Systems Engineer Jobs in Arlington, TX
Systems engineers are especially valuable in Arlington because the area's flagship industries build complex products that must work as integrated wholes. Aerospace and defense employers like Lockheed Martin and Bell in the DFW area rely on systems engineers to manage requirements and integration across huge programs, while GM Arlington and industrial firms need systems engineers to tie together automated production systems. UT Arlington's engineering programs feed this specialized demand.
Current systems engineer Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Systems Engineers
These Arlington-area employers hire systems engineers for requirements, integration, and test.
- Lockheed Martin - requirements, integration, and test systems engineers on aircraft programs.
- Bell Textron - rotorcraft systems engineers managing integration in the DFW area.
- GM Arlington Assembly - controls and automation systems engineers for the plant.
- Raytheon - defense systems engineers across DFW programs.
- L3Harris - avionics and defense systems engineers in the region.
- Siemens - automation and industrial systems engineers for clients.
Systems Engineer Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: roughly $70,000 to $84,000 per year
- Experienced: roughly $90,000 to $118,000 per year
- Senior or lead: roughly $120,000 to $155,000 or more per year
These are estimates that vary by industry and clearance requirements, with defense roles often paying a premium for security clearances. Full-time systems engineering roles typically include health insurance, a 401(k) with match, paid time off, and bonuses.
How to Become a Systems Engineer in Arlington
Most systems engineers hold a bachelor's degree in systems, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or software engineering. UT Arlington offers relevant engineering degrees, and many local systems engineers add a master's or INCOSE certification over time. For defense roles at Lockheed Martin, Bell, Raytheon, and L3Harris, U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance are often required. A PE license is uncommon in this field.
What the Job Involves
Systems engineers own the big picture: they define requirements, design system architecture, and make sure all the mechanical, electrical, and software pieces integrate and perform. In Arlington that can mean managing requirements on an aircraft program, running integration and verification testing, using model-based systems engineering tools, and coordinating across engineering disciplines from concept through delivery.
Skills Employers Look For
- Requirements management and system architecture
- Integration, verification, and test planning
- Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and tools like DOORS or Cameo
- Cross-discipline coordination and technical communication
- Ability to obtain a security clearance for defense roles
Career Path and Advancement
Systems engineers in Arlington typically start as an associate systems engineer, advance to systems engineer and senior systems engineer, and then into lead systems engineer, chief engineer, or program leadership. In the DFW defense sector, experienced cleared systems engineers are in high demand and often move into technical fellow or program management tracks.
Related Careers in Arlington
If systems engineering interests you, these related Arlington roles hire in the same market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to work as a systems engineer in Arlington?
No. A PE license is uncommon in systems engineering. For defense roles at Lockheed Martin, Bell, Raytheon, and L3Harris, a security clearance is far more important, and many positions require U.S. citizenship.
How long does it take to become a systems engineer?
A bachelor's degree takes about four years, and many engineers move into systems roles after gaining experience in a specific discipline like electrical or software engineering first.
Does a systems engineer job need a security clearance in Arlington?
Often yes for the many defense and aerospace roles in the DFW area. Employers frequently sponsor clearances, but you generally must be a U.S. citizen to qualify.
Can systems engineers work remotely in Arlington?
Some requirements and modeling work is hybrid-friendly, but integration and test work, and classified defense programs, usually require on-site presence.
Which Arlington employer pays systems engineers the most?
Defense and aerospace employers like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and L3Harris tend to offer the highest local pay, especially for cleared, experienced systems engineers.
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