Systems Engineer Jobs in Arlington, VA
Systems Engineer jobs in Arlington, Virginia are concentrated in Rosslyn, Crystal City, and the Ballston-Virginia Square corridor, driven by defense contracting, federal IT, and national security sectors. Employers hiring right now include Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Galapagos Federal Systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking a qualified Systems Engineer Level 2 to support the United States Space Force (USSF) and its mission-critical space operations.
In this role, you will support the Space Force Program Acquisition Executive for Infrastructure (SFPAE-I) and Space Systems Command’s System Delta 81, contributing to the development, acquisition, integration, and sustainment of advanced capabilities that strengthen USSF readiness and operational effectiveness.
The ideal candidate is a technically skilled and mission-focused professional who combines systems engineering expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to deliver results in a fast-paced DoD environment.
Key Responsibilities
The Systems Engineer will:
- Conduct feasibility studies and concept exploration to evaluate potential system and capability solutions
- Support Design Reference Mission (DRM) engineering and associated system analysis activities
- Develop and refine Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) to support mission and operational requirements
- Develop and manage system requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification plans, system validation activities, and operational support requirements
- Perform change management and technical analysis to assess impacts to system requirements, interfaces, schedules, and program objectives
- Assess, align, and integrate Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) activities with technical efforts across SFPAE-I and System Delta 81 (SYD 81)
- Support systems engineering activities throughout Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), integration, fielding, and sustainment
- Collaborate with government, engineering, acquisition, and program stakeholders to support successful system and capability delivery
The Systems Engineer must have:
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
- 5+ years of relevant Department of Defense (DoD) experience supporting systems engineering, acquisition, RDT&E, or related technical programs
- Experience supporting System Program Offices (SPOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), or the delivery of systems and capabilities to SPOs/PMOs
- Demonstrated experience with Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and test and training materiel systems
- Experience supporting the deployment, integration, operation, and sustainment of space test and training materiel systems
- Strong knowledge of Systems Engineering (SE) principles and processes, including practical application to system RDT&E, integration, and fielding
- Experience with Cameo Systems Modeler and Systems Modeling Language (SysML)
- Working knowledge of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) and DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) processes and artifacts
- Experience in one or more relevant space technology domains, such as space system architectures, satellite and ground segment design, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) and radio frequency (RF) sensors, astrodynamics, propulsion, Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), space data communications, or Space Battle Management and Control
- Ability to work full-time on-site and travel up to 25%, as required to support program needs
The Systems Engineer must meet the following:
Required
- Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Systems Engineering or a related engineering field (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Software, etc.)
- Degrees in other Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields may be considered with substantial, relevant professional experience
- Degrees in other STEM fields may also be considered with significant, relevant professional experience
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Paid Parental Leave
- Military Differential
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid federal holidays
Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high-level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.
Physical Requirements
Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.
Company Summary
Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC, is an SBA-Certified NHO-owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services.
Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
Our service commitment is simple - "Quality IT Solutions... On Time & On Budget."
Company Employment Statement
Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.
The final salary offered within the posted range will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors.
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Who's Hiring
- Amazon33
- Booz Allen Hamilton33
- Galapagos Federal Systems33
- Leidos16
- Vantor16
Systems Engineer Jobs in Arlington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a systems engineer job in Arlington?
The most direct path is targeting defense contractors and federal agencies concentrated in Rosslyn, Crystal City, and the Pentagon City corridor, where systems engineering demand runs deepest. Active security clearances give candidates a significant edge in Arlington's market. Firms supporting DoD, intelligence community, and federal civilian IT programs hire continuously, so aligning your resume to mission-critical systems work and clearance eligibility opens the most doors locally.
Which companies hire systems engineers in Arlington?
Arlington systems engineer roles are posted by Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Galapagos Federal Systems and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. The employer base leans heavily toward large defense primes, federal IT integrators, and government consulting firms operating near the Pentagon and along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.
Are there remote systems engineer jobs in Arlington?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the work type: analytical and software-focused systems engineering roles offer more remote flexibility, while positions tied to classified environments, lab work, or on-site government facilities require in-person presence. About 36% of systems engineer openings tied to Arlington are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, skewing toward unclassified program support and commercial sector roles in the area.
How can I get a systems engineer job in Arlington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Arlington is targeting junior systems engineer or systems analyst roles at mid-tier defense contractors and federal IT firms, many of which run structured early-career programs and sponsor clearance processing for promising candidates. Entry roles in configuration management, systems integration support, and test and evaluation are common stepping stones locally. A bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science paired with any clearance eligibility, even at the Secret level, puts you ahead of most entry-level applicants in Arlington's market.
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