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Systems Engineering Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT The United States Navy's massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy's most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is ...

ABOUT The United States Navy's massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy's most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is ...

ABOUT The United States Navy's massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy's most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is ...

ABOUT The United States Navy's massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy's most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is ...

ABOUT The United States Navy's massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy's most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is ...

ABOUT The United States Navy's massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy's most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is ...

Develop system models using Model-BasedSystems Engineering methods and tools (e.g.,IBM Rationale DOORS, orInnoslateby SpecInnovations). * Defines facility/system functions, behaviors, andother design ...

Monitor and report on performance and usage of IT cloud infrastructure systems utilizing current engineering support tools * Assist other engineers, help desk technicians, outside consultants ...

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Our Systems Engineer team takes escalations from the Systems Specialist team and interface with vendors, primary contacts and the clients' IT Staff. The Systems Engineer role troubleshoots at the ...

Our Systems Engineer team takes escalations from the Systems Specialist team and interface with vendors, primary contacts and the clients' IT Staff. The Systems Engineer role troubleshoots at the ...

Our Systems Engineer team takes escalations from the Systems Specialist team and interface with vendors, primary contacts and the clients' IT Staff. The Systems Engineer role troubleshoots at the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Systems Engineering information

See Tennessee salary details

$54.9K

$128.9K

$177.9K

How much do systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering in Tennessee is $128,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,500.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you do with a system engineering degree?

A systems engineering degree prepares individuals for roles involving designing, analyzing, and managing complex systems across industries such as aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and technology. Graduates often work as systems engineers, project managers, or technical analysts, utilizing skills in systems integration, modeling, and tools like MATLAB or CAD. Certifications like INCOSE can enhance career prospects.

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 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.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior systems engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large technology companies. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced certifications and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

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.

What jobs can system engineers do?

System engineers can work in roles such as systems analyst, network engineer, cybersecurity engineer, or systems architect, focusing on designing, implementing, and maintaining complex systems. They often work with tools like CAD software, scripting languages, and project management methodologies, and may require certifications like INCOSE or CompTIA. These roles are common in industries such as technology, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing.

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 work does a system engineer do?

A systems engineer designs, develops, and manages complex systems by integrating hardware and software components to ensure functionality, reliability, and performance. They analyze requirements, create technical specifications, and often use tools like modeling software, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Certifications such as INCOSE or Cisco can enhance their expertise, and they typically work in environments that require strong problem-solving and communication skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineering jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Systems Engineering jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Systems Engineering jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Systems Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,945 per year, or $62 per hour.
Lead MBSE Systems Engineer-Directed Energy

Lead MBSE Systems Engineer-Directed Energy

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$72K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 28333
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $72,254.00 - $160,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Senior
Employee Referral Amount: $3,500.00
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies
Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.
Job Description
Mission Technologies, a division of HII, is seeking a Lead MBSE Systems Engineer to support operations within the Directed Energy business initative. You will provide systems engineering support to the design, fabrication, testing/acceptance and delivery of systems structures, components and software. You will create and maintain system architectures, interface control documents, and technical roadmaps for directed energy technologies and ensure conversion of customer and/or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
We're at the forefront of developing next-generation directed energy solutions that are transforming modern defense capabilities. HII's approach to directed energy is based on a modular open systems approach (MOSA) that leverages only and always the best of what the industry has to offer to our warfighters. With our emerging state-of-the-art integration, production and test facilities, we're building the infrastructure needed to develop, integrate, assemble, test, deploy, and sustain advanced laser and microwave systems.
Join our team of innovators, product developers, and producers as we scale operations to protect our warfighters and enhance national security. This is your opportunity to work with industry-leading experts on technology that is redefining the future of defense.
Candidates can work remotely if not local to the Knoxville, TN area. Candidates will be expected to eventually relocate to the Knoxville, TN area at a future date.
Essential Job Responsibilities
• Requires a deep understanding of requirements development, architecture definition/decomposition, testing philosophies/methodologies, and verification coverage.
• Create and maintain system architectures, interface control documents, and technical roadmaps for directed energy technologies.
• Ensure conversion of customer and/or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
• Perform technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, evaluates alternatives including cost and risk, supportability, and analyses for total systems.
• Translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.
• Conduct trade studies, modeling and simulation, and performance analysis to inform design decisions and mitigate risks.
• Communicate task status with clarity and brevity.
• Identify, articulate, and manage risks.
• Manage internal and external relationships.
• Create and maintain various reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical, mechanical, software, and test engineers, to ensure a cohesive and effective system design.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Minimum Qualifications
  • 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
  • Experience in Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
  • Experience authoring a systems engineering management plan.
  • Demonstrated expertise in systems engineering lifecycle management including development of requirements, architectures, integration and validation plans within a production environment.
  • Requires a deep understanding of requirements development, architecture definition/decomposition, testing philosophies/methodologies, and verification coverage.
  • Experience working within government contracts.
  • Technical and problem-solving intuition.
  • Ability to anticipate and mitigate programmatic implications of system challenges.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with government stakeholders, company leadership, and technical subject matter experts in a wide range of disciplines.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred Requirements
  • Experience working as a defense hard tech prime or major sub.
  • Experience working in laser systems, power systems, or cooling systems."
  • Experience with Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA)
  • Experience with CAMEO system engineering and requirements management software
  • An active Secret clearance or higher

Physical Requirements
Office, industrial, or shipboard environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances. Lifting and moving materials may be required.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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