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Systems Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

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

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$200K - $240K/yr

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 ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Senior Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

The Senior Systems Engineer will support data-driven decision-making for complex Department of War programs by applying systems engineering discipline, data analysis, and rapid visualization ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Senior Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Responsibilities The Senior Systems Engineer will support data-driven decision-making for complex Department of War programs by applying systems engineering discipline, data analysis, and rapid ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

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 ...

RCT-Systems

Systems Engineer - $179k -$199k

Reston, VA · On-site

Seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to support two secure cloud-based applications and their infrastructure. You'll work with a multidisciplinary team of developers, cybersecurity engineers ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Sr. Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

We have an upcoming need for a Sr. Systems Engineer to provide onsite/hybrid support in the Northern VA area. Responsibilities We are seeking a highly experienced Sr. Systems Engineer to join the DHS ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Sr. Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

We have an upcoming need for a Sr. Systems Engineer to provide onsite/hybrid support in the Northern VA area. Responsibilities We are seeking a highly experienced Sr. Systems Engineer to join the DHS ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Sr. Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Hybrid

$106K - $146K/yr

We have an upcoming need for a Sr. Systems Engineer to provide onsite/hybrid support in the Northern VA area. Responsibilities We are seeking a highly experienced Sr. Systems Engineer to join the DHS ...

DCS Corp

Systems Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA

DCS is seeking a skilled Systems Engineer to support a fast-paced Army product management office in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this role you will develop systems engineering documents, processes ...

DCS Corporation

Systems Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA

DCS is seeking a skilled Systems Engineer to support a fast-paced Army product management office in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this role you will develop systems engineering documents, processes ...

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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 Aug 21, 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 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.

Is system programming in demand?

System programming remains in demand due to the need for developing and maintaining operating systems, device drivers, and embedded systems. Professionals with skills in languages like C and C++, along with knowledge of hardware interfaces, are sought after in industries such as technology, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

What does a systems programmer do?

A systems programmer develops, maintains, and optimizes system software such as operating systems, device drivers, and utility programs. They work closely with hardware and software components, often using programming languages like C or Assembly, and may troubleshoot system issues or improve performance. Strong knowledge of computer architecture and debugging tools is essential for this role.
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Systems Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Programmer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,583 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614172
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-07-01
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: 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
?SAIC has an immediate opening for an experienced Systems Engineer with Intelligence Community experience to support the modernization of an existing systems engineering training program.
The selected candidate will be responsible for leading the technical refresh and redesign of a current week-long Systems Engineering training course. The existing course is outdated and requires a comprehensive review, update, and redesign to better align with current systems engineering practices, mission needs, and adult learning principles.
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, multimedia specialists, graphics professionals, and other stakeholders to produce an updated, engaging, and mission-relevant training product.
Key Responsibilities:
The Systems Engineer will be responsible for:
  • Reviewing and assessing the current week-long Systems Engineering training course to identify outdated content, gaps, redundancies, and opportunities for improvement
  • Leading the technical modernization of course content to ensure alignment with current systems engineering practices, methodologies, tools, and Intelligence Community mission environments
  • Partnering with instructional systems designers to convert technical systems engineering concepts into effective learning objectives, lesson plans, exercises, assessments, and instructional materials
  • Working with multimedia and graphics teams to enhance the visual quality, usability, and learner engagement of training products
  • Supporting the design and development of systems engineering training for adult learners, including practical examples, scenarios, case studies, and applied exercises
  • Assisting in the design and management of system-level solutions, including coordinating technical requirements across teams and stakeholders
  • Facilitating requirements discussions and ensuring training content accurately reflects systems engineering processes, lifecycle considerations, and mission needs
  • Collaborating with government, contractor, technical, and training stakeholders to gather input, validate content, and drive consensus
  • Developing or refining course materials, including instructor guides, student guides, slide decks, practical exercises, job aids, assessments, and supporting documentation
  • Supporting pilot deliveries or course reviews, capturing feedback, and incorporating improvements
  • Ensuring final training materials are accurate, current, well-organized, and sustainable for future delivery

Qualifications
Candidates must possess:
  • Active TS/SCI and Polygraph
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional Systems Engineering experience
  • Bachelor's Degree, or commensurate experience can be substituted for the degree
  • Prior experience supporting or working within the Intelligence Community
  • Demonstrated experience assisting in the design, development, integration, or management of system-level solutions
  • Experience coordinating requirements across multiple teams, stakeholders, or technical disciplines
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, processes, and lifecycle activities
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, structured, and practical content
  • Strong communication, collaboration, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Ability to work effectively with instructional designers, multimedia developers, graphics teams, technical SMEs, and program leadership
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
  • Ability to work independently while also contributing as part of a cross-functional team

Desired Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will also have:
  • Experience developing, updating, or delivering Systems Engineering training
  • Experience designing or delivering instruction for adult learners
  • Familiarity with instructional design models such as ADDIE, SAM, or similar course development frameworks
  • Experience modernizing outdated technical training materials
  • Experience creating scenario-based learning, practical exercises, case studies, or performance-based assessments
  • Familiarity with current systems engineering tools, requirements management tools, architecture frameworks, or model-based systems engineering concepts
  • Experience supporting technical training within classified or mission-focused environment
  • Prior experience serving as a technical instructor, course developer, curriculum SME, training lead, or workshop facilitator.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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