Systems Engineer Principal

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Systems Administrator/Network Engineer to coordinate end-to-end architectures, schedule assets, and manage networking hardware and servers. The role focuses on testing, training, and real-world operations across classified environments.

You will monitor, troubleshoot, and document network issues, while supporting cybersecurity upgrades and cross-team collaboration with government stakeholders. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Requires TS/SCI with active polygraph.
• Experience in CS/IT fields with senior level credentials.
• DOD 8570 IAT Level II certification desired; obtain within 3 months if not possessed.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• Documentation of best practices and maintenance activities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage end-to-end architecture by scheduling assets.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot networking equipment, servers and processing systems.
• Monitor network performance and generate data analytics to improve throughput.
• Train and educate new users and operators.
• Interface with Government Lead and leadership; report scheduling and networking issues.
• Rotational shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays; occasional travel.

Skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Master's degree in CS/IT

PhD or JD

Tools

Linux Red Hat Enterprise

Microsoft Server

Palo Alto Firewalls

Dell Server Configuration

Job description

Job ID 2616717

Location

Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted

2026-09-11

Category

Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory

Systems Engineer

Schedule

Full-Time

Shift

Day Job

Travel

No

Minimum Clearance Required

TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain

None

Potential for Remote Work

ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is looking for a Systems Administrator/Network Engineer/Spacecraft Command/Control Scheduler. Duties will include coordinating and managing end to end architecture by scheduling assets, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting networking equipment, servers and processing systems. End-to-end events will support testing, development, training, exercises, and real-world operations. This position is a direct interface with all users and sister agencies tabulating requirements, spotting trends, and developing usage metrics as needed by customers for mission execution.

• Plan and execute space and ground segment schedules coordinating with other intelligence organizations
• Monitor signal processor product generation ensuring flow of time critical data
• Monitor and update all components of computer network software including software licenses, software version updates and anti-virus software as required
• Configure and maintain firewalls, switches and servers in an operational environment
• Troubleshoot network hardware issues
• Responsible for network administration, fault detection and fault isolation services, network traffic monitoring and minimizing potential security threats
• Troubleshoot hardware and software, run diagnostics, document network problems, outages and solutions, prioritizing fixes, and assess current and future impact of issues
• Monitor and generate data analytics focused on improving network throughput performance
• Communicate scheduling and networking issues to internal team, as well as Government Lead
• Provide documentation and technical specifications to leadership for planning and implementing updates to end-to-end scheduling and networking software/hardware
• Support development organization with the integration of network hardware, software, cybersecurity upgrades and recap efforts for networks and systems operating at various classification levels
• Training and educating new users
• Rotational shift work that may include nights, weekends, and holidays
• Occasional travel required
• Must have excellent speaking, listening and written communication skills
• Team oriented and customer focused attitude is critical due to multiple networking locations and varied U.S. Government end users

Qualifications

• Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.
• Relevant years of experience in CS/IT field may be substituted in lieu of degree
• Must have a TS/SCI security clearance with an active Polygraph
• Database, network administration, or system administration experience is preferred
• Ability to solve problems and think critically, sometimes independent of significant experience or documentation of the problem area
• DOD 8570 Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II certification is desired
  • If candidate does not have IAT Level II certification, they must obtain IAT Level II certification within 3 months of hire
  • Examples of IAT cert CCNA Security, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, Security+, CND, or SSCPy
• Working knowledge of Linux Redhat Enterprise, Microsoft Server network protocols, Palo Alto Firewalls and Dell Server Configuration are desired
• Must work well within team environment but accomplish tasks independently with little to no impact on other teammates’ tasks
• Document best practices, troubleshooting guides, and maintenance activities
• Project management skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal/briefing skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs

Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.