Senior Systems Engineer

Nightwing; Maryland; On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Holidays

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity firm in Maryland is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to design and manage mission-critical IT systems. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of systems engineering experience and a current TS/SCI CI Poly clearance. You will lead systems engineering efforts, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with security and performance standards. This role offers competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience, along with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of systems engineering experience.
• Proven experience delivering complex systems in enterprise environments.
• Current TS/SCI CI Poly clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert-level systems engineering support across all phases of the SDLC.
• Architect and implement complex IT systems.
• Mentor and oversee junior engineers.

Skills

Systems engineering

Cybersecurity

System architecture

Job description

Overview

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to play a pivotal role in designing, delivering, and sustaining mission‑critical IT systems that support high‑visibility programs. This position is ideal for a seasoned engineering professional who thrives in complex environments, operates with minimal oversight, and brings deep technical expertise across the full System Development Life cycle (SDLC).

As a trusted technical authority, you will lead systems engineering efforts from concept through sustainment—ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, high‑performing, and compliant with all applicable standards. You will work independently on critical program elements while also providing technical guidance and oversight to junior engineers as needed.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Provide expert‑level systems engineering support across all phases of the SDLC, including requirements analysis, architecture and design, integration, testing, deployment and sustainment.
• Architect and implement complex IT systems and infrastructure that meet mission‑critical objectives.
• Ensure system performance, scalability, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance are embedded throughout the solution lifecycle.
• Serve as a technical lead on high‑visibility or mission‑essential programs, making sound engineering decisions with minimal supervision.
• Review and validate system designs, technical documentation and implementation plans.
• Mentor and oversee the work of less senior engineers or staff assigned to specific tasks or projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, program managers and cross‑functional teams to align technical solutions with operational needs.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of systems engineering experience, or an approved qualifying substitution.
• Current TS/SCI CI Poly clearance.
• IAT Level II certification (or ability to meet requirements).
• Proven experience delivering complex systems in enterprise or mission‑critical environments.
• Strong understanding of system architecture, integration and lifecycle management.

Additional Information

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.

Salary: $122,000–$253,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience and market standards.

Benefits: Medical, vision and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, PTO, holidays and additional insurances.

Nightwing is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Location: Annapolis Junction, MD.