Systems Engineer (FORECASTED)

Columbia Technology Partners; Corridor North (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Vision and dental

401k

PTO + leave

Career growth funding

Life and AD&D insurance

Profit sharing

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Columbia Technology Partners seeks Systems Engineers to support full system lifecycle from concept through retirement. Roles span Level 2–6 with responsibilities in technical execution, leadership, enterprise engineering, and SME activities.

Positions require working with customers, program personnel, and government stakeholders to deliver mission-critical capabilities. Active clearance and contingent on contract award are noted requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry.
• Level 2: 4+ years of systems engineering experience; Master’s substitutes for 1 year; PhD substitutes for 3 years; 4 years of general SE may substitute for a bachelor.
• Level 3: 6+ years SE experience; Level 4: 10+ years; Level 5: 15+ years; Level 6: 20+ years; multiple substitutions allowed.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering principles across the system lifecycle (concept through retirement).
• Support ISO/IEC 15288 Technical, Project, Agreement, and Enterprise Process Areas.
• Perform analyses and evaluate engineering alternatives to support objectives.
• Develop and deliver SE work products and documentation.
• Assist with requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, validation, transition, operations, and maintenance.
• Communicate technical issues, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.

Skills

Systems engineering

Communication skills

Technical leadership

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Advanced degree substitutions allowed (MS/PhD)

Job description

This Position is Contingent on Contract Award

Description

Columbia Technology Partners is seeking Systems Engineers to support the full system lifecycle, from concept development through retirement. Our Systems Engineers collaborate with customers, program personnel, and government stakeholders to develop innovative solutions, manage technical risks, and ensure the successful delivery of mission‑critical capabilities. Opportunities are available for experienced engineers ranging from Level 2 through Level 6, with responsibilities spanning technical execution, project leadership, enterprise engineering, and subject‑matter expertise.

Key Responsibilities – SE Level 2

• Apply systems engineering principles across the system lifecycle, including concept, development, production, utilization, support, and retirement.
• Support systems engineering activities within ISO/IEC 15288 Technical, Project, Agreement, and Enterprise Process Areas.
• Perform technical analyses and evaluate engineering alternatives to support project objectives.
• Develop and deliver systems engineering work products and technical documentation.
• Assist with requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, validation, transition, operations, and maintenance activities.
• Communicate technical issues, risks, and recommendations to project stakeholders.

Additional Responsibilities – SE Level 3

• Independently analyze technical solutions and recommend alternatives for project design decisions.
• Develop and deliver engineering products across Technical, Project, and Enterprise Process Areas.
• Support engineering efforts across a broader range of ISO/IEC 15288 processes with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to more complex systems engineering activities and project‑level technical planning.

Additional Responsibilities – SE Level 4

• Supervise or coordinate the efforts of engineers and technical staff supporting project objectives.
• Analyze and recommend engineering standards, methodologies, and process improvements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and determine their suitability for implementation.
• Contribute to innovative approaches for solving technical and engineering challenges.
• Provide technical leadership on projects while supporting engineering quality and process compliance.

Additional Responsibilities – SE Level 5

• Lead contractor systems engineering activities across complex programs and projects.
• Supervise engineering teams and coordinate the delivery of multiple engineering work products.
• Brief customers and stakeholders on technical status, risks, and project progress.
• Independently make decisions regarding engineering methodologies and technical approaches.
• Approve engineering deliverables across multiple ISO/IEC 15288 Process Areas.
• Provide strategic direction for systems engineering efforts and project execution.

Additional Responsibilities – SE Level 6

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in one or more ISO/IEC 15288 Process Areas.
• Independently resolve highly complex engineering issues involving advanced technologies.
• Plan and lead engineering initiatives supporting mission‑critical and enterprise‑level capabilities.
• Guide the development of innovative engineering solutions to complex organizational challenges.
• Approve engineering deliverables across all ISO/IEC 15288 Process Areas.
• Influence enterprise engineering strategies, technical roadmaps, and major architectural decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field or related discipline such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry.
• Equivalent education substitutions, including additional experience, Master's degree, or PhD, may be applied in accordance with labor category requirements.
• Level 2: Bachelor's degree plus four (4) years of systems engineering experience. A Master's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience and a PhD may substitute for three (3) years. Four (4) years of general systems engineering experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
• Level 3: Bachelor's degree plus six (6) years of systems engineering experience. Alternatively, High School Diploma/GED plus ten (10) years of general systems engineering experience, or Master's/PhD plus four (4) years of systems engineering experience.
• Level 4: Bachelor's degree plus ten (10) years of systems engineering experience. Alternatively, High School Diploma/GED plus fourteen (14) years of general systems engineering experience, or Master's/PhD plus eight (8) years of systems engineering experience.
• Level 5: Bachelor's degree plus fifteen (15) years of systems engineering experience. Alternatively, High School Diploma/GED plus nineteen (19) years of general systems engineering experience, or Master's/PhD plus thirteen (13) years of systems engineering experience.
• Level 6: Bachelor's degree plus twenty (20) years of systems engineering experience. Alternatively, High School Diploma/GED plus twenty‑four (24) years of general systems engineering experience, or Master's/PhD plus eighteen (18) years of systems engineering experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying systems engineering principles across the full system lifecycle.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 15288 processes and systems engineering best practices.
• Experience supporting requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, and validation efforts.
• Experience with risk management, configuration management, and technical planning activities.
• Strong communication skills with experience engaging technical teams, customers, and senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading engineering teams, mentoring junior engineers, or serving in technical leadership roles.

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: N/A

This position requires an active Security Clearance with appropriate Polygraph.

Benefits

• Medical: 3 superior plans, offering both in‑network and out‑of‑network options.
• Vision + Dental: Free to you, fully paid by CTP.
• Retirement: 401k – 6% company contribution.
• PTO + Leave: Customizable leave 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 you.
• Profit Sharing Bonus: End‑of‑year cash added to your bottom line.
• Referral Bonus Program: Tiered program with bonuses ranging from $7,000 to $20,000 when a referral joins the team.

Salary Range Transparency

At Columbia Technology Partners we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. We believe in creating a work environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and rewarded for their contributions.

Salary Determination Factors

• Job Role and Responsibilities: Specific duties and responsibilities associated with the role form the foundation of our compensation structure.
• Market Research and Industry Benchmarks: We conduct regular analysis of market trends and salaries across our industry using reliable compensation data to remain competitive.
• Experience and Qualifications: An individual's experience, education, certifications, and specialized skills all contribute to determining their position within a salary range.
• Location: Salary ranges may adjust based on geographic cost of living, in accordance with local and national standards.
• Company Performance: Compensation practices also account for overall company performance and financial health, ensuring sustainable rewarding of our team.

Equity and Diversity Statement

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 ensure equality and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.