Systems Engineer Jobs in North Carolina
Systems Engineer jobs in North Carolina are active across defense, aerospace, and technology sectors, with demand running from entry-level to principal and staff engineer roles. The heaviest hiring concentrates in the Research Triangle area, Charlotte, and the Fayetteville-Raleigh corridor, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Cisco Systems maintain significant operations. The most sought-after specialties in North Carolina include embedded systems, model-based systems engineering, and defense acquisition systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.
About the Hiring Group
- Research computing and analytics environments
- Kubernetes-based application and platform services
- Secure data enclave and lakehouse architectures
- CI/CD, GitOps, and Infrastructure-as-Code automation
- Cloud cost modeling, observability, and platform operations Integrated tools such as JupyterHub, RStudio/Posit, Airflow, REDCap, Stata, Databricks, and custom web applications
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- Exhibit passion for technology, enjoy working across several projects and systems at the same time, and are energized by building, understanding, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex cloud and platform environments.
- Want to continually learn and apply new technologies, patterns, and practices in cloud engineering, DevOps, research computing, data platforms, and secure application delivery.
- Have experience designing, building, and operating in a cloud computing environment, including the use of Infrastructure-as-Code and automated deployment patterns.
- Have a strong understanding of the software delivery lifecycle using version control, continuous integration/continuous deployment, project tracking tools, automated testing, and operational release practices.
- Are proactive and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders with varying degrees of technical knowledge.
- Are interested in helping project teams adopt reusable platform patterns that improve delivery speed, compliance readiness, operational consistency, and cost transparency.
This position is based at RTI International’s headquarters in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina, with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement.
What You'll Do
- Supports design, implementation, and operationalization of multi-tenant cloud-native platform services across AWS and Azure.
- Develops and modifies Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions using OpenTofu, Terraform, or similar technologies with guidance.
- Utilizes platform security controls, secrets management, identity integration, and policy enforcement capabilities.
- Assists with platform performance, availability, scalability, resiliency, and cost optimization identification and implementation.
- Follows and assists with writing platform engineering standards, reference architectures, operational procedures, and technical documentation.
- Participates with security operations, governance, and application teams to collaborate on platforms infrastructure and security requirements.
- Uses continuous learning and on-hands training to develop skills and experience to perform job duties.
What You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
- Experience working with open-source frameworks, tools, and applications.
- Foundational knowledge of Kubernetes and container orchestration, gained through education or hands-on experience.
- Proficiency in managing software packages and dependencies.
- Working knowledge of cloud-based storage solutions, such as Amazon S3, EFS, and/or RDS.
- Understanding of Agile development methodologies, DevSecOps practices, and the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate challenges and identify practical solutions.
- Ability to understand and navigate complex technical systems and their interdependencies.
- Ability to support troubleshooting and issue resolution across infrastructure, platform, networking, and application layers.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and manage competing demands in a dynamic environment.
- Detail-oriented approach, commitment to quality and accuracy, and a willingness to continuously learn and develop new technical skills.
- To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.).
Familiarity with cloud-native development and deployment practices, including GitOps, CI/CD pipelines, multi-environment deployments, and GitHub Actions or equivalent workflow automation tools.
Foundational understanding of Layer 4 and Layer 7 cloud networking concepts, including how they support application connectivity and traffic management.
Familiarity with authentication, authorization, and identity and access management systems, such as Microsoft Entra ID, Amazon Cognito, or Keycloak.
EEO & Pay Equity Statements
At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.
Equal Pay Act Minimum/Range
$70,000 - $87,000
As a global employer of choice, RTI is committed to belonging in the workplace and the communities and markets where we serve our mission. We value a variety of thoughts, cultures, backgrounds and perspectives and welcome applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, creed, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination laws or RTI policy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Click here to view the EEOC Know Your Rights Poster.
See All 178+ Systems Engineer Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Systems Engineer JobsSystems Engineer Jobs by City in North Carolina
Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Systems Engineer Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services11
- Manufacturing8
- Technology & Software7
- Electronics & Hardware3
- Retail2
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in systems engineer jobs across North Carolina.
- Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering tools such as DOORS, Cameo, or Rhapsody
- Ability to obtain or hold an active DoD security clearance for defense and government programs
- Familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle processes including requirements analysis and verification
- Proficiency with integration and test planning across hardware and software system interfaces
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional technical teams and stakeholders
Systems Engineer Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a systems engineer in North Carolina?
Most systems engineer roles in North Carolina require a bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline. The state does not require a specific license for systems engineers working in industry, though engineers who offer services to the public may pursue licensure through the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. Defense-oriented roles frequently require a security clearance, which employers sponsor after hire.
Which companies hire systems engineers in North Carolina?
Employers hiring systems engineers in North Carolina right now include Booz Allen Hamilton, Eaton, and RoviSys, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. North Carolina's defense and aerospace industry concentration means many of these employers are tied to federal contracts and programs based in the Research Triangle and Fort Liberty regions.
Which North Carolina cities have the most systems engineer jobs?
Raleigh, Charlotte, and Morrisville have the most systems engineer openings in North Carolina. The Research Triangle anchors the market with a dense cluster of defense contractors, technology companies, and federal agencies, while Charlotte draws systems engineers into financial technology infrastructure and energy systems roles, and Fayetteville benefits from proximity to Fort Liberty and its large defense contracting presence.
Are there remote systems engineer jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, and more than many technical fields. About 57% of systems engineer openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the analytical and documentation-heavy nature of much systems engineering work. Requirements definition, architecture modeling, and program management functions tend to be the most remote-accessible, while integration, test, and hardware-adjacent roles typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a systems engineer in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate or junior systems engineer programs at North Carolina's large defense contractors, where employers like Northrop Grumman and Leidos run new-graduate hiring programs tied to programs at NC State and UNC Charlotte. Lateral moves from adjacent roles such as software quality assurance, test engineering, or configuration management are common entry points. Earning a certification in MBSE tools or completing a capstone integration project strengthens a resume without prior professional experience.
Where can I find and apply to systems engineer jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to systems engineer jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 178+ Systems Engineer Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Systems Engineer Jobs