Principal Systems Engineer/SME

Leidos LLC; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 154,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer for the Intelligence Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area. The role leads design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems using COTS and GOTS products.

Senior authority to guide end-to-end system integration across hardware, software, and networks to ensure interoperability and mission success within a high-trust environment. Requires TS/SCI with poly and 20+ years of experience.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of Systems Engineering experience on programs/contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline related to Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Five (5) additional years of Systems Engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems leveraging COTS and GOTS products.
• Direct end-to-end systems integration across hardware, software, and network components to ensure interoperability, scalability, and optimized performance.
• Develop and execute system integration plans, validation and verification procedures, and deployment strategies to ensure operational readiness and requirements compliance.
• Develop, update, and maintain BASH and PERL scripts to automate system setup, configuration, and maintenance of core servers and clustered computing environments.
• Implement automation initiatives and process improvements to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and long-term maintainability.
• Provide senior-level technical leadership, advanced troubleshooting, and lifecycle sustainment support, including system upgrades, patching, and performance tuning.
• Deliver training and technical guidance to administrators, operators, and cross-functional engineering teams while ensuring adherence to security and configuration management standards.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Security Clearance TS/SCI with poly

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/Systems Engineering/CS

Tools

BASH

PERL

Job description

Overview

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!

Program Summary

Leidos delivers advanced technical, engineering, and system administration expertise in direct support of a high-priority foreign engagement mission. This established effort leverages proven solutions and tailored engineering approaches to deliver mission-critical capabilities within a secure, high-trust environment. The program supports a complex and evolving mission where experienced cleared professionals work side-by-side with the customer to architect, integrate, modernize, and optimize systems that directly drive operational outcomes.

Job Summary

The Principal Systems Engineer serves as a senior technical authority leading the design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems utilizing Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) products. This role drives end-to-end systems integration across hardware, software, and network components to ensure seamless interoperability, operational performance, and mission success across a complex technical landscape.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems leveraging COTS and GOTS products.
• Direct end-to-end systems integration across hardware, software, and network components to ensure interoperability, scalability, and optimized performance.
• Develop and execute system integration plans, validation and verification procedures, and deployment strategies to ensure operational readiness and requirements compliance.
• Develop, update, and maintain BASH and PERL scripts to automate system setup, configuration, and maintenance of core servers and clustered computing environments.
• Implement automation initiatives and process improvements to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and long-term maintainability.
• Provide senior-level technical leadership, advanced troubleshooting, and lifecycle sustainment support, including system upgrades, patching, and performance tuning.
• Deliver training and technical guidance to administrators, operators, and cross-functional engineering teams while ensuring adherence to security and configuration management standards.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of twenty (20) years of Systems Engineering experience on programs/contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline related to Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Five (5) additional years of Systems Engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Security Clearance requirement: Active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $154,050.00 - $278,475.00

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers.

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.