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Lead Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AERONIX INC

Lead Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer Department: Engineering Reports To: Program Manager and Engineering Director FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-time Salary Range: $140,000 - $175,000 Annually ROLE We are seeking a ...

AERONIX INC

Lead Systems Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer Department: Engineering Reports To: Program Manager and Engineering Director FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-time Salary Range: $140,000 - $175,000 Annually ROLE We are seeking a ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Systems Engineer

Waco, TX · On-site

Lead, Systems Engineering - Military Commercial Derivative Aircraft (MCDA) Modification Design, Integration, & Certification Job Code: 37621 Job Location: Waco, Texas (on site) Schedule: 9/80; Every ...

AERONIX INC

Lead Systems Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer - Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer (Req 2) Department: Engineering Reports To: Program Manager and Engineering Director FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-time Salary Range: $125,000 ...

AERONIX INC

Lead Systems Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer - Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer (Req 2) Department: Engineering Reports To: Program Manager and Engineering Director FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-time Salary Range: $125,000 ...

True Anomaly

Lead Systems Engineer

Denver, CO

$155K - $315K/yr

The Lead Systems Engineer (LSE) has ownership and responsibility over the requirements, verification, and validation (RV&V) efforts. The LSE is responsible for execution of day-to-day SE process ...

Revolutional, LLC

Lead Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Lead Systems Engineer Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization: US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust is required Travel: 0-20 ...

Revolutional, LLC

Lead Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA

Lead Systems Engineer Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization: US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust is required Travel: 0-20 ...

B&A

Lead Systems Engineer

Suitland, MD

Description Lead Systems Engineer At B&A, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and instill in all aspects of our organization: dedication, commitment, partnership, trust ...

Boeing

Lead Systems Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

Lead Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) is seeking motivated and self-starting Lead Systems Engineer for a position based in Huntington Beach, CA

Boeing

Lead Systems Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

Lead Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) is seeking motivated and self-starting Lead Systems Engineer for a position based in Huntington Beach, CA

L3HHCM20

Lead, Systems Engineer

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

Lead, Systems Engineer Job Req: 36585 Job Location: Palm Bay, FL Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off The Lead ...

Bart & Associates

Lead Systems Engineer

Suitland, MD · On-site

Lead Systems Engineer At B&A, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and instill in all aspects of our organization: dedication, commitment, partnership, trust, and ...

True Anomaly

Lead Systems Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

The Lead Systems Engineer (LSE) has ownership and responsibility over the requirements, verification, and validation (RV&V) efforts. The LSE is responsible for execution of day-to-day SE process ...

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All JobsLead Systems Engineer Jobs

Lead Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$91K

$199.3K

$253K

How much do lead systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead systems engineer in the United States is $199,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,000.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lead Systems Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in systems architecture, network administration, and troubleshooting, usually backed by a degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Linux/Windows operating systems, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and certifications such as CISSP or CompTIA are often required. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills enable effective team coordination and successful project delivery. These skills are vital for designing robust systems, ensuring reliability, and driving innovation within technical teams.

How does a Lead Systems Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Lead Systems Engineer plays a central role in coordinating with cross-functional teams such as software developers, network specialists, project managers, and QA engineers. They facilitate clear communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring requirements are well-understood and that implementation stays on track. Lead Systems Engineers often organize and lead design reviews, troubleshoot integration challenges, and mediate technical decisions to align with overall business goals. This collaborative approach is essential for delivering complex system solutions efficiently and effectively.

What is the difference between Lead Systems Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectLead Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Engineering, certifications like INCOSE, PMP often preferredBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLeading projects, coordinating teams, overseeing system design and integrationSupporting system development, testing, and implementation tasks
Employer & IndustryTechnology, aerospace, defense, manufacturing companiesSimilar industries, often within larger engineering teams
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, project management, advanced responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level system design and support roles

The main difference between a Lead Systems Engineer and a Systems Engineer lies in their responsibilities and leadership scope. Lead Systems Engineers oversee project coordination, team management, and system integration, often requiring additional certifications and experience. Systems Engineers focus on supporting system development and testing. Both roles are vital in engineering projects, but the Lead role emphasizes leadership and strategic oversight.

