Senior Systems Engineer

Description:
On-site in Fort Meade, MD

Our client seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to support the Defense Information Systems Agency Citadel mission. The role requires advanced engineering, integration, administration, and operational support for enterprise infrastructure and mission systems in a secure DoD environment. The engineer will collaborate with government stakeholders, cybersecurity teams, network engineers, and mission partners to ensure availability, performance, and security across the environment.

Due to federal security clearance requirements, applicant must be a United States Citizen with an active Secret clearance. This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $55.00 to $66.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, maintain, and optimize enterprise systems infrastructure supporting DISA Citadel operations.
• Engineer and administer Linux server environments in classified (IL6) and unclassified (IL5) networks.
• Support virtualization platforms including VMware, Hyper-V, or cloud-based environments.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, architecture diagrams, SOPs, and operational procedures.
• Perform systems monitoring, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and root-cause analysis.
• Support patch management, STIG compliance, vulnerability remediation, and RMF activities.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity personnel to ensure compliance with DoD security requirements.
• Automate administration and operational tasks using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or Ansible.
• Support backup, disaster recovery, continuity of operations, and high-availability solutions.
• Participate in system upgrades, migrations, and technology refresh initiatives.
• Provide Tier III escalation support for complex infrastructure issues.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical strategy and process improvement.

Experience Requirements:

• 8+ years of systems engineering or enterprise infrastructure experience.
• Experience supporting DoD or federal environments.
• Strong experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, VMware vSphere/ESXi, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, enterprise storage and backup, automation and scripting tools, and systems monitoring and performance management.
• Understanding of RMF, STIGs, ACAS, and DoD cybersecurity policies.
• Active Security+ CE or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 certification.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Preferred: VMware VCP, Microsoft, Red Hat, or AWS certifications; hybrid cloud and automation frameworks; DevSecOps and infrastructure-as-code; DISA environment experience; Kubernetes and containers.
• Desired: analytical and troubleshooting abilities; written and verbal communication; ability to work independently in fast-paced mission environments; customer engagement and stakeholder coordination; ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.