System Engineer with Security Clearance

Cornerstone Defense LLC; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 200,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

Generous PTO Policy

401(k)

HSA and FSA options

Life and Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement and Training

Perks at Work Discount Program

Referral Program

Job summary

Cornerstone Defense LLC is seeking a Systems Engineer in Annapolis Junction, MD to design, integrate, and maintain complex systems. The role requires active TS/SCI with a polygraph and emphasizes end-to-end lifecycle support across multiple disciplines.

You will translate requirements into robust solutions, collaborate with vendors, and ensure documentation and compliance. The ideal candidate has a degree in engineering or a technical field with relevant lifecycle experience and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or relevant technical field plus 3 years of relevant experience, OR Masters degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience must be in engineering systems over their lifecycle (concept, design & development, testing, production, deployment, operation, maintenance & support, decommissioning).
• Strong analytical skills and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Responsibilities

• Drive system-level requirements analysis and lead CONOPS development for complex programs.
• Lead requirements analysis and assist in developing CONOPS for system design.
• Develop and maintain functional and physical architecture models for assigned subsystems.
• Create and manage interface control documents (ICDs) and data models (e.g., XML schemas).
• Plan and execute integration and acceptance testing, including writing test plans and procedures.
• Conduct trade studies and risk assessments to support design decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system integration and lifecycle support.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with industry standards and customer requirements throughout the lifecycle.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or relevant technical field

Master's degree

Job description

Title: Systems Engineer
Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Compensation Range: $200 -$220K

• Clearance:
• Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply
• Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense. Benefits Overview: Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Generous PTO Policy
• 401(k)
• HSA and FSA options
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement and Training
• Perks at Work Discount Program
• Referral Program
• Leads Generation Program
• CollegeAmerica 529
• Fitness Reimbursement Program
• Travel Assistance
• Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions
• Life Planning Financial & Legal Services
• Position Description: The Systems Engineer supports the design, development, integration, and maintenance of complex technical systems, ensuring they operate reliably and meet organizational needs. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into effective system solutions, troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and maintain thorough technical documentation. The Systems Engineer evaluates system performance, supports lifecycle management, collaborates with vendors when needed, and ensures alignment with industry best practices. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a dynamic technical environment are essential for success in this position. Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or relevant technical field plus 3 years of relevant experience, OR Masters degree plus 1 year of relevant experience
• Relevant experience must be in engineering systems over their lifecycle (for example, conception, design & development, testing, production, distribution/deployment, operation, maintenance & support, decommissioning). Responsibilities:
• Drive system-level requirements analysis and lead CONOPS development for complex programs.
• Lead requirements analysis and assist in developing CONOPS for system design.
• Develop and maintain functional and physical architecture models for assigned subsystems.
• Create and manage interface control documents (ICDs) and data models (e.g., XML schemas).
• Plan and execute integration and acceptance testing, including writing test plans and procedures.
• Conduct trade studies and risk assessments to support design decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system integration and lifecycle support.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with industry standards and customer requirements throughout the lifecycle.