Systems Engineer

Leidos; Clovis (NM); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Systems Engineer to support the AFSOC ROC at Hurlburt Field. The role embeds you in a fast-paced operational environment where engineering decisions directly impact mission execution for Special Operations forces.

You will serve as a technical SME, driving integration, modernization, and sustainment of mission-critical IT systems across a geographically dispersed enterprise, with focus on VMware, VDI, Windows, and Linux, plus container platforms.

Qualifications

• BS in Systems Engineering, CS, IT or related field with 4–8 years of experience (or MS with 2–6 years).
• Current TS clearance with ability to obtain SCI access prior to start date. Security+ CE (IAT Level II).
• Hands-on experience with VMware ESXi, vCenter, Horizon, vSAN, and App Volumes; experience managing and troubleshooting VDI environments.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, integrate, test, and sustain DoD IT systems supporting AFSOC RPA operations.
• Deploy and maintain VMware ESXi, vCenter, Horizon, vSAN, and App Volumes across sites.

Skills

VMware virtualization

VDI management

Windows Server

Red Hat Linux

Kubernetes

Docker

Security+ CE

DoD/IC DoD environment

AFSOC/SOCOM experience

P2V transitions

VMware certification

Education

BS in Systems Engineering/CS/IT

MS in related field

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

MECM

CI/CD

Job description

Description

Systems Engineer: AFSOC RPA ROC Program

Location: Cannon AFB New Mexico

Clearance: Top Secret with ability to obtain SCI access

Leidos is seeking a Systems Engineer to support the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) RPA Operations Center (ROC) at Hurlburt Field.

This role is embedded in a fast‑paced operational environment where engineering decisions directly affect mission execution for Special Operations forces. The selected candidate serves as a technical SME, driving integration, modernization, and sustainment of mission‑critical IT systems across a geographically dispersed enterprise.

Mission-Focused Responsibilities

• Engineer, integrate, test, and sustain DoD IT systems supporting AFSOC RPA operations
• Deploy and maintain VMware ESXi, vCenter, Horizon, vSAN, and App Volumes across operational sites
• Support and refine VDI environments to ensure stable, mission‑ready performance
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot Windows Server, Windows workstation, and Red Hat Linux systems
• Integrate new software and containerized solutions (e.g., Kubernetes) into existing data center architectures
• Execute field deployments, system upgrades, and hardware/software modernization efforts
• Restore system baselines and resolve technical issues impacting mission continuity

Operational Engagement

• Work directly with operators, administrators, and mission partners to refine requirements
• Conduct trade studies and provide technical recommendations to improve performance and mitigate risk
• Perform requirements analysis, interface definition, and functional assessments

Test & Validation

• Develop and execute test plans that verify system functionality and mission readiness

Documentation & Training

• Produce CONOPS, integration guides, O&M documentation, and architecture diagrams
• Mentor junior staff and train customer personnel on system operations

Cybersecurity & ATO Support

• Support ISSOs in maintaining ATOs and RMF artifacts (SSPs, POA&Ms, etc.)
• Ensure systems meet DoD cybersecurity requirements, STIGs, and security frameworks

Required Qualifications

• BS in Systems Engineering, CS, IT, or related field with 4–8 years’ experience (or MS with 2–6). Additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Current Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI access prior to start date.
• Security+ CE (IAT Level II)
• Hands‑on experience with VMware ESXi, vCenter, Horizon, vSAN, and App Volumes
• Experience managing and troubleshooting VDI environments
• Proficiency with Windows Server, Windows workstation, and Red Hat Linux

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting AFSOC, SOCOM, or Special Operations programs
• Familiarity with RPA systems, operations centers, or C2 infrastructure
• Experience with Windows CM endpoint tools (MECM, Trellix Agent, certificate authorities)
• Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, or other container platforms
• Experience performing physical‑to‑virtual (P2V) transitions
• VMware certification (VCP or equivalent)
• Experience with DoD unclassified and classified networks
• Experience working with external vendors for sales quotes and technical support
• Experience working with or as an ISSO in a DoD or IC environment
• Experience with AI technologies or integration
• Knowledge of NIST 800‑53, ICD 503, or DISA STIG frameworks
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices
• CASP+ or other advanced cybersecurity certifications

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

August 17, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail]. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

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.