System Engineer

Marathon TS; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Marathon TS is actively seeking a Systems Engineer to support a newly awarded DHS CBP contract in Ashburn, VA. You will design, implement, and optimize system solutions, ensuring security, reliability, and performance for Passenger Systems Program Directorate deployments.

The role requires active CBP BI/Suitability clearance, strong system architecture knowledge, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. On-site work in Ashburn is expected with potential after-hours support as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or 4+ years of related experience) in IT/Systems Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of systems integration, network systems, and application development principles.
• Familiarity with DHS IT security standards and practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement system solutions that meet project specs and user requirements.
• Collaborate with IT and project management teams to translate system specs into functional requirements.
• Perform system performance testing, validation of software/hardware configurations, and troubleshooting.

Skills

Systems engineering

Network infrastructure

TCP/IP

Security compliance

Technical training

Education

Master's degree in IT/Systems Engineering

4+ years IT support/government experience

Job description

Required Clearance: Active (in the past 2 years) DHS clearance from a reciprocal agency (e.g., CBP, TSA, USCIS, or ICE). This is a mandatory requirement. All candidates must successfully obtain CBP Background Investigation (BI) / Suitability approval prior to their start date.

125k-130k/year

Newly awarded contract!

Marathon TS is looking to hire a Systems Engineer to support a newly awarded contract in support of the Department of Homeland Security (Client) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) onsite in Ashburn, VA. All candidates will play a pivotal role in the design, implementation, and optimization of technology solutions supporting the mission of the U.S.

Customs and Border Protection's Office of Information and Technology (CBP Client). This position requires a deep understanding of system architecture and engineering principles to ensure the effective operation, performance, reliability, and security of applications and devices utilized by the Passenger Systems Program Directorate (PSPD). Collaborating with cross-functional teams, the individual will analyze system requirements, design innovative technical solutions, and coordinate the integration of complex systems, ensuring they align with both business objectives and compliance standards established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Client). Additionally, the engineer is responsible for ongoing troubleshooting, performance monitoring, complex communication problem diagnosis, and rigorous documentation of all system changes to support day-to-day operations.

Furthermore, the Systems Engineer III will supervise, coordinate, and perform additions, changes, and configurations to network hardware, operating systems, and attached devices for voice and data communication networks. This hands-on operational role includes investigating, installing, and testing new network hardware and software, evaluating system utilization, monitoring response times, and providing technical consultation, training, and support to designated IT staff. The engineer will actively participate in the planning, design, and technical review of new network infrastructure while maintaining strict industry standards, including communication protocols like TCP/IP, and troubleshooting at both the physical level and the logical level using network measurement tools.

Due to the sensitive nature of this federal mission, candidates must successfully possess a CBP Background Investigation (BI) / Suitability Clearance prior to onboarding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and implement system solutions that meet project specifications and user requirements.
• Collaborate with IT and project management teams to understand system specifications and translate them into functional requirements.
• Conduct system performance testing, assessment, and validation of software and hardware configurations.
• Identify and troubleshoot system issues, providing timely solutions to enhance system availability and performance.
• Document system architecture designs, configurations, and operational processes for ongoing reference and compliance.
• Maintain network infrastructure standards, ensuring full compliance with core communication protocols including TCP/IP. Participate heavily in planning, design, and technical reviews for new infrastructure rollouts.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure that systems are compatible with security standards and organizational policies.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings to provide insights regarding system enhancement opportunities and issues resolution.
• Act as an enterprise technical consultant, providing direct training and support to IT staff as designated by the government.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to interface effectively with government stakeholders and executive IT management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to provide on-call, off-hours, and weekend support to troubleshoot critical production issues as needed.
• Evaluate, test, and integrate customized hardware and peripheral devices (e.g., RFID, License Plate Readers, document/fingerprint scanners) into the application and desktop environments.

Requirements:

• Master's degree (Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related field) or more than 4 years of experience in IT support or a related field, preferably in a government or large organizational setting.
• Strong understanding of systems integration, network systems, and application development principles.
• Familiarity with IT security standards and practices, particularly those relevant to the Department of Homeland Security.
• Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizenship is required and an active favorable U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Background Investigation (BI) or possess an active, fully adjudicated CBP clearance.

Marathon TS is committed to the development of a creative, diverse and inclusive work environment. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Marathon TS will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Marathon TS does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as "protected status ").