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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in Oak Harbor, WA

Island County, WA

Engineering Manager

Coupeville, WA · On-site

$97K - $105K/yr

Familiarity with road construction, stormwater management, surveying, and engineering practices ... Systems (additional 457(b) deferred-compensation plans are also available). Life Flight: Island ...

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All JobsSystems Engineering JobsSystems Engineering Manager JobsSystems Engineering Manager Jobs in Oak Harbor, WA

Systems Engineering Manager information

See Oak Harbor, WA salary details

$64.1K

$150.6K

$207.8K

How much do systems engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering manager in Oak Harbor, WA is $150,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,900.00 and $183,400.00 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 cities near Oak Harbor, WA are hiring for Systems Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities near Oak Harbor, WA with the most Systems Engineering Manager job openings:

Systems Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering Manager job openings in Oak Harbor, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,638 per year, or $72.4 per hour.

Engineering Manager

Island County, WA

Coupeville, WA • On-site

$97K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary: $97,345.00 - $105,000.00 Annually
Location : Coupeville Campus, WA
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 2025-030
Department: Public Works Engineering
Opening Date: 05/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary
This position is a critical member of the department's leadership team, overseeing transportation infrastructure projects from conception through design, permitting and construction. The Supervisor leads a team of approximately nine with expertise in engineering, drafting, surveying, inspection, construction administration, and right-of-way.
Salary within posted range is dependent upon qualifications. Position is open until filled.
Job Duties
  • Supervises and coordinates Public Works capital and maintenance projects and related activities.
  • Schedules and assigns work to assure completion of projects in accordance with established timelines and budget limitations.
  • Supervises and participates in the review of complex Civil Engineering reports, designs, plans, specifications and cost estimates.
  • Coordinates with Federal, State, County and local governments, franchise utility companies, private property owners, community organizations and other county departments relating to the design and construction of capital public works improvement projects.
  • Manages property acquisition activities for public works projects.
  • Assures proper technical oversight of County Public Works Projects.
  • Prepares or directs the preparation of required reports for the County Road Administration Board, 6-year Transportation Improvement Plan, and budget reports
  • Work with the public on engineering matters.
  • Performs other tasks as directed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Valid Washington State Driver's License.
  • Familiarity with tools, instruments, equipment and techniques commonly used in the performance of related tasks.
  • Maintains a high standard for accuracy, completeness and efficiency in the preparation of reports.
  • Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm in stressful situations, relate to various personality styles in a calm, professional manner.
  • Effectively communicates with others for purposes of gathering and relating information.
  • Independent and self-motivated to complete required deadlines while simultaneously completing other tasks.
  • Familiarity with road construction, stormwater management, surveying, and engineering practices; familiarity with supervisory practices.
  • Previous work with managing consultants, permitting agencies, the County Road Administration Board, and federal and state grant funds beneficial.
  • Familiarity with right-of-way (ROW) acquisition practices and permitting requirements a plus.

Education, Experience & Certifications
  • A College Degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Public Works, or related field.
  • Professional Civil Engineer License preferred.
  • Eight years' of progressively responsible experience successfully managing complex public works construction projects with five years' of supervisory or managerial experience.
  • Previous work with managing consultants, permitting agencies, the County Road Administration Board, and federal and state grant funds beneficial.

Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *
Island County offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of our workforce.
Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
Medical: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for most eligible employees and dependents. In addition, the County provides an annual Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (determined by Medical plan selected).
Dental: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members for basic dental coverage (buy-up options are available).
Life and Disability Insurance: Employees are provided basic coverage of $24,000 and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement: Island County employees participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (additional 457(b) deferred-compensation plans are also available).
Life Flight: Island County pays 100% of the premium for emergency air transport coverage.
11 paid holidays each year
Generous paid time off and Washington-required sick leave
Flexible Spending Account (optional)
Wellness programs
Employee assistance program
Pet Insurance (optional - employee paid)
Additional benefits are available to be elected (employee-paid).
Student debt? Working for Island County can provide relief!
Island County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF) for full time employees. See for more details.
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible Island County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

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