Senior Systems Engineer

CACI International Inc; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

CAC I International Inc in Herndon, VA, seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to translate mission needs into concrete AI/ML specifications and bridge customer, software, and AI teams.

You will define data pipelines, develop UI mockups, and supervise end‑to‑end requirements and testing within an agile environment to support critical mission operations.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated Polygraph is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, systems engineering, IT, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in software development or systems engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with virtual teams and stakeholders.
• Strong cross‑organizational communication in a fast‑paced Agile environment.
• Ability to translate mission needs into AI/ML model performance specs.
• Experience in requirements traceability and test procedure development.
• Familiarity with Scrum/Agile software development methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Elicit and define stakeholder needs through direct user engagement.
• Translate stakeholder needs into AI model performance requirements and system specs.
• Define data pipelines for AI/ML development and deployment with governance.
• Develop UI/UX mockups based on user interactions for AI-enabled capabilities.
• Manage end-to-end requirements, traceability, and verification tracking.
• Develop and execute test procedures to verify AI/ML model and system requirements.
• Support integration and validation of AI-enabled capabilities with cross-functional teams.
• Participate in program milestones, customer meetings, and government testing events.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Bachelor’s degree in CS/SE/IT

7+ years experience

Interpersonal skills

Cross-functional communication

AI/ML requirements translation

Requirements traceability

Test procedures design

Scrum/Agile

ELINT (desired)

UI/UX & data pipelines

Data governance

Secure data transfer

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, IT

Tools

DOORS Next Gen

Cameo

Gitlab

Job description

Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI with Polygraph
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%
Type of Travel: Continental US

* * *

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer in Herndon, VA. You will work with customer analysts to deeply understand daily workflows, operational challenges, and mission needs. A critical part of your role will be translating ambiguous user needs into concrete technical specifications for AI/ML models. You will bridge the gap between the customer\'s mission domain and our software engineering and AI teams to ensure solutions genuinely address operational pain points. This position offers the opportunity to impact mission operations directly by serving as the voice of the customer throughout the development lifecycle, with additional opportunities to define data pipelines, create UX mockups, and shape system architecture.

Responsibilities

• Elicit and define stakeholder needs through direct user engagement
• Translate stakeholder needs into AI model performance requirements and system specifications
• Define data pipelines for AI/ML development and deployment, including multi‑network data sourcing, feature engineering, secure data transfer, and establishing data governance with stakeholders
• Develop UI/UX mockups based on user interactions to support AI‑enabled capabilities and operational workflows
• Perform end‑to‑end requirements management, including creation, decomposition, traceability, flow‑down, verification tracking, and compliance matrices
• Develop and execute test procedures to verify AI/ML model performance and system requirements; generate formal test documentation
• Support the development, integration, and validation of AI‑enabled capabilities by collaborating with cross‑functional teams throughout the software development lifecycle
• Participate in program milestone events, including customer meetings, government testing events, and discrepancy report review boards

Qualifications

Required:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated Polygraph
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Systems Engineering, IT, or related engineering field
• At least 7 years of professional experience working in software development or systems engineering
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and engagement with virtual teams
• Effective cross-organizational communicator with the ability to work well in a small team and fast paced agile environment
• Ability to translate mission requirements into AI/ML model performance specifications including detection rates, false alarm thresholds, feature engineering requirements, and operational constraints
• Ability to manage requirements to include requirements traceability
• Ability to develop test procedures that verify requirements
• Working knowledge of Scrum and Agile Software Development Methodology

Desired

• At least 2 years of professional experience as an ELINT analyst
• Knowledge of AI/ML concepts, tools, and technology
• Experience with UI/UX design, prototyping tools, or user-centered design methodology
• Experience with using automated tests for formal requirement verification
• Experience with government Site Acceptance process and procedures
• Experience in working with software-defined interfaces that use either XML or JSON to both document and implement
• Demonstrated business acumen and ability to balance technical requirements with business needs
• Familiarity with Cloud Architectures and deployment requirements for US Government
• Experience in the operational deployment of multi-product baselines and functionality
• Experience with Cameo modeling tools
• Experience developing a software architecture using digital tools
• Experience with DOORS or DOORS Next Gen
• Experience with Gitlab
• Current IAT Level II or III certification (i.e. Security+, CISSP, or CASP)

What You Can Expect

A culture of integrity. At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust. CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation\'s most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The Proposed Salary Range For This Position Is
$113,200 - $237,800

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.