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Systems Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$107K - $146.40K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Requisition ID: 1737 Position Location: Fairfax, VA / Concord, NH (onsite) Position Reports To: Senior Principal Systems Engineer Supervises Others: No At Trident Systems ...

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description ...

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description

The Systems Engineer will serve as the primary technical subject matter expert for the course modernization effort and will collaborate closely with internal instructional systems designers ...

Mid-level Systems Engineers employ a multi-discipline approach to requirements engineering, solutions engineering, scheduling, reliability, resiliency, services development, integration, test and ...

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Systems Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$17

$49

$81

How much do systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for systems programmer in Virginia is $49.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.77 and $61.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Systems Programmer?

A systems programmer is a skilled computer technician that develops application software with a variety of programming languages. In this career, you must have experience working with a variety of operating systems including Windows, Linux, and mainframe. Your job duties include developing application programs, testing the functionality of the software, and troubleshooting issues found by users. You also work on a variety of computer hardware such as servers and mainframes, so your skills must extend beyond software and coding. You can find systems programmer positions with third-party IT companies and in the IT departments of larger companies.

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

To thrive as a Systems Programmer, you need expertise in low-level programming languages (such as C or Assembly), operating system concepts, and a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with mainframe or server environments, system debugging tools, and certifications in relevant platforms (like IBM z/OS or Linux) are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for optimizing system performance, maintaining reliability, and ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software components.

What are some typical challenges faced by systems programmers, and how can they overcome them?

Systems programmers often face challenges such as debugging low-level code, ensuring compatibility across different hardware or operating systems, and addressing performance bottlenecks. These tasks require a deep understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and programming languages like C or Assembly. Collaborating closely with other IT professionals, such as network administrators and application developers, can help identify and resolve issues more efficiently. Staying current with industry developments and using robust version control and debugging tools are also essential strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What are systems programmers?

Systems programmers are specialized software developers who design, develop, test, and maintain the low-level software that enables computer hardware and software to work together effectively. They often work on operating systems, firmware, device drivers, and other system-level components. Their main focus is on optimizing system performance, ensuring reliability, and enabling hardware-software interoperability. Systems programmers typically have strong knowledge of computer architecture, operating systems, and programming languages like C or assembly.

Does systems programming pay well?

Systems programmers typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their specialized skills in low-level programming, operating systems, and hardware interaction. Compensation varies by experience, location, and industry, but generally, it is above average compared to many other IT roles. Certifications and proficiency with tools like C, C++, and Linux can also influence earning potential.

What is the difference between Systems Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectSystems ProgrammerSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field, with knowledge of low-level programmingUsually holds a degree in computer science, software engineering, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with operating systems, hardware, and system utilities in enterprise or technical settingsDevelops applications and software solutions for various platforms, often in business or consumer environments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in IT departments, tech companies, and organizations managing complex systemsWidely employed across tech firms, startups, and any industry requiring software solutions

While both roles involve programming, Systems Programmers focus on low-level system software and hardware interaction, whereas Software Developers create applications and user-facing software. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Systems Programmer jobs in Virginia? For Systems Programmer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Systems Programmer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Systems Programmer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Programmer jobs in VA? For Systems Programmer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Systems Programmer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 31% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 58% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $102,583 per year, or $49.3 per hour.
Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

Trident Systems LLC

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$107K - $146.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Senior Systems Engineer
Requisition ID: 1737
Position Location: Fairfax, VA / Concord, NH (onsite)
Position Reports To: Senior Principal Systems Engineer
Supervises Others: No

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented, self-motivated, and experienced Senior Systems Engineer with demonstrated success in leading engineering teams to develop and deliver new and/or improved products that meet requirements on time and within budget. The Senior Systems Engineer provides systems engineering methodology expertise across R&D and product development programs, is a key participant in establishing technology and product roadmaps and contributes to business opportunities of strategic importance.

The Principal Systems Engineer works collaboratively with program managers and project engineers to ensure successful program execution and is responsible for guiding program teams to solving problems through a wholistic, systems engineering approach. This position requires expert technical capability and communication skill, effective forward thinking to take advantage of opportunities and prevent issues, and ability to work with engineering leadership towards growing an effective engineering organization. To be successful in this role, the individual should possess technical depth to perform deep-dive analysis and apply properly tailored systems engineering process, as well as technical breadth to work through complex issues across disciplines (e.g. mechanical, electrical, software, and firmware). This individual is able to work autonomously with only high-level objectives to be effective, is able to work on problems of diverse complexity and scope and demonstrates expert engineering judgement.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead a diverse engineering team in the development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, networking, and/or data storage units for space applications using systems engineering methodology
  • Own the systems engineering process on the program and ensure the proper systems analysis and trades, technical baseline management, and requirements verification and validation activities are completed
  • Collaborate with program management to lead program planning and execution within cost and schedule constraints
  • Act as the program technical champion / representative / POC
  • Prepare for, and present at all major design reviews, including internal and external (customer) reviews
  • Provide technical expertise in planning for IR&D and new product initiatives
  • Support proposal efforts for new business opportunities
  • Support travel or off-site work, as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field
  • 6+ years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree or 4+ years with a Master’s degree
  • Technical project lead experience
  • Highly accomplished in engineering or scientific domain(s) of expertise
  • Fluent in multiple relevant technical/scientific domains and can work through complex issues across engineering disciplines
  • Proficient in application of systems engineering methodology to product design and development
  • Ability to lead multidiscipline teams (e.g. system, hardware, software/firmware, and integration and test) through the development of complex electronic systems to meet rigorous space application requirements
  • Strong team leadership, including ability to coach teams, provide mentorship, etc.
  • Ability to balance technical performance with program cost and schedule targets
  • Excellent organization and communication skills
  • Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or individual granted refugee or asylee status)

Preferred Qualifications

  • MS degree in a STEM field
  • Experience with space industry product development life cycles
  • Experience in product development for high reliability, high survivability, and/or space environment applications
  • Experience with complex electronics product design at low level of integration, e.g. PCBAs, mechanical structures, mission software, FPGA firmware, etc.
  • Experience with Xilinx family devices, including Zynq UltraScale+ or Versal architecture
  • Knowledge of VPX standards (VITA 46 and VITA 65) and demonstrated experience implementing in embedded hardware
  • Experience in electronics design including schematic capture, PCB layout, PCB routing, high-speed data design, mixed-signal analysis/design, signal integrity analysis, etc.
  • Experience in signal processing and/or algorithm development
  • Experience with CAD tools, e.g. PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Keysight ADS, etc.
  • Experience with systems engineering related tools, e.g. STK, MATLAB Simulink, requirements management/databases, MBSE, etc.
  • Experience with one or more levels of the OSI model, understanding of networking protocols, etc.

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

  • Health benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic life with AD&D
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays
  • 401(k) (including company match)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
  • Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)

Trident Systems is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@tridsys.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)