Systems Engineer II
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Systems Engineer II
- Company: Leonardo DRS, Inc.
- Location: Frederick, Maryland, United States
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Systems Engineering
- Date Posted: June 11, 2025
- Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Key Responsibilities: Analyze, design, develop, and implement new and existing systems/sub-systems. Determine system specifications and support hardware and software acquisition.
- Key Skills: Systems analysis, design, development, implementation, requirements engineering, technical communication, cost estimation, prototyping, supplier evaluation, testing support, project management, engineering software, budgeting, customer specification review, team collaboration, and technical assistance.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems engineering, with a focus on analysis, design, and development. Candidates should have experience working on complex systems and be able to manage projects effectively.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Systems Analysis & Design: Analyze customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs to support them, including cost as a key design variable.
- Development & Implementation: Design, develop, analyze, document, and support testing of products, systems, or subsystems. May use computer-aided engineering or other design/analysis software.
- Project Management: Responsible for technical activity and completion of assigned tasks on time and within budget. Provide budget, cost, and schedule input for design assignments.
- Supplier Evaluation: Specify and evaluate supplier components, subsystems, and services. Support the program design to cost and design for manufacture requirements.
- Prototyping & Testing: Develop prototypes to retire key development risks. Support, communicate, reinforce, and defend the mission, values, and culture of the organization.
- Communication & Collaboration: Communicate clearly (written and oral) with other company personnel and the customer as required. Participate in preparation of less-complex proposals and provide technical knowledge and assistance to other engineers and support personnel.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and customers. Candidates should be able to clearly articulate complex technical concepts and make informed decisions under tight deadlines.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field.
Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in systems engineering or a related field.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in systems analysis, design, development, and implementation.
- Strong technical expertise and application domain knowledge.
- Ability to work independently and manage projects effectively.
- Experience with engineering software and computer-aided engineering tools.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with requirements engineering and customer specification review.
- Familiarity with cost estimation, budgeting, and supplier evaluation.
- Knowledge of prototyping and testing processes.
- Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in defense or intelligence systems may have an advantage, as the role involves working on products used by the U.S. military and government agencies.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Systems Analysis & Design: Include examples of system analysis, design, and development projects. Highlight your ability to determine system specifications and support hardware and software acquisition.
- Project Management: Demonstrate your project management skills by showcasing projects where you successfully completed assigned tasks on time and within budget.
- Supplier Evaluation: Provide examples of supplier evaluation projects, highlighting your ability to specify and evaluate supplier components, subsystems, and services.
Technical Documentation:
- System Documentation: Prepare comprehensive system documentation, including design, development, and testing processes.
- Project Management Documentation: Document project management processes, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.
- Supplier Evaluation Documentation: Document supplier evaluation processes, including supplier selection, performance monitoring, and quality control.
📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on systems engineering, your portfolio should emphasize your technical skills and project management abilities. Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to analyze, design, develop, and implement complex systems.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000 - $110,000 per year (based on regional market research for systems engineering roles in Frederick, Maryland)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Company contribution to a health savings account
- Telemedicine
- Life and disability insurance
- Legal insurance
- 401(k) savings plan
- Wellness programs
- Flexible work schedules with the 9/80 program
- Competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and occasional overtime as needed.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on regional market research for systems engineering roles. Actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and the company's internal compensation structure.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Defense and intelligence systems
Company Size: Medium (10,000 - 50,000 employees)
Founded: 1969 (as DRS Technologies, Inc.; became Leonardo DRS in 2018)
Team Structure:
- The Systems Engineer II role is part of the Airborne and Intelligence Systems business unit.
- The team consists of engineers, project managers, and support personnel working on defense and intelligence products.
- The role reports directly to the Engineering Manager or a similar leadership position.
Development Methodology:
- The company follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, customer collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Systems engineers work closely with cross-functional teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and quality assurance personnel.
- The company emphasizes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Company Website: https://www.leonardodrs.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: Leonardo DRS is a global leader in defense and intelligence systems, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. Candidates should be prepared to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the company's mission of protecting the security of the nation and its allies.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Systems Engineer II Career Level: This role is an intermediate-level position, focusing on the analysis, design, development, and implementation of systems and subsystems. The role requires a strong technical background and the ability to manage projects effectively.
Reporting Structure: The Systems Engineer II reports directly to an Engineering Manager or a similar leadership position. The role may also collaborate with other engineers, project managers, and support personnel within the team and across the organization.
Technical Impact: Systems Engineers II have a significant impact on the development and deployment of defense and intelligence systems. Their work directly contributes to the company's mission of protecting the security of the nation and its allies.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Growth: As a Systems Engineer II, you will have the opportunity to develop your technical skills and gain experience working on complex defense and intelligence systems. You may have the chance to work on emerging technologies and contribute to the company's research and development efforts.
