Systems Engineer

Leidos; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology and engineering company based in Virginia is seeking a detail-oriented Systems Engineer specializing in IAM. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in digital access control policies, critical thinking skills, and the ability to translate legal mandates into technical workflows. Responsibilities include collaborating with stakeholders, guiding policy implementation, and maintaining performance metrics. Requires active TS/SCI clearance and 12+ years of experience in IAM. This role offers an opportunity to innovate and enhance compliance efforts in a crucial field.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph required.
• 12+ years of experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM).
• Strong communication skills to convey technical insights.

Responsibilities

• Translate digital policies into operational processes for technical solutions.
• Collaborate with partners to interpret policy needs into requirements.
• Guide service teams in implementing Just-In-Time access policies.

Skills

Critical thinking

Collaboration

Data governance

Policy development

Education

BS degree in STEM or related field

Tools

Collibra

Informatica

Alation

Job description

Description

Leidos is seeking a detail-oriented Systems Engineer specializing in the lifecycle management of Digital Access Control Policies. I offer deep expertise in translating legal and security mandates into actionable technical workflows within IAM ecosystems. From streamlining attribute-based access controls (ABAC) and dynamic policy engines, to auditing certified data repositories, your focus will be helping to support a ‘least‑privileged’ environment that satisfies rigorous internal audits and external regulatory frameworks.

As a critical thinker, you will synthesize process and work to help implement innovative ways to strengthen compliance while optimizing access control policy use.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate existing digital policies and governance actions into operational processes and align them to existing technical solutions – providing recommendations with clear guidance internally and externally to the program.
• Collaborate with Mission Partners, Data Stewards, Steward Representatives across the community; interpreting digital policy requests and needs into high‑level implementable requirements using existing tools and platforms.
• Guided service teams in digital policy oversight, helping oversee the "Keys to the Kingdom" by implementing Just‑In‑Time (JIT) access policies that grant the proper access only when a specific, pre‑approved condition is met.
• Apply techniques that include the use of AI for data and policy components, aiding in getting current solutions and workflows operational (e.g., anomaly detection, policy application and more).
• Help create and maintain metrics, dashboards and reporting to track governance and overall policy performance and compliance.

Key Attributes for Success

• Critical Thinker – challenges assumptions and approaches data issues with structured reasoning.
• Policy Minded Innovator – finds ways to apply data science in service of governance, compliance and stewardship.
• Collaborator – builds strong partnerships with Data Stewards, mission partners and governance stakeholders.
• Change Agent – brings creativity and technical skill to drive efficiencies in how we manage and govern data.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
• BS degree in STEM, or related field and 12+ years of prior relevant experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM).
• Knowledge of Identity and Access Management (IdAM)/Identity Credentials and Access Management (ICAM) delivery systems, Authentication, Authorizations, Attribute Architectures.
• Familiarity with data and governance principals, compliance and/or metadata management.
• Strong critical thinking ability – able to balance technical solutions with policy and compliance needs.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical insights to policy and mission partners alike.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with governance and metadata platforms (Collibra, Informatica, Alation etc.).
• Awareness of Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) policy – contributing to update and sharing Zero‑Trust security policies.
• Hands‑on experience in automation pipelines or AI‑enabled data governance tools.
• Background working in policy, governance and/or compliance environments.
• Familiarity with Sponsor ICAM services.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.