Systems Engineer at Leidos Bethesda, MD

Neier Inc.; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Neier Inc. is seeking a Systems Engineer in Bethesda, Maryland, with a strong background in software development, particularly in Java or Python. The role requires an active Top Secret security clearance and involves managing development projects using Agile methodologies.

Responsibilities include overseeing software solutions design, leading Agile ceremonies, and mentoring engineers. The position supports critical technology platforms for Open Source Intelligence across the DoD. A flexible schedule and occasional remote work are available.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI with Polygraph.
• Proven experience managing product backlogs and facilitating Agile ceremonies.
• Experience creating requirements and design documentation.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate development work.
• Plan and design software solutions.
• Lead Agile ceremonies and monitor sprint progress.
• Mentor engineers and support their growth.

Skills

Software development in Java or Python

Agile methodologies

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Collaboration across functional teams

Experience with GitLab, Jira, and Confluence

Education

BS in Engineering or Computer Science (12–15 years of experience) or Master’s degree (10–13 years of experience)

Tools

GitLab

Jira

Confluence

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Requirements

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline with 12–15 years of relevant experience, or a masters degree with 10–13 years of relevant experience; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Active Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI with Polygraph.
• Software development experience in languages such as Java or Python.
• Experience as a Systems Engineer, Product Owner, or a similar role on an Agile software development team.
• Experience creating requirements and design documentation, including process flow diagrams.
• Demonstrated ability to deconstruct complex problems into practical action steps.
• Proven experience managing and prioritizing product backlogs.
• Strong understanding of Agile practices and hands‑on experience with tools such as GitLab, Jira, and Confluence.
• Experience facilitating scrum activities, including planning, retrospectives, grooming, and review/demos.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to explain technical and non-technical topics to varied audiences.
• Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with engineering, design, and project management teams.
• Experience managing expectations and building strong relationships with government and contractor stakeholders.
• Preferred: experience with Kafka or other messaging platforms, production/enterprise systems, cloud infrastructure, Appian or other low-code technologies, PostgreSQL, Docker, DevOps and CI/CD tools such as GitLab or Jenkins, GraphQL, and Keycloak.
• Preferred: Kubernetes-based microservices, Elasticsearch, distributed systems concepts, infrastructure as code, AWS, security best practices, and mentoring or leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage, coordinate, and provide technical direction across all aspects of the team’s development work.
• Plan, design, and oversee software solutions, including requirements analysis, implementation planning, integration and testing, sustainment, documentation, deployment, and system assessment.
• Apply sound engineering practices and guide the interpretation and use of policies and procedures within engineering activities.
• Build knowledge of government business processes and provide informed recommendations.
• Collaborate with other development teams to identify and deliver high-value system integrations.
• Maintain, refine, and prioritize the Agile backlog so the team focuses on the highest-value work.
• Support SAFe program increment planning and execution through GitLab tickets and program/system documentation.
• Lead and participate in Agile ceremonies such as daily standups, planning sessions, reviews, and retrospectives.
• Monitor sprint and increment progress, removing impediments and dependencies as needed.
• Regularly refine the backlog by breaking down features into workable stories, adjusting priorities, refining acceptance criteria, and removing obsolete items.
• Accept or reject completed work against defined acceptance criteria to help ensure high-quality delivery.
• Lead backend system and service design and architecture.
• Drive engineering initiatives that improve scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Develop requirements and design documents and contribute to RFCs, requirements reviews, design reviews, and architecture reviews.
• Coordinate with the Test Team on automated system integration testing to identify failing modules and components.
• Manage project priorities, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Provide input on software components of system design, including hardware/software trade-offs, software reuse, COTS/GOTS decisions, and requirements synthesis.
• Foster collaboration across the team to deliver quality service and products to our customers.
• Mentor mid-level and junior engineers and support their professional growth.

Technologies

• AWS
• Backend
• CI/CD
• Cloud
• Confluence
• DevOps
• Docker
• ElasticSearch
• Flow
• GitLab
• GraphQL
• Hardware Support
• JIRA
• Java
• Jenkins
• Kafka
• Kubernetes
• PostgreSQL
• Product Owner
• Python
• Security
• Microservices
• Terraform

This role supports the DIA-NMEC DOMEX Technology Platform and the DOMEX Data Discovery Platform modernization effort, contributing to the centralization and standardization of Open Source Intelligence processing across the DoD and IC enterprise. The position is primarily onsite at our client location in Bethesda, Maryland, with a flexible schedule and occasional remote work.