Systems Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Systems Engineer jobs in Ohio are consistently in demand, with strong hiring concentrated in aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, and information technology sectors at levels from entry-level associate to principal engineer. Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati anchor most of the activity, where established employers like Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Battelle maintain significant engineering workforces. The most sought-after specialties in Ohio are embedded systems, systems integration, and defense systems architecture. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 77+ Systems Engineer jobs
Position Description & Qualifications
If you want to work on cutting-edge DoD programs, Serco has a great opportunity for you! As a SME Systems Engineer specializing in aircraft sub-system integration, airworthiness, and electronic warfare, you will be supporting the Special Programs Division (AFLCMC/WAG) at Wright Patterson AFB, OH.
This position is contingent upon the ability to maintain/transfer active Department of War (DoW) Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI.
The Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate, Special Programs Division develops, tests, and rapidly fields classified USAF aeronautical capabilities. AFLCMC/WAG conducts studies to identify new capabilities; transitions laboratory technologies to operational platforms; executes demonstrations; and develops, tests, rapidly fields, sustains, and demilitarizes capabilities for the warfighter.
In this role, you will:
- Be a Subject Matter Expert in electronic warfare and systems engineering supporting classified programs utilizing DoD, USAF and common engineering/scientific principles, and procedures.
- Translate operational user requirements into contract system requirements documents.
- Apply systems engineering expertise for modification improvements, hardware/software development, configuration management, data rights, and quality assurance.
- Provide technical and programmatic feedback, develop and present technical briefings, and develop engineering strategies/analyses and technical program documents.
- Interface with weapons system contractors, vendors, and Government representatives on engineering activities; independently apply engineering principles to investigate, analyze, plan, oversee, and evaluate weapons system development and sustainment.
- Assess AFRL technology initiatives to guide investments and shape transition strategies to keep a viable technology base available to support systems development.
- Develop system-of-systems architectures and digital transformation strategies for programs.
- Implement aircraft airworthiness, risk management, and obsolescence tracking processes.
- Evaluate Contractor proposed design changes and solutions, perform systems analyses and technological/trade-off study assessments, and oversee the correction of deficiencies.
- Support all phases of subsystem component and system-level integration and testing: develop and review test plans/procedures, test activities oversight, and test result analysis.
- Assess contractor product capabilities in achieving system design requirements and specifications
- Perform technical risk assessments and develop mitigation plans.
- Develop request for proposal (RFP) technical documents and conduct technical evaluations of contractor proposals to include design feasibility and system compatibility.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- An active TOP-SECRET security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and access to Special Access Programs (SAP) and have a background investigation current within the past 5 years or under Continuous Vetting
- Masters Degree in an Engineering discipline with a minimum of 20 years relevant experience with the DoD, other government agency, or DoD contractor
- Minimum 3 years of SAP or SCI experience within the last 5 years
- Ability to travel up to 10% (CONUS)
Additional desired experience and skills:
- In-depth knowledge of DoD acquisition engineering and test support
- Electronic warfare engineering experience
- Expertise in airworthiness, avionics and other aircraft systems and host platform integration
- Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification in Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering
If you are interested in supporting and working with our Air Force and airmen and a dedicated Serco team, then submit your application now for immediate consideration. It only takes a few minutes!
Company Overview
Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco’s 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.
To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.
Candidates may be asked to present proof of identity during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.
Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits – Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
- 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
- Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
- Employee Assistance Plan
To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.
Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.
Position Description & Qualifications
If you want to work on cutting-edge DoD programs, Serco has a great opportunity for you! As a SME Systems Engineer specializing in aircraft sub-system integration, airworthiness, and electronic warfare, you will be supporting the Special Programs Division (AFLCMC/WAG) at Wright Patterson AFB, OH.
This position is contingent upon the ability to maintain/transfer active Department of War (DoW) Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI.
The Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate, Special Programs Division develops, tests, and rapidly fields classified USAF aeronautical capabilities. AFLCMC/WAG conducts studies to identify new capabilities; transitions laboratory technologies to operational platforms; executes demonstrations; and develops, tests, rapidly fields, sustains, and demilitarizes capabilities for the warfighter.
In this role, you will:
- Be a Subject Matter Expert in electronic warfare and systems engineering supporting classified programs utilizing DoD, USAF and common engineering/scientific principles, and procedures.
- Translate operational user requirements into contract system requirements documents.
- Apply systems engineering expertise for modification improvements, hardware/software development, configuration management, data rights, and quality assurance.
