively solve issues before they escalate
  • Manage client communication, project reporting, and stakeholder alignment
  • Support commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and operational readiness activities
  • Lead change management efforts including scope adjustments and financial impacts
  • Improve project delivery standards, tools, reporting, and operational processes
  • Mentor project managers and coordinators across teams

This role requires someone who can operate strategically while also staying close to execution details.
What Makes This Role Different
  • You'll help shape the future direction of our Energy business
  • You'll lead highly integrated projects across multiple business units
  • You'll help establish processes, standards, and operational structure as the market grows
  • You'll work directly with clients to build long-term partnerships and trust
  • You'll have visibility across construction, engineering, OT, and operational teams
  • You'll influence process improvement and project delivery standards company-wide
  • You'll be trusted to solve problems, lead people, and drive outcomes

What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who takes ownership, communicates clearly, and performs well in high-accountability environments.
  • 7+ years of project management experience in industrial, automation, infrastructure, or energy-related environments
  • Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects
  • Strong understanding of project financials, forecasting, scheduling, and resource management
  • Ability to lead across teams and influence without direct authority
  • Strong communication and client relationship skills
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity, competing priorities, and operational challenges
  • Experience with ERP systems, scheduling tools, and project reporting platforms

Bonus if you have experience with:
  • SCADA systems or industrial automation projects
  • Power generation or behind-the-meter energy systems
  • Construction and engineering coordination
  • Process improvement or operational standardization initiatives
  • PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field preferred
  • Equivalent industry experience will also be considered
  • Industrial, manufacturing, energy, automation, or EPC project experience strongly preferred

Location & Travel
This position can be based remotely, with preference toward candidates located near our offices in:
  • Omaha, NE
  • Sioux Center, IA
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • Fort Collins, CO

Travel is expected approximately 25% of the time based on project and client needs.
Compensation
Expected compensation range for this role is approximately $135,000-$160,000+, based on experience, project background, and overall fit for the role.
Interstates Describes Its Culture as Family-Like
  • Caring co-workers treat each other like family
  • Be treated like an individual, not just a number
  • Flexible schedules support work/life balance
  • Team events, lunches, and social activities
  • Opportunities to give back through community involvement

Our Why
  • Providing opportunities for our people
  • Making a difference with our clients
  • Pursuing a better way

Benefits of Working at Interstates
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan + Company Match
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Bonus Incentives and Merit Increases
  • Career Coaching and Development
  • Advancement Opportunities

If you're looking for a role where you can help shape a growing market, lead meaningful energy projects, and build lasting client partnerships while influencing the future direction of the business - we'd love to connect.
What You Should Know Before You Apply
Interstates may collect personal information as part of your job application, such as your contact details, work history, education, and any information you provide. This information is used only for recruitment, to evaluate your candidacy, and to meet legal requirements. For details about our privacy practices and your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please see our Privacy Policy. By applying, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this notice.
Interstates is an EEO provider and offers a drug-free workplace. Employment at Interstates is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without notice or cause, except as otherwise provided by law.

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