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

Systems Test Engineer III

Hunt Valley, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Systems Test Engineer III

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

GEOINT Systems Test Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

GEOINT Systems Test Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

GEOINT Systems Test Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

GEOINT Systems Test Engineer

Mount Rainier, MD · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

GEOINT Systems Test Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

GEOINT Systems Test Engineer

Bladensburg, MD · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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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Showing results 1-20

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

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

Infographic showing various Systems Test Engineer job openings in Columbia, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% 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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 73 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you passionate about applying system engineering principles with emphasis on test and evaluation to support strategic weapon systems?
Do you have system integration, system test, model based systems engineering, and/or digital engineering expertise that you want to employ in support of national defense strategic systems?
Are you motivated to work on multidisciplinary teams to address some of the strategic deterrent challenges facing the nation?
If so, we are looking for someone like you to join the System Realization and Resilience Group (KBR) within the Force Projection Sector. Our team is responsible for enabling the realization of strategic systems, ensuring resilience and specialty disciplines are integrated throughout system development, and supporting credible verification of strategic weapon systems. We lead efforts in systems engineering, system security engineering, test and integration, digital engineering, nuclear command and control, and reliability engineering. As a member of our team, you will provide systems engineering expertise to inform the technical direction of existing and future strategic weapons systems. We are passionate about making critical contributions to these critically important programs, and you will be a key part of our success. With your help, we will remain at the forefront of ensuring the credibility of our nation's strategic weapon systems.
As a Strategic Systems Test Engineer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to provide Systems Test Engineering expertise to guide test strategy, support test planning and objectives, and support test reporting and analysis for the evaluation of strategic weapon systems.
  • You will participate as a systems test engineer on various projects, studies, and technical working groups focusing on requirements decomposition and analysis, concept/technology development, acquisition, test planning and execution, system evaluation, post test data analysis decision support, and risk assessments across the program lifecycle.
  • You will employ system engineering methodologies and analyses such as model based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering (DE) to enable the development of strategic weapon systems.
  • You will deliver formal presentations and reports to codify technical recommendations and solutions to sponsors and stakeholders, and effectively communicate proposed concepts/solutions and analysis results.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or related technical field.
  • Have at least 3+ years of systems test engineering experience in the development and test and evaluation of complex systems.
  • Have experience in test planning and execution, system requirements analysis, understanding system design and architecture, supporting system verification and validation, or other relevant systems test engineering activities.
  • Have experience with systems engineering management plans, test and evaluation master plans, integrated testing, ground test series, or flight testing.
  • Experience with formulating system engineering processes and technical performance metrics.
  • Have demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong critical thinking skills.
  • Have shown ability to interact effectively with and lead multidisciplinary teams, including industry and government sponsors.
  • Are willing and able to travel periodically (about 5 to 15%), including short duration visits to sponsor offices at the Washington Navy Yard and to supporting contractor sites, as well as occasional travel to other military bases across the country.
  • Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to get a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have an advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or related technical field.
  • Have at least 5+ years of background in systems test engineering in the development and test and evaluation of complex systems.
  • Have demonstrated experience applying systems engineering strategies including MBSE and DE approaches to guide system design, development, and evaluation activities.
  • Have familiarity with systems engineering, MBSE, and DE tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, DOORS, Jira, and confluence; just to name a few.
  • Have experience with supporting complex systems or system of systems efforts in the early program lifecycle phases.
  • Have experience with Navy Strategic Systems programs, and/or Air Force ICBM programs.
  • Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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