- Provide technical and programmatic feedback, develop and present technical briefings, and develop engineering strategies/analyses and technical program documents.
- Interface with weapons system contractors, vendors, and Government representatives on engineering activities; independently apply engineering principles to investigate, analyze, plan, oversee, and evaluate weapons system development and sustainment.
- Assess AFRL technology initiatives to guide investments and shape transition strategies to keep a viable technology base available to support systems development.
- Develop system-of-systems architectures and digital transformation strategies for programs.
- Implement aircraft airworthiness, risk management, and obsolescence tracking processes.
- Evaluate Contractor proposed design changes and solutions, perform systems analyses and technological/trade-off study assessments, and oversee the correction of deficiencies.
- Support all phases of subsystem component and system-level integration and testing: develop and review test plans/procedures, test activities oversight, and test result analysis.
- Assess contractor product capabilities in achieving system design requirements and specifications
- Perform technical risk assessments and develop mitigation plans.
- Develop request for proposal (RFP) technical documents and conduct technical evaluations of contractor proposals to include design feasibility and system compatibility.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- An active TOP-SECRET security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and access to Special Access Programs (SAP) and have a background investigation current within the past 5 years or under Continuous Vetting
- Masters Degree in an Engineering discipline with a minimum of 20 years relevant experience with the DoD, other government agency, or DoD contractor
- Minimum 3 years of SAP or SCI experience within the last 5 years
- Ability to travel up to 10% (CONUS)
Additional desired experience and skills:
- In-depth knowledge of DoD acquisition engineering and test support
- Electronic warfare engineering experience
- Expertise in airworthiness, avionics and other aircraft systems and host platform integration
- Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification in Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering
If you are interested in supporting and working with our Air Force and airmen and a dedicated Serco team, then submit your application now for immediate consideration. It only takes a few minutes!
Company Overview
Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco’s 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.
To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.
Candidates may be asked to present proof of identity during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.
Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits – Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
- 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
- Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
- Employee Assistance Plan
To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.
Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.
See All 77 Systems Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Systems Engineer JobsSystems Engineer Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Systems Engineer Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Science & Research
- Technology & Software
- Banking & Financial Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in systems engineer jobs across Ohio.
- Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering tools such as MATLAB or SysML
- Familiarity with requirements management tools like DOORS or Jama Connect
- Active or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance for Ohio defense employers
- Knowledge of systems integration, verification, and validation processes
- Professional Engineer licensure or progress toward PE through the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors preferred for senior roles
Systems Engineer Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a systems engineer in Ohio?
Most systems engineer roles in Ohio require a bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. While Ohio does not mandate a state license for most private-sector systems engineering positions, engineers who sign off on public infrastructure projects may need licensure through the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. Certifications like INCOSE's Certified Systems Engineering Professional strengthen candidacy, especially for defense and aerospace employers concentrated in Dayton and Columbus.
Which companies hire systems engineers in Ohio?
Employers hiring systems engineers in Ohio right now include HII, L3Harris, and KBR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Ohio's concentration of aerospace primes, defense contractors, and advanced manufacturing firms means systems engineer demand is spread across both large corporations and specialized government contractors throughout the state.
Which Ohio cities have the most systems engineer jobs?
Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, and Columbus account for the largest share of systems engineer openings in Ohio. Dayton's deep ties to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base drive substantial defense and aerospace engineering demand, while Columbus benefits from a broad mix of technology firms, government agencies, and research institutions like Battelle, and Cincinnati draws hiring from aerospace suppliers and large manufacturing operations in the region.
Are there remote systems engineer jobs in Ohio?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely software-focused fields, since systems engineering often involves hands-on integration, lab work, and on-site collaboration with hardware teams. About 60% of systems engineer openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the mix of desk-based and facility-based work the role involves. Requirements definition, modeling, and documentation tasks are the portions most likely to be performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a systems engineer in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate systems engineer or junior systems engineer roles at Ohio's major defense and aerospace employers, which regularly hire new graduates from Ohio State, the University of Dayton, and Case Western Reserve University. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon both run structured new-graduate programs in Ohio that rotate candidates through systems engineering functions. Building familiarity with MBSE tools and pursuing INCOSE's Associate Systems Engineering Professional credential gives early-career candidates a concrete edge over applicants without hands-on coursework.
Where can I find and apply to systems engineer jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to systems engineer jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Ohio employers. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and target location, and apply directly to each position through the listing.
See All 77 Systems Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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