Senior System Engineer (TS/SCI with Full Scope Poly - $35,000 Si

ARKA Group L.P. ("ARKA") is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today.

Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here. Discover your next career opportunity now!

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Senior System Engineer. This position is onsite in Herndon, VA. You will work with customer analysts to deeply understand daily workflows, operational challenges, and mission needs. A critical part of your role will be translating ambiguous user needs into concrete technical specifications for AI/ML models. You will bridge the gap between the customer's mission domain and our software engineering and AI teams to ensure solutions genuinely address operational pain points. This position offers the opportunity to impact mission operations directly by serving as the voice of the customer throughout the development lifecycle, with additional opportunities to define data pipelines, create UX mockups, and shape system architecture.

We offer generous relocation benefits for eligible candidates.

In support of work/life balance, many positions are available for a flexible schedule within the pay period. Ask us about the opportunity for flex scheduling if that's of interest to you.

Candidates may be considered for $35,000 sign-on bonus consistent with required skills and experience level.

Responsibilities:

• Elicit and define stakeholder needs through direct user engagement
• Translate stakeholder needs into AI model performance requirements and system specifications
• Define data pipelines for AI/ML development and deployment, including multi-network data sourcing, feature engineering, secure data transfer, and establishing data governance with stakeholders
• Develop UI/UX mockups based on user interactions to facilitate AI-enabled capabilities and operational workflows
• Perform end-to-end requirements management including creation, decomposition, traceability, flow-down, verification tracking, and compliance matrices
• Develop and execute test procedures to verify AI/ML model performance and system requirements; generate formal test documentation
• Support the development, integration, and validation of AI-enabled capabilities by collaborating with cross-functional teams throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Participate in program milestone events including customer meetings, government testing events, and discrepancy report review boards

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, systems engineering, IT, or related engineering field
• At least 5 years of professional experience working in software development or systems engineering
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and engagement with virtual teams
• Effective cross-organizational communicator with the ability to work well in a small team and fast paced agile environment
• Ability to translate mission requirements into AI/ML model performance specifications including detection rates, false alarm thresholds, feature engineering requirements, and operational constraints
• Ability to manage requirements to include requirements traceability
• Ability to develop test procedures that verify requirements
• Working knowledge of Scrum and Agile Software Development Methodology
• Ability to work at an off-site location
• TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance with adjudicated Full Scope Poly

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of professional experience as an ELINT analyst
• Knowledge of AI/ML concepts, tools, and technology
• Experience with UI/UX design, prototyping tools, or user-centered design methodology
• Experience with using automated tests for formal requirement verification
• Experience with government Site Acceptance process and procedures
• Experience in working with software-defined interfaces that use either XML or JSON to both document and implement
• Demonstrated business acumen and ability to balance technical requirements with business needs
• Familiarity with Cloud Architectures and deployment requirements for US Government
• Experience in the operational deployment of multi-product baselines and functionality
• Experience with Cameo modeling tools
• Experience developing a software architecture using digital tools
• Experience with DOORS or DOOR Next Gen
• Experience with Gitlab
• Current IAT Level II or III certification (i.e. Security+, CISSP, or CASP)

Location: Herndon, VA

Herndon offers a charming blend of small-town ambiance and modern conveniences. In historic Herndon you'll find small town charm while maintaining all the amenities of big city life. The area has beloved farms to explore, historic sites, festivals, local parks, breweries, and some of the best restaurants in the area. Its proximity to Dulles International Airport and the Herndon Metrorail Station provides easy travel to over 400 shops and restaurants in the malls of Tysons or stay on the train and see the monuments and memorials of Washington, DC. Overall, Herndon provides a perfect mix of small-town charm, and big-city amenities complimented with many family local attractions, events, music, restaurants and a great lifestyle!

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Upfront tuition assistance for approved degree programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

EHS/Environmental Requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to staffing@arka.org or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance with adjudicated Full Scope Poly.

Visa Restrictions:

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Pre-employment Screenings:

Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.