Senior Systems Engineer SME

Akima; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Akima is seeking a Senior System Engineer in Alexandria, VA. The ideal candidate will manage Windows Servers, oversee network performance, and ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards. Ideal applicants possess a relevant bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5–7 years' experience in systems engineering.

The position offers a salary range of $195K to $215K and a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, and 401(k) among others.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance required.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in Systems Engineering.
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Windows Servers and related infrastructure.
• Monitor system and network performance, proactively solving issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for operational processes.

Skills

Windows Server Management

Systems Engineering

Network Design

DoD Cybersecurity

VMware

Technical Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Cisco Equipment

Active Directory

VMware vSphere

McAfee HBSS

Job description

Akima Data Management is currently seeking a Senior System Engineer to join our team. The position is onsite.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a seasoned expert in installing, configuring, administering, and maintaining Windows Servers, Windows operating systems, and supporting infrastructure components.
• Oversee the full systems infrastructure lifecycle, including engineering, implementation, integration, and ongoing technical services and support.
• Design, implement, and maintain hardware, software, and system configurations to ensure a reliable and scalable infrastructure.
• Monitor overall system and network performance, proactively identifying issues and applying corrective tuning as needed.
• Perform detailed root cause analysis on system or component failures and execute effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to establish, document, and enhance operational processes and procedures.
• Work independently under minimal supervision, resolving complex technical issues and escalating only the most advanced problems when necessary.
• Provide expert technical support, troubleshooting, and guidance for utility network operations, supporting a 98% target uptime.
• Implement systems and solutions aligned with evolving network application requirements.
• Administer and maintain core enterprise services including Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, WSUS, SCCM, and WhatsUp Gold.
• Support VMware ESX/vSphere virtualization environments, including design, management, and deployment.
• Provide configuration and management support for Storage Area Network (SAN) environments.
• Support installation and integration of network applications to ensure seamless deployment.
• Produce clear and accurate network architectural drawings and schematic diagrams.
• Conduct comprehensive network monitoring across all assets to maintain optimal performance and reliability.
• Develop and maintain standardized workstation and server images for consistency and security.
• Monitor and maintain McAfee Host-Based Security System (HBSS), ensuring compliance with DoD STIGs, patching, and virus definition updates across all systems.
• Use the DoD Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) to manage, track, and report security compliance for IT assets.
• Support DoD Information Assurance Risk Management Framework (DIARMF) activities as required.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance required for consideration.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in Systems Engineering or a related field, or 10 years of documented relevant experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Telecommunications, or Management Information Systems preferred.
• DoD 8140 (DoDD 8570) IAT Level II certification required.
• Senior-level knowledge and hands‑on experience with TCP/IP network design, including Cisco equipment, routing, subnetting, LAN/WLAN networks, and Software Defined Networking (SDN).
• Experience aligning with DoD cybersecurity requirements, including STIG implementation, ACAS use, and supporting DIARMF.
• Demonstrated minimum of 5 years of combined experience in:
  • Designing, installing, configuring, and supporting network infrastructure
  • Monitoring network performance and ensuring high availability
  • Troubleshooting and resolving network issues and communicating status to stakeholders
  • Creating and maintaining network architectural diagrams and technical documentation
  • Analyzing network performance, identifying issues, and implementing solutions
  • Managing multiple technical projects from design through implementation
  • Developing and documenting processes and procedures for daily operations
  • Automating tasks and workflows using scripting
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non‑technical team members.
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification preferred or previously held.

Job ID

2026-24032

Work Type

On‑Site

Pay Range

$195K to $215K

Benefits

The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full‑time and part‑time employees.