Principal Systems Engineer

General Dynamics Information Technology; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401K with company match

Paid time off

Military-friendly workplace

Job summary

General Dynamics Information Technology is seeking a Systems Engineer Principal in McLean, VA to advance enterprise IT in a secure, classified cloud environment. Lead engineering and operations of Red Hat and Linux systems, manage network devices, and collaborate with security teams to ensure robust cyber defense and compliant posture.

The role requires 8+ years of related experience, a Bachelor’s degree, and a Top Secret clearance with DoD 8140/8570-01-M compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science required.
• 8+ years of related experience.
• Hands-on experience with Red Hat OS and Linux operating systems.
• Current and active Top Secret security clearance; DoD 8140 / 8570.01-M compliant.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day engineering and operations of Red Hat and other Linux systems in a classified, air‑gapped environment.
• Configure, patch, and monitor systems and network devices using Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco switches, Panorama, ClearPass.
• Collaborate with enclave, network, and security engineers to troubleshoot issues and manage security updates.
• Support vulnerability management and continuous monitoring, including remediation and POA&M actions.
• Drive hardening and compliance efforts to meet NIST and DoD requirements.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation for designs, configurations, and procedures.

Skills

Red Hat

Linux

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Tools

Palo Alto firewalls

Cisco switches

Panorama

ClearPass

Job description

SYSTEMS ENGINEER PRINCIPAL

Advance how our customers operate while you advance your career. Join GDIT as a Systems Engineer Principal and build an impactful career in enterprise IT, collaborating with people who are driven and resourceful like you.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

As a Systems Engineer Principal, the work you’ll do at GDIT will be impactful to the mission of our customer’s classified commercial cloud environment. You will play a crucial role in operating, securing, and optimizing a secure workstation enclave in a unique commercial cloud setting, ensuring secure and reliable access to mission-critical resources.

• Lead day-to-day engineering and operations ofRed Hatand otherLinuxsystems in a classified, air‑gapped environment, including configuration, hardening, patching, and maintenance.
• Configure, patch, and monitor systems andnetwork devicesusing tools such asPalo Alto firewalls, Cisco switches, Panorama, ClearPass, and related platforms, ensuring performance, integrity, connectivity, and backup/recovery capabilities.
• Collaborate with enclave, network, and security engineers, and vendors to troubleshoot issues, enhance the enclave’s network and security posture, and manage security updates, licenses, and support tickets.
• Supportvulnerability managementandcontinuous monitoring, including reviewing scans, implementing patching and remediation, POA&M mitigation, and other corrective actions.
• Drivehardening and complianceefforts, includingSTIGreview and implementation, to meetNISTandDoDrequirements.
• Develop and maintainengineering documentationfor designs, configurations, and operational procedures.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

Bring your technology expertise and drive for innovation to GDIT. The Systems Engineer Principal must have:

Education: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Experience: 8+ years of related experience

Technical skills:

• Hands-on experience with Red Hat operating system
• Understanding of various Linux operating systems (e.g., Red Hat, Debian)
• Hands-on experience with operations and maintenance (O&M) of Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco switches, and applicable software including Panorama and ClearPass
• Security clearance level: Current and active Top Secret
• Onsite - Mclean, VA
• Must be DoD 8140 / 8570.01-M compliant (e.g., Security+ or equivalent)

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE

At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities

Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals

Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off

Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Explore an enterprise IT career at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your desire to drive operations forward.