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Systems Test Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

Intrepidgs

Systems Test Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105 - $145/hr

Systems Test Engineer**, you will validate system functionality through the definition of testing methodologies, execution of performance evaluations, and enforcement of quality assurance standards.

Textron

Systems Test Engineer III

Hunt Valley, MD

About This Role The Electronic Systems (ES) engineering team has an immediate opening for a mid-senior level Systems Test Engineer to support the growing Simulation and Training Team. As a member of ...

Textron

Systems Test Engineer III

Hunt Valley, MD

About This Role The Electronic Systems (ES) engineering team has an immediate opening for a mid-senior level Systems Test Engineer to support the growing Simulation and Training Team. As a member of ...

Leidos

Systems Test Engineer

Odenton, MD

$92K - $166K/yr

... test plans and procedures to conduct vulnerability, analytical, and technical assessments of complex communication systems across multiple security classifications. * Engineer Automated Solutions ...

Intrepid

Systems Test Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Position contingent upon contract award As the Systems Test Engineer , you will validate system functionality through the definition of testing methodologies, execution of performance evaluations ...

Leidos

Systems Test Engineer

Odenton, MD · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

... test plans and procedures to conduct vulnerability, analytical, and technical assessments of complex communication systems across multiple security classifications. * Engineer Automated Solutions ...

Intrepidgs

Systems Test Engineer

Mclean, VA

Position contingent upon contract award As the Systems Test Engineer , you will validate system functionality through the definition of testing methodologies, execution of performance evaluations ...

Leidos

GEOINT Systems Test Engineer

Washington, DC

$92K - $166K/yr

GEOINT Analyst / Systems Test Engineer Location: Washington Navy Yard, DC Make an Impact with Leidos At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the dedication of our diverse and talented ...

Leidos

GEOINT Systems Test Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

GEOINT Analyst / Systems Test Engineer Location: Washington Navy Yard, DC Make an Impact with Leidos At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the dedication of our diverse and talented ...

Leidos

GEOINT Systems Test Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

GEOINT Analyst / Systems Test Engineer Location: Washington Navy Yard, DC Make an Impact with Leidos At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the dedication of our diverse and talented ...

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All JobsSystems Test Engineer JobsSystems Test Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD

Systems Test Engineer information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$24

$63

$190

How much do systems test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for systems test engineer in Columbia, MD is $63.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.06 and $66.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a systems test engineer?

A Systems Test Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and executing tests to ensure that complex systems and their components function correctly and meet specified requirements. They work closely with other engineering teams to identify issues, troubleshoot problems, and verify that all system integrations operate as intended. Systems Test Engineers often create test plans, develop automated test scripts, and document their findings to help improve product quality and reliability.

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

To thrive as a Systems Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of test methodologies, system integration, and engineering principles, typically backed by a degree in engineering or computer science. Experience with automated testing tools (such as Selenium or JUnit), scripting languages, and familiarity with requirements management systems are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure rigorous testing, accurate defect identification, and seamless collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, leading to reliable and high-quality system deliveries.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by systems test engineers during multi-departmental projects?

Systems Test Engineers often encounter challenges when coordinating testing activities across multiple departments, such as software, hardware, and quality assurance teams. These challenges include ensuring effective communication, aligning testing schedules, and managing dependencies between components. Balancing thorough test coverage while meeting project deadlines can also be demanding. Proactively collaborating with cross-functional teams and adopting clear documentation practices can help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth project execution.

What is the difference between Systems Test Engineer vs Software Test Engineer?

AspectSystems Test EngineerSoftware Test Engineer
Primary FocusTesting entire systems, including hardware and software integrationTesting software applications and code
Required SkillsKnowledge of hardware, software, and systems integrationStrong programming, scripting, and software testing skills
Work EnvironmentOften in labs or manufacturing settings, involving hardwarePrimarily in office or remote environments, focusing on software
CertificationsISTQB, ISTQB Certified Tester, or similarISTQB, CSTE, or similar

While both roles involve testing, Systems Test Engineers focus on testing complete systems, including hardware and software integration, whereas Software Test Engineers concentrate on software applications and code quality. The roles share certifications and work environments but differ in scope and technical focus.

What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Systems Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Systems Test Engineer job openings:

Systems Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Test Engineer job openings in Columbia, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,087 per year, or $63 per hour.

Systems Test Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

Apogee Engineering
See more jobs at Apogee Engineeringexternal

$130K - $143K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Systems Test Engineer
Location US-MD-Fort Meade
ID 2026-2001
Category Engineering Position Type Regular Full-Time Remote No
Overview

Apogee is actively seeking a full-time Systems Test Engineer supporting US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) NC3 Enterprise Center (NEC) Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I).

Program: The SE&I Division serves as the principal enterprise systems engineering, enterprise architecture, and technical authority for the NC3 Enterprise within the Department of Defense. As the lead NC3 Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) arm of the NC3 Enterprise Center, the division applies and remains up to date on systems engineering best practices and translates mission and operational requirements into appropriate technical specifications and solutions. SE&I also has the responsibility to apply established standards and, when necessary, develop new standards to ensure seamless interoperability across the NC3 enterprise. The SE&I is comprised of 3 branches:

Enterprise Sustainment & Evolution
Enterprise Performance & Capabilities
Enterprise Mission Management

This is a full-time, on-site opportunity at Fort Meade.

Responsibilities
    Work with proprietary software to perform vulnerability, analytical, and technical assessments on NC3 systems. Execute tests to determine network performance, voice and video quality, and overall communications and backup system effectiveness in unclassified and classified environments (to TS/SCI).
  • Based on test results perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for test case failures.
  • Using proprietary software, conduct tests to determine performance of NC3 communication systems, including secure and non-secure voice, data, and video communications services for classified and unclassified environments
  • Provide specialized engineering, test, and evaluation assistance, and develop and/or leverage, integrate, and modify existing (i.e., GOTS or COTS) tools
  • Assist in refinement of the video testing solution, test cases, test procedures, test plans, data analysis methodologies, and video and network performance testing.
Qualifications

Minimum Experience:

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen
Clearance: Must possess an active Top Secret clearance with willingness to be nominated for SCI at the time of application.
Education: Technical Bachelors of Science degree in one of the following fields: Engineering, Computer Science, or an educational equivalent.
Years of Experience: 15 years of relevant experience in Testing & Evaluation to include:

  • Experience developing and executing test plans, procedures, and test cases.
  • Background in root cause analysis (RCA) methodologies.
  • Ability to work with and, as required, modify automated test workflows written in proprietary test tools.
  • Familiarity with data collection and analysis methodologies
  • Providing tests and evaluations of hardware and/or software development.
  • Developing and documenting test plans and procedures, conducting testing, and evaluating and documenting results.
  • Preparing studies, plans, and analyses in support of a program.

Preferred Experience:

Clearance: TS clearance with SCI eligibilty in DISS at the time of application
Education: Technical Masters of Science degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or Engineering

Additional Experience: 10 years Network Testing

  • Hands-on experience testing systems to determine network performance using proprietary and/or standard testing tools (e.g., Wireshark, Iperf, Jitter/Latency).
  • Experience testing secure/unsecure voice, video, and data communication systems.
  • Experience testing and evaluating the effectiveness of systems continuity of operations.
  • Experience understanding and maintaining systems configurations in classified lab environments.
  • Experience supporting STRATCOM, NC3, or NLCC mission areas.
  • Prior work in a DoD test lab or operational environment.
Pay Range
USD $130,000.00 - USD $143,500.00 /Yr.

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