Systems Engineer

Leidos Holding$107K — $195K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
  • 10+ years of experience in systems engineering or related maritime field
  • Experience with complex naval or defense systems
  • Ability to interface with engineers and military personnel
  • Proven track record in developing and executing test plans
  • Skilled in delivering technical presentations to senior officials
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Responsibilities

  • Support test and evaluation for fleet operations
  • Coordinate among engineering teams and operational stakeholders
  • Translate operational needs into engineering solutions
  • Analyze systems performance and determine improvements
  • Prepare technical briefings for military leadership
  • Travel extensively for domestic and global missions
  • Resolve technical issues in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Benefits

  • Opportunity for travel related to high-stakes maritime projects
  • Engage in significant projects supporting national defense
  • Work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment
  • Potential for career growth within a leading defense contractor
  • Access to advanced engineering technologies and systems
Full Job Description
The Undersea Systems Division at Leidos currently has an opening for a Systems Engineer to work at a customer site in San Diego, CA. This is an exciting opportunity to apply advanced naval engineering, submarine operations, systems integration, and test-and-evaluation experience in support of large-scale fleet activities and critical maritime missions.

The selected individual will serve as a senior technical interface among engineers, fleet personnel, operational stakeholders, and customer representatives. The role will help translate operational needs into technically feasible solutions, support planning and execution of fleet activities, and communicate complex technical information to senior military and government leadership. The position requires substantial travel, including participation in overseas activities several times each year, and may involve periods of intensive support during major fleet events.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Support test and evaluation activities for large-scale fleet operations and maritime systems.
  • Serve as a senior technical representative in San Diego, coordinating activities among engineering organizations, fleet personnel, program stakeholders, and operational commands.
  • Interface with engineers and fleet representatives to assess operational needs, evaluate technical feasibility, and negotiate achievable solutions.
  • Translate operational requirements into actionable engineering, testing, integration, and demonstration activities.
  • Support the assessment, planning, execution, and reporting of system-level test and evaluation events.
  • Apply practical experience from both shipboard and in-water operations to evaluate system performance, operational suitability, safety, and mission effectiveness.
  • Coordinate with customer representatives and other stakeholders to understand mission needs and develop appropriate technical responses.
  • Prepare and deliver technical briefings, decision presentations, and status updates to senior military and government leadership, including flag-level officers.
  • Develop and review test plans, test procedures, evaluation criteria, data-collection plans, and test reports.
  • Analyze test results and operational data to identify deficiencies, risks, limitations, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues and determine practical courses of action.
  • Support fleet exercises, demonstrations, operational assessments, and other customer-facing events.
  • Travel extensively in support of domestic and overseas test and evaluation activities, including several overseas trips per year.
  • Provide increased levels of support during major operational periods, which may include approximately four months of intensive activity.
  • Communicate technical information clearly to audiences with diverse technical and operational backgrounds.
  • Apply sound engineering judgment while balancing operational requirements, technical constraints, schedule, cost, safety, and mission priorities.
  • Support other systems engineering and test-and-evaluation activities as assigned.


Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering, naval engineering, test and evaluation, fleet operations, or a related maritime technical field.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting complex maritime, naval, shipboard, submarine, or other defense systems.
  • Experience interfacing with engineers, fleet personnel, operators, and government or military customers to address operational requirements and technical issues.
  • Experience developing, reviewing, or executing test and evaluation plans, test procedures, technical assessments, or operational evaluations.
  • Experience communicating complex technical and operational information through written products, briefings, and senior-level presentations.
  • Ability to travel extensively, including domestic and overseas travel several times per year.
  • Ability to work in a customer-facing environment and support periods of intensive operational activity.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior U.S. military service, particularly experience in the U.S. Navy.
  • Submarine experience, including submarine operations, maintenance, engineering, testing, or fleet support.
  • Naval Special Warfare experience or experience supporting special operations maritime missions.
  • Experience supporting fleet activities, operational assessments, demonstrations, or exercises.
  • Experience with shipboard systems, underwater systems, maritime operations, or in-water testing.
  • Experience supporting senior military leadership or other senior government officials.
  • Experience translating operational needs into engineering requirements, test objectives, evaluation criteria, or technical recommendations.
  • Naval architecture, naval engineering, nuclear engineering, or advanced systems engineering experience.
  • Experience coordinating among government organizations, engineering teams, fleet personnel, contractors, and operational commands.
  • Graduate degree in engineering, naval architecture, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience working with classified programs, operational planning, or defense-intelligence organizations.


Original Posting:
July 29, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

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Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

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At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

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Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

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Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

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