What does a Lead Systems Engineer do?

A Lead Systems Engineer oversees the design, integration, and management of complex systems within an organization. They coordinate teams, ensure system reliability and security, and often serve as the primary technical point of contact for projects. Their responsibilities include evaluating system requirements, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that all components work harmoniously. Lead Systems Engineers also mentor junior staff and collaborate with other departments to ensure project success.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, systems engineering, or data engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in technology companies or executive positions.
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Lead Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $199,327 per year, or $95.8 per hour.
Lead Systems Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer

AERONIX INC

Arlington, VA • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Lead Systems Engineer – Job Description

Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Program Manager and Engineering Director
FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-time

Salary Range: $140,000 - $175,000 Annually

ROLE

We are seeking a senior-level Lead Systems Engineer to drive the architecture, requirements, integration, and verification of complex multi-supplier systems. This role is responsible for coordinating multiple product lines and subsystems across internal teams and external vendors while ensuring technical consistency, system-level performance, and delivery to program requirements. The ideal candidate has deep experience in systems engineering for military, space, or advanced radio communication technologies, with strong competency in requirements development, interface management, and cross-discipline collaboration. Familiarity with NRL programs or similar research-driven DoD environments is highly desirable.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead full life-cycle systems engineering activities, including requirements development, architecture definition, interface control, risk management, verification planning, and integration gates (SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR/FDR, TRR).
  • Develop and manage system-level requirements, ensuring traceability to customer specifications, derived requirements, and subsystem allocations.
  • Coordinate technical execution across several suppliers, ensuring alignment of system architecture, interfaces, schedules, and deliverables.
  • Generate and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system block diagrams, data flows, and integration plans.
  • Conduct and facilitate technical interchange meetings (TIMs), design reviews, peer reviews, and supplier performance evaluations.
  • Collaborate with software, hardware, RF, embedded, test, manufacturing, configuration management and program management teams to ensure coherent system behavior and design integrity.
  • Support system integration and test activities, troubleshoot multi-domain issues, and ensure verification rigor and requirement closure.
  • Provide leadership in configuration management, requirements tools, and continuous improvement of systems engineering processes.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering discipline development across the organization.

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Strong proficiency in end-to-end systems engineering for embedded, radio, spacecraft, or defense systems.
  • Hands-on experience with requirements development, modeling, analysis, and verification.
  • Experience with radio technologies, RF systems, analog and digital signal processing, software-defined radios, mixed HW/SW architectures and related concepts.
  • Experience with full lifecycle systems engineering for complex RF/SW‑defined systems, including formal design reviews and decomposition.
  • Familiarity with Space or MIL‑STD‑based system development, qualification processes, and environmental constraints.
  • Experience coordinating multi-supplier and multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong understanding of embedded systems, software/hardware integration, and complex interface management.
  • Ability to lead system-level troubleshooting, data analysis, and integration activities.
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and cross-discipline collaboration skills. Comfortable with presenting to customers and other stakeholders.

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • Direct NRL / NCST / Navy / DoD R&D experience.
  • Familiarity with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., SysML, Cameo, Rhapsody) and other simulation tools (MATLAB).
  • Familiarity with Jama, DOORS, or other requirements tools.
  • Understanding of communication protocols, data buses, RF interfaces, and digital hardware.
  • Experience with EW, EMSO, ELINT/SIGINT, waveform engineering, and EM communication systems.
  • Knowledge of environmental qualification experience (MIL‑STD‑461/810, NASA standards, or equivalent).
  • Familiarity with configuration management and digital engineering toolchains.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in systems engineering, including multi-supplier coordination and complex system integration.
  • Strong background in requirements development, system architecture, and interface management.
  • Demonstrated leadership in technical execution and team collaboration.
  • Ability to travel to supplier, and partner sites as required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance. Active clearance preferred.
  • Position located in either Rosslyn, VA or Melbourne, FL.