Systems Engineer 3

Columbia Technology Partners, Inc; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Vision & Dental

401k with company match

Paid time off

Career development stipend

Life and AD&D Insurance

Disability insurance

Profit sharing bonus

Referral bonus program

Job summary

Columbia Technology Partners is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to architect, integrate, and sustain large-scale, secure analytic platforms. You will lead end-to-end system integration across compute, storage, network, and software, leveraging COTS and GOTS technologies to support mission-critical environments such as XKEYSCORE.

The role requires deep expertise in systems engineering, automation scripting, and training of engineers and operators, with a focus on security, compliance, and

Qualifications

• 20+ years of Systems Engineering experience in large, complex programs.
• Degree plus 5 extra years of relevant experience may substitute for a degree.
• Experience integrating and sustaining large-scale analytic or mission processing systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect, integrate, test, deploy, and sustain packet-based hardware and software systems in large-scale distributed environments.
• Lead end-to-end system integration across compute, storage, network, and software components.
• Develop and execute system integration, validation, verification, and deployment strategies for operational readiness.

Skills

Systems engineering

Analytical thinking

Technical leadership

Security/compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, CS, or IT

Tools

BASH

PERL

Automation scripting

Job description

Description

The Principal Systems Engineer functions as a senior technical authority responsible for architecting, integrating, and sustaining large-scale, packet-based hardware and software systems in secure, mission-critical environments. This role leads end-to-end system lifecycle activities leveraging COTS and GOTS technologies to support high-throughput analytic platforms, including XKEYSCORE and comparable distributed processing systems. The position provides advanced technical leadership across integration, automation, performance optimization, and operational sustainment while ensuring compliance with classified system standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, integrate, test, deploy, and sustain packet-based hardware and software systems utilizing COTS and GOTS solutions in large-scale distributed environments supporting XKEYSCORE or similar mission platforms.
• Lead end-to-end systems integration across compute, storage, network, and software components to ensure interoperability, scalability, resilience, and optimized analytic performance.
• Develop and execute system integration, validation, verification, and deployment strategies to ensure operational readiness and compliance with technical and mission requirements.
• Design, maintain, and enhance BASH and PERL automation scripts to support system provisioning, configuration management, and lifecycle maintenance of core servers and clustered computing environments.
• Drive automation initiatives and process improvements to improve system reliability, efficiency, and long-term maintainability across distributed infrastructures.
• Provide senior-level technical leadership and advanced troubleshooting support, including system upgrades, patching, performance tuning, and lifecycle sustainment in operational settings.
• Deliver technical training and mentorship to administrators, operators, and engineering teams while enforcing security, compliance, and configuration management requirements for classified systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum of twenty (20) years of Systems Engineering experience supporting programs of comparable size, scope, and complexity.
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline; five (5) additional years of relevant Systems Engineering experience may substitute for a degree.
• Demonstrated experience integrating, sustaining, or supporting large-scale analytic, SIGINT, or mission processing systems (e.g., XKEYSCORE or equivalent) in high-availability, secure environments.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. CTP is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
• Certification Requirements:
  • DOD 8570 Certification
• Position requires an active Security Clearance with appropriate Polygraph.

Benefits

• Medical: 3 superior plans, bringing employees in-network and out-of-network options.
• Vision + Dental: Both free to employees + paid in full by CTP.
• Retirement: 401k with 6% company contribution.
• PTO + Leave: Paid time off plans, including Jury Duty, Bereavement, and Military Leave.
• Career Growth: Up to $10,000 provided for approved career-related learning, training, education, and/or tuition.
• Life and AD&D Insurance/Short-Term & Long-Term Disability: Zero cost to employees.
• Profit Sharing Bonus: End-of-year cash added to bottom line.
• Referral Bonus Program: Incentives ranging from $7,000-$20,000 for referrals that join the team.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Columbia Technology Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. Our EEO policy reflects our commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace.