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Systems Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGER 2

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$142K - $178K/yr

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGER 2 Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jun 26, 2026 Req ID: 46292 Team: E35 SUBMARINE ENGINEERING - ADVANCED CAPABILITIES Entity: Newport News ...

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGER 2 Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jun 26, 2026 Req ID: 46292 Team: E35 SUBMARINE ENGINEERING - ADVANCED CAPABILITIES Entity: Newport News ...

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGER 2 Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jun 26, 2026 Req ID: 46292 Team: E35 SUBMARINE ENGINEERING - ADVANCED CAPABILITIES Entity: Newport News ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Systems Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$60K

$140.9K

$194.3K

How much do systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering in Virginia is $140,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineering jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Systems Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Systems Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Systems Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,851 per year, or $67.7 per hour.
Strategic Consultant - Systems Engineering

Strategic Consultant - Systems Engineering

Systems Planning and Analysis

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic, and analytical support to customers with missions in national security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields such as countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, and transportation safety.
We have a near-term need for a Strategy Advisor to assist with systems engineering (SE) and testing and evaluation (T&E) programs in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The primary place of performance will be at SPA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA with regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC.
Responsibilities
The Strategy Advisor provides strategic guidance in a specialized functional area. This involves advising on strategic direction and the use of current industry standards and innovative solutions, based on deep knowledge of the latest developments in the field. The role influences the objectives of complex programs or projects by offering clear vision to project managers and senior leadership, and by guiding functional procedures, processes, and policies. It may also include leading in-depth research to support studies and analyses.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Master's degree or equivalent credits/certifications.
  • 3+ years of strategic guidance experience and background in systems engineering.
  • Understanding of the Systems Engineering Lifecycle and industry standards and best practices.
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
  • Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.

Desired:
  • DHS Systems Engineering Level 2, DAWIA Engineering and Technical Management Practitioner Level 2/3, and/or INCOSE certification(s).
  • Experience in providing assistance to program planning and oversight, exercise, development, execution and evaluation; system level analysis; system integration support inclusive of understanding of threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support and complement the Government's technical experts in applying both acquisition efforts and RDT&E towards accomplishing the DHS mission.
  • Prior experience supporting DHS programs.
  • Active DHS Suitability.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.
Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $125k-$145K