- Leadership Development: With experience and strong performance, you may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the organization, such as Engineering Manager or Technical Lead. These roles involve managing teams, mentoring junior engineers, and driving technical decision-making.
- Career Progression: As you gain experience and develop your skills, you may have the opportunity to progress to more senior roles within the organization, such as Senior Systems Engineer or Principal Systems Engineer.
📝 Enhancement Note: Leonardo DRS offers a range of growth opportunities for Systems Engineers II, including technical development, leadership training, and career progression. Candidates should be prepared to take on new challenges and contribute to the company's success.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The Frederick, Maryland office is a dedicated workspace for the Airborne and Intelligence Systems business unit. The office is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with open workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
Office Location(s): Frederick, Maryland, United States
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Workspaces: The office features open workspaces designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork among engineers, project managers, and support personnel.
- Specialized Equipment: The office is equipped with specialized tools and software for systems engineering, including computer-aided engineering software, project management tools, and testing equipment.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Systems Engineers II work closely with cross-functional teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and quality assurance personnel. The office layout facilitates collaboration and communication between these teams.
Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and occasional overtime as needed. The company offers a flexible work schedule with the 9/80 program, allowing employees to work nine-hour days and have every other Friday off.
📝 Enhancement Note: The Frederick, Maryland office is designed to support collaboration and innovation, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork and specialized equipment for systems engineering. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment and contribute to the company's mission.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Phone Screen: A brief phone conversation to assess your qualifications and fit for the role. Be prepared to discuss your systems engineering experience and technical skills.
- Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on systems analysis, design, and development. You may be asked to analyze a system, design a solution, and present your approach and findings to the interview panel.
- Behavioral Interview: A structured interview focusing on your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience working on complex projects and managing stakeholders.
- Final Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to assess your fit for the role and the organization. This may include a discussion of your long-term career goals and how the role aligns with your aspirations.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- System Analysis & Design: Highlight your ability to analyze customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs that support them, including cost as a key design variable.
- Development & Implementation: Showcase your experience designing, developing, analyzing, documenting, and supporting testing of products, systems, or subsystems.
- Project Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage projects effectively, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.
- Supplier Evaluation: Provide examples of your experience specifying and evaluating supplier components, subsystems, and services.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- System Analysis & Design: Brush up on your systems analysis and design skills, focusing on techniques such as functional decomposition, data flow diagrams, and entity-relationship modeling.
- Development & Implementation: Familiarize yourself with the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and deployment.
- Project Management: Review project management methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall, and PMBOK, and be prepared to discuss your experience with these approaches.
- Supplier Evaluation: Brush up on your supplier evaluation skills, focusing on techniques such as cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment, and quality control.
ATS Keywords: Systems analysis, systems design, systems development, systems implementation, requirements engineering, technical communication, cost estimation, prototyping, supplier evaluation, testing support, project management, engineering software, budgeting, customer specification review, team collaboration, technical assistance, defense systems, intelligence systems, defense industry, defense contractor, defense technology, defense engineering, defense systems engineering.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Systems Engineer II role is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience working on complex systems and managing projects effectively.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Systems Engineering Tools:
- Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software: Experience with CAE software, such as CATIA, Creo, or SolidWorks, is preferred.
- Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management software, such as JIRA, Microsoft Project, or Smartsheet, is required.
- Documentation Tools: Experience with documentation tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, or Google Workspace, is preferred.
- Testing Tools: Familiarity with testing tools, such as Jenkins, JUnit, or Selenium, is preferred.
Defense & Intelligence Systems:
- Defense Systems: Experience with defense systems, such as command and control systems, communications systems, or electronic warfare systems, is preferred.
- Intelligence Systems: Experience with intelligence systems, such as signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) systems, or open-source intelligence (OSINT) systems, is preferred.
📝 Enhancement Note: The Systems Engineer II role requires proficiency in systems engineering tools, as well as experience working with defense and intelligence systems. Candidates should have a strong technical background and be prepared to work on complex, cutting-edge technologies.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Systems Engineering Values:
- Innovation: Leonardo DRS values innovation and encourages its engineers to push the boundaries of what's possible. Candidates should be prepared to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the company's research and development efforts.
- Collaboration: Systems engineers work closely with cross-functional teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and quality assurance personnel. The company emphasizes a culture of collaboration and teamwork.
- Customer Focus: Leonardo DRS is committed to providing the highest level of customer service. Systems engineers are responsible for understanding customer requirements and designing solutions that meet their needs.
