Senior Systems Engineer, Computer Hardware

COLSA; Patuxent Highland (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

COLSA seeks a Senior Systems Engineer, Computer Hardware to lead engineering efforts for cyber warfare systems. The role requires directing technical work, coordinating a team, and ensuring integration with defense workflows on-site at Patuxent River, MD.

The candidate will implement systems engineering practices, research and test hardware for military applications, and lead project planning with senior stakeholders. On-site work with security clearances is essential.

Qualifications

• Requires MS/MA with 10+ years in computer hardware systems engineering or BS/BA with 14+ years experience.
• Minimum 3 years in airborne systems.
• Must possess current TS-SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide programmatic and technical leadership in identifying, formulating, designing, and testing solutions.
• Guide development of modern complex systems using systems engineering methods and tools.
• Research, design, develop, and test computer equipment for military applications, including airborne platforms.
• Supervise manufacturing and installation of equipment and components as needed.
• Coordinate and oversee team tasking and track progress.

Skills

Technical leadership

Systems engineering

Airborne systems

Security clearance TS-SCI

Team coordination

Education

MS/MA in Engineering/Math/Physics

BS/BA in Engineering/Math/Physics

Tools

Systems engineering tools

Job description

Tracking Code 9767-987

Posted Date 9/6/2026

Job Location Patuxent River, Maryland

Location of Position Patuxent River, Maryland

Work Arrangement On Site: 100%

Position Type Full-Time/Regular

Clearance Required? Yes

Level of Clearance Required TS-SCI

COLSA is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer, Computer Hardware to provide programmatic and technical leadership in the engineering development of modern complex systems supporting cyber warfare programs. This position will also serve as a functional team lead, providing technical leadership and coordinating the work of team members. This position is located on-site at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

This position is contingent upon contract award. The selected candidate will be proposed as Key Personnel in accordance with proposal requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide programmatic and technical leadership in identifying, formulating, designing, and testing practical solutions to engineering problems.
• Guide the engineering development of modern complex systems using systems engineering methods and tools.
• Research, design, develop, and test computer or computer-related equipment for military applications, including airborne platforms.
• Conduct research in applied systems engineering to advance the field, as appropriate.
• May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
• Coordinate and oversee the tasking of team members performing systems engineering functions.
• Track project progress and participate in the planning of projects, resourcing, and events.
• Integrate systems engineering outputs with cyber defense, vulnerability research, and authorization workflows.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “Family of Professionals!”

Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits

Required Qualifications:

• Must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:
  • MS/MA degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related scientific discipline, with at least 10 years of experience performing work related to computer hardware systems engineering, including at least 3 years within the past 5 years; OR
  • BS/BA degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related scientific discipline, with at least 14 years of relevant experience, including at least 4 years of recent and relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of experience directly related to airborne systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the applicable engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, coordinate team tasking, track project progress, and support project and resource planning.
• Must possess a current Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for SCI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting NAVAIR, NAWCAD, or other Navy aviation programs.
• Experience with Navy airborne platforms and weapon systems.

Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Minimum Salary $150,000.00

Maximum Salary $185,000.00

Salary Type Annually

The salary range, if referenced, represents a good faith estimate. COLSA considers various factors when determining base salary offers, but not limited to, location, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Supplemental Income Protection Programs, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Education & Certification Reimbursement, Employee Discount Program, Paid Time Off and Holidays.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 business days. If a candidate has not been selected at that time, it will continue to be posted until a suitable candidate is selected or the position is closed.