Principal Systems Engineer (API Gateway) - TS/SCI w CI Poly

Modern Government Solutions; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Government Solutions (MGS) is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to architect, integrate, and secure API ecosystems supporting national security capabilities. You will lead design and implementation of API gateway solutions, cloud-native integrations, and enterprise service architectures for secure data exchange across complex environments.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in API platforms, cloud architecture, systems integration, and troubleshooting, with a proven track record

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with CI Poly required.
• DoD 8140 Security+ CE certification required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 16+ years designing and supporting enterprise systems and API-driven solutions.
• 5+ years API gateway experience in cloud architectures.
• Experience with REST, GraphQL, event-driven architectures or ETL pipelines.
• Experience with AWS or Azure cloud environments.
• Proficient in Java, Python, or C#, with strong testing and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and sustain enterprise API gateway solutions and service architectures.
• Architect cloud-based integrations using APIs, queues, streaming, and ETL pipelines.
• Support Windows-based platforms, COTS apps, and cloud-hosted systems in secure environments.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Develop system tests, validation, and performance assessments for readiness.
• Collaborate with engineering, cybersecurity, and stakeholders in Scaled Agile settings.
• Participate in PI and Sprint planning, sizing, estimation, and dependency mapping.
• Evaluate new technologies and enhancements to API platforms and cloud infra.
• Create architecture artifacts and operational procedures.
• Provide technical leadership across API, cloud, and integration initiatives.

Skills

Active TS/SCI clearance

Security+ CE

API gateway technologies

Cloud architectures

Java / Python / C#

REST / GraphQL

Windows/COTS environments

Enterprise integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, CS, CE, or related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

Job description

TITLE: Principal Systems Engineer (API Gateway)

LOCATION: Sterling, VA(Relocation assistance considered)

CLEARANCE REQUIRED: Active TS/SCI with CI Poly

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time, Onsite

POSITION SUMMARY

Modern Government Solutions (MGS) is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to architect, integrate, and secure mission-critical API ecosystems supporting next-generation national security capabilities. In this role, you will lead the design and implementation of API gateway solutions, cloud-native integrations, and enterprise service architectures that enable secure data exchange across complex environments. Working alongside software engineers, cloud architects, cybersecurity professionals, and mission stakeholders, you will help modernize critical systems through scalable APIs, automation, and cloud technologies. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in API platforms, cloud architecture, systems integration, and troubleshooting complex enterprise environments while maintaining the engineering rigor required to support high-impact mission operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES (not limited to):

• Design, implement, and sustain enterprise API gateway solutions and service architectures supporting secure system integration across mission environments.
• Architect and support cloud-based integrations utilizing APIs, message queues, streaming platforms, ETL pipelines, and related technologies.
• Support Windows-based platforms, COTS applications, and cloud-hosted systems within secure enterprise environments.
• Troubleshoot complex application, infrastructure, and integration issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and execute system testing, validation, and performance assessment activities to ensure operational readiness and reliability.
• Collaborate with engineering, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and mission stakeholders to implement technical solutions and architectural improvements in a Scaled Agile Framework environment.
• Participate in Program Increment and Sprint planning, to include t-shirt sizing, story point estimation, and dependency mapping.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend enhancements to API platforms, cloud architectures and infrastructure configurations, and enterprise integration capabilities.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, architecture artifacts, implementation guides, and operational procedures.
• Provide technical leadership and engineering guidance across API platform, cloud, and integration initiatives.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, team members, and stakeholders in both written and verbal formats.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess an active DoD TS/SCI security clearance with CI Polygraph.
• Must meet DoD 8140 requirements, including Security+ CE certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• 16+ years of experience designing, integrating, and supporting enterprise systems, cloud architectures, and API-driven solutions within complex mission environments.
• 5+ years of experience implementing and administering API gateway technologies in cloud-based architectures;
• Experience designing secure APIs and enterprise integration solutions utilizing REST, GraphQL, event-driven architectures, message queues, streaming platforms, or ETL pipelines.
• Experience supporting Windows-based platforms, COTS applications, and cloud environments utilizing AWS or Azure.
• Experience developing software, automation, or integration solutions using Java, Python, C#, or similar programming languages, with demonstrated expertise in testing, validation, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and technical documentation.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting Broadcom API Gateway, MuleSoft, Apigee, or similar API management platforms.
• Experience designing and implementing service mesh architectures utilizing Istio, Linkerd, or similar technologies.
• Experience optimizing cloud-hosted solutions and supporting Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), IBM Cloud, or similar technologies.
• Experience implementing ServiceNow integrations and supporting customer security requirements within classified environments.
• Experience supporting virtualization technologies, application streaming, cloud-native architectures, and enterprise integration platforms.

*Applicants selected will be United States citizens and may be subject to a government security investigation for access to classified information.*

ABOUT US

At MGS, we believe a people-first culture corresponds to organizational success through a commitment to excellence, integrity, inclusion, and an attitude that welcomes challenges meets demands, sustains growth, and drives innovation. We provide expert mission-first technical and programmatic services and solutions for the US intelligence community, the US Department of Defense, and other governmental agencies. We create people-first organizational cultures where employees feel needed in the system, not a system that needs employees. We provide you with long-term career opportunities centrally focused on our core value system: inclusion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

MGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.