Principal Systems Security Engineer (Onsite - Sterling, VA)

RTX (Raytheon); Oak Grove (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid Vacation

401(k) Matching

Job summary

RTX Collins Aerospace in Sterling, VA is seeking a highly skilled Systems Security Engineer to strengthen DoD RMF compliant architectures and secure enterprise environments.

The role requires hands-on Windows and Linux administration, network security, and accreditation support, with an active SECRET clearance and onsite work.

Qualifications

• DoD RMF compliance experience and a STEM degree or related advanced degree.
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret clearance is required.
• Experience with Windows and Linux administration, AD, virtualization, and security tooling.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain secure system architectures meeting DoD RMF requirements.
• Engineer, deploy, and harden enterprise network and system solutions for high security and resilience.
• Configure and secure Windows and Linux environments using approved baselines and automation.
• Create and secure IaC artifacts using Ansible and VMware templates for repeatable provisioning.
• Design and optimize Ansible workflows to enforce configuration compliance and patch management.
• Support RMF accreditation activities with the Government ISSM, including documentation and assessment coordination.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot enterprise firewalls, routers, and switches for secure segmentation.
• Perform vulnerability analysis and security validation to ensure compliant, reliable systems.

Skills

RMF Compliance

Windows OS

Linux OS

Active Directory

VMware

SIEM (Splunk)

Tools

Ansible

VMware vCenter

Job description

Location

US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS

Position Role Type

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Collins Aerospace is seeking a highly skilled Systems Security Engineer to strengthen and secure enterprise environments supporting Department of Defense (DoD) missions. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Risk Management Framework (RMF) compliance, secure network architecture, operating system administration, and cybersecurity best practices. This role requires hands‑on proficiency across Windows and Linux platforms, network infrastructure, and security control implementation, along with the ability to support accreditation activities and sustain mission‑critical systems. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in designing, securing, and optimizing infrastructure to ensure operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and performance excellence within a high‑security environment.

This role will be worked onsite in Sterling, VA and requires an active and transferrable SECRET clearance. Relocation assistance is not available.

What You Will Do:

• Develop, implement, and maintain secure system architectures and technical solutions that meet all DoD RMF requirements, with a focus on risk reduction, automation, and control effectiveness
• Engineer, deploy, and harden enterprise network and system solutions to ensure high security, resilience, scalability, and performance across legacy and emerging infrastructures
• Configure, secure, and maintain Windows and Linux environments using industry best practices, approved security baselines, and automated configuration management tools
• Create, manage, and secure Infrastructure as Code (IaC) artifacts-such as Ansible and VMWare templates-to enable repeatable, auditable, and secure system provisioning
• Design and optimize Ansible automation workflows to enforce configuration compliance, patch management, and secure baseline deployment across multi‑platform systems
• Support RMF accreditation activities in collaboration with the Government ISSM, including documentation development, control implementation, assessment coordination, and continuous monitoring
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot enterprise firewalls, routers, and switches to maintain secure network segmentation, traffic integrity, and a robust defensive security posture
• Conduct structured hardware and software testing, vulnerability analysis, and security validation to ensure secure, reliable system functionality and compliance with security standards

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start date
• Linux or Windows experience
• Experience with Active Directory, VMware, Administration, SIEM Tools (Splunk or Kiwi), backup and recovery software, Trellix Endpoint Security and Tenable

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 / 8570 Certification requirements (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification and an Operating System Certification)
• Experience with NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS and/or DoD/RMF
• Experience with data storage, NAS, and SAN technologies and solutions
• Experience using VMWare vCenter, vSphere, and ESX and/or other virtual computing methods
• Experience supporting engineers in software, simulations, and hardware development
• Experience with Microsoft WSUS
• Exchange scripting experience

What We Offer:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lif