- Quality: The company is committed to delivering high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations. Systems engineers are responsible for ensuring that their designs are robust, reliable, and maintainable.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Systems engineers work closely with cross-functional teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and quality assurance personnel. The company emphasizes a cross-functional integration approach to product development.
- Code Review Culture: Leonardo DRS fosters a code review culture, where engineers collaborate to review and improve each other's work. This approach helps ensure that the company's products are of the highest quality and that its engineers continue to develop their skills.
- Knowledge Sharing: The company encourages knowledge sharing and provides opportunities for engineers to learn from each other and from external experts. This approach helps ensure that the company's engineers remain at the forefront of their fields.
📝 Enhancement Note: Leonardo DRS values innovation, collaboration, customer focus, and quality in its systems engineering efforts. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment and contribute to the company's mission of delivering cutting-edge defense and intelligence systems.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Complex Systems: Systems Engineers II may be required to work on complex defense and intelligence systems, with multiple interconnected components and subsystems. Candidates should be prepared to analyze, design, develop, and implement solutions for these complex systems.
- Emerging Technologies: The defense and intelligence industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and threats emerging rapidly. Systems Engineers II may be required to stay up-to-date with these emerging technologies and adapt their designs to address new challenges.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Systems engineers are responsible for designing solutions that meet customer requirements while also being cost-effective. Candidates should be prepared to balance technical requirements with budgetary constraints and make informed trade-offs.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Leonardo DRS offers opportunities for Systems Engineers II to develop their technical skills through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience. The company encourages engineers to pursue certifications and advanced degrees to further their professional development.
- Leadership Development: As Systems Engineers II gain experience and demonstrate strong performance, they may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the organization. The company offers leadership development programs to help engineers build the skills they need to succeed in these roles.
- Career Progression: As Systems Engineers II develop their technical and leadership skills, they may have the opportunity to progress to more senior roles within the organization. The company offers career development plans to help engineers map out their career paths and achieve their long-term goals.
📝 Enhancement Note: The Systems Engineer II role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities. Candidates should be prepared to work on complex, cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the company's mission of delivering world-class defense and intelligence systems.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- System Analysis & Design: Be prepared to discuss your experience analyzing customer specifications and requirements, and developing designs that support them, including cost as a key design variable.
- Development & Implementation: Showcase your experience designing, developing, analyzing, documenting, and supporting testing of products, systems, or subsystems. Be prepared to discuss your approach to systems engineering and your experience with the systems engineering lifecycle.
- Project Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage projects effectively, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with project management methodologies and your approach to project planning and execution.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Defense & Intelligence Industry: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the defense and intelligence industry and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Show your awareness of the company's role in the industry and its mission to protect the security of the nation and its allies.
- Leonardo DRS Culture: Demonstrate your understanding of the company's culture and values, including innovation, collaboration, customer focus, and quality. Show your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, collaborative environment and contributing to the company's mission.
- Long-Term Goals: Be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals and how the Systems Engineer II role aligns with your aspirations. Show your commitment to professional development and your desire to grow with the company.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- System Analysis & Design: Highlight your ability to analyze customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs that support them, including cost as a key design variable. Use visual aids, such as flowcharts, diagrams, and tables, to illustrate your approach and findings.
- Development & Implementation: Showcase your experience designing, developing, analyzing, documenting, and supporting testing of products, systems, or subsystems. Use visual aids, such as screenshots, code snippets, and test results, to illustrate your approach and findings.
- Project Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage projects effectively, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management. Use visual aids, such as Gantt charts, project timelines, and risk registers, to illustrate your approach and findings.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Systems Engineer II role is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience working on complex systems and managing projects effectively, as well as their understanding of the defense and intelligence industry and the company's culture and values.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Systems Engineer II position:
- Submit Your Application: Click the "Apply Now" button on the job listing to submit your resume and any relevant portfolio materials.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your systems engineering experience, focusing on your ability to analyze, design, develop, and implement complex systems. Include examples of your experience working on defense and intelligence systems, as well as your project management and supplier evaluation skills.
- Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your systems engineering experience and technical skills. Include relevant keywords, such as "systems analysis," "systems design," "defense systems," and "intelligence systems," to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems.
- Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Leonardo DRS's mission, values, and culture. Show your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, collaborative environment and contributing to the company's mission of delivering world-class defense and intelligence systems.
- Prepare for Technical Interviews: Review the interview process and technical assessment guidelines provided in this enhanced job description. Brush up on your systems engineering skills and be prepared to discuss your experience working on complex systems and managing projects effectively.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field and a minimum of 2 years of experience. U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance are required.