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Systems Engineering Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

NDI Engineering

Senior Systems Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

NDI Engineering is seeking a Systems Engineer to serve as a technical lead for the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWCPD). This role is pivotal in transitioning complex Submarine Hull, Mechanical, and ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Maintain Systems Engineering artifacts following proper configuration management procedures. Coordinate with key stakeholders to ensure proper verification and validation of Systems Engineering ...

Penn State

Systems Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

This role focuses on traditional systems engineering for defense hardware, spanning concept development, system architecture, subsystem integration, test, and transition to fielded military systems.

Acara Solutions

Advanced Systems Engineer

Canonsburg, PA · On-site +1

$56.52 - $65.22/hr

Join a highly innovative engineering team supporting the development of next-generation underwater defense systems. As an Advanced Systems Engineer, you'll be responsible for defining, modeling ...

The Pennsylvania State University

This role focuses on traditional systems engineering for defense hardware, spanning concept development, system architecture, subsystem integration, test, and transition to fielded military systems.

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All JobsSystems Engineering JobsSystems Engineering Jobs in Pennsylvania

Systems Engineering information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$60.6K

$142.4K

$196.5K

How much do systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering in Pennsylvania is $142,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,300.00 and $173,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is systems engineering?

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on designing, integrating, and managing complex systems throughout their life cycles. It involves coordinating various engineering disciplines and specialties to ensure that all parts of a project work together efficiently to meet customer needs. Systems engineers use principles from engineering, management, and mathematics to address both the technical and organizational aspects of a project, from initial concept through development, deployment, and maintenance.

How does a systems engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Systems Engineers play a pivotal role in bridging various departments such as software, hardware, and project management throughout the project lifecycle. They facilitate communication by translating technical requirements between teams, ensuring that all components integrate seamlessly. Regular meetings, documentation reviews, and design sessions are common, and Systems Engineers often serve as mediators to resolve technical conflicts or dependencies. This collaborative environment helps deliver robust and scalable solutions that meet both business and technical goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in systems architecture, integration, and problem-solving, often supported by a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, SysML, and requirements management software, as well as certifications such as INCOSE CSEP, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills to excel in multidisciplinary environments. These competencies ensure the efficient design, implementation, and maintenance of complex systems that meet organizational goals.

What is the difference between Systems Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectSystems EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Systems Engineering, Electrical, or related fields; often certifications like INCOSEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; often PE licensure
Work EnvironmentProject teams, systems integration, interdisciplinary collaborationDesign labs, manufacturing, product development
Industry UsageTechnology, aerospace, defense, ITAutomotive, manufacturing, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Systems Engineering focuses on designing and managing complex systems across various disciplines, emphasizing integration and lifecycle management. Mechanical Engineering centers on designing and manufacturing mechanical devices and systems. While both roles require engineering degrees, their focus areas, work environments, and industry applications differ significantly.

Is a systems engineer a high paying job?

Systems engineering is generally considered a well-paying profession, with salaries often above the national average for engineering roles. Factors such as experience, certifications, and industry can influence earnings, and the role typically requires strong technical skills and knowledge of systems design and integration.

What is the job of a systems engineer?

A systems engineer designs, develops, and manages complex systems by integrating hardware, software, and processes to ensure they function efficiently and reliably. They analyze requirements, troubleshoot issues, and often use tools like modeling and simulation to optimize system performance. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles are essential for this role.

What jobs can you get as a systems engineer?

Systems engineers can work in roles such as systems analyst, network engineer, cybersecurity engineer, or systems architect. They often design, develop, and manage complex systems, requiring skills in systems integration, troubleshooting, and familiarity with tools like CAD or simulation software. Certifications like INCOSE or CompTIA can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Systems Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Systems Engineering jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Systems Engineering job openings:

Systems Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,411 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineering Specialist

Burns Engineering, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Burns:

Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. We help our clients attain their strategic goals and initiatives through successful large-scale infrastructure projects. Burns' full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation, and energy consulting engineering.

Recently voted a Top Workplace by Philly.com, we credit our strength as an organization to our talented, driven, vibrant team. Burns is an ENR Top 500 Firm, and has been named an MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, as well as a Hot Firm by Zweig. We are industry experts, proven leaders, innovative thinkers, and team players. We put our clients' successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We have fun at work because we love making a difference in the world. We are looking for high-energy, bright, collaborative individuals who want the opportunity to "write their own story" with us.

Burns Engineering is currently seeking a licensed Senior Systems Engineering Specialist to join our Signals, Communications & Train Control Team in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, Pa.

SUMMARY

The Senior System Engineering Specialist provides technical leadership for the development, integration, and verification of complex train control and signaling systems. This role leads systems engineering activities across the project lifecycle, with a focus on requirements management, system architecture, interface coordination, and system integration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead systems engineering activities for complex rail train control and signaling projects, including requirements development, system design, system verification, and integration.
  • Develop and manage system requirements throughout the project lifecycle, including traceability, change control, and stakeholder alignment.
  • Develop system architecture and define functional allocations to support implementation of train control solutions.
  • Author technical papers to document potential system functionality enhancements, balancing railroad operational objectives (such as train performance and capacity) with safety-critical requirements.
  • Lead interface identification, definition, and coordination across subsystems, disciplines and internal/external stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain interface control documentation and lead collaboration efforts to resolve interface issues throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Coordinate system integration activities with internal teams, contractors and suppliers, and clients to ensure system components function as an integrated solution.
  • Support development of verification and validation plans, procedures, and reports to demonstrate compliance with requirements and safety-critical design principles.
  • Provide technical leadership on assigned projects, determine discipline work tasks and flow, and delegate design elements to less senior Engineers and Designers while retaining most complex, high value tasks as appropriate.
  • Serve as the primary subject matter expert and technical resource for clients and external partners, including participation in technical workshops, design reviews, and coordination meetings.
  • Support Project Managers by providing technical input to project planning, resource allocation, and risk management.
  • Support system safety efforts by evaluating designs against fail-safe and safety-critical principles, assisting with hazard identification and resolution related to system requirements, design, interfaces, and integration.
  • Mentor early and mid-career work through on-the-job training. When requested, partner with a Learning & Development Lead to create and deliver training content.
  • Perform all tasks in compliance with Burns (and, when applicable, a client's) standards, policies, procedures, and engineering codes.
  • Perform all tasks efficiently, accurately, within the allotted project hours, and complete tasks on or before the due date.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No formal supervisory responsibilities. Under the oversight of the Project Manager, the Engineer I may provide direction to CAD Operators, CAD Technicians, Designers, Co-Ops, Interns, Engineering Design Associates, and Engineering Associates.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's (B.S.) Engineering degree.
  • A minimum of 10 years of progressive discipline specific engineering experience in the railroad industry, with at least 6 of those years in the field of system engineering.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

No certifications or licenses required; however, a Professional Engineer (PE) license, or similar, is considered a plus

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Experience with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems, including Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES) and/or Interoperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS).
  • Experience with modern train control systems, such as Automatic Train Control (ATC) and/or Communications Based Train Control (CBTC).
  • Experience working on large-scale train control projects, especially those within the Northeast Corridor (NEC).
  • Experience testing and commissioning complex large-scale systems.
  • Proficient with system engineering software and requirements management tools such as DevOps or DOORS.
  • Proficient knowledge of railroad operations and maintenance practices.
  • Proficient knowledge of federal regulations related to train control systems.
  • Experience developing and maintaining client relationships, especially those within the rail industry.
  • Experience providing technical guidance, training, and feedback to early career employees.

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