Systems Engineer (Senior) - $132K – $147K

RCT-Systems; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package (medical,

Job summary

RCT Systems is seeking a Systems Engineer with strong Data Engineering experience to design, secure, and optimize mission‑critical data solutions. The role combines system engineering, secure cloud architecture, analytics, ETL/AI‑ML data engineering, and virtualization technologies.

You will work with Cypher/Python/Java, graph technologies, and communicate complex concepts to diverse stakeholders. Responsibilities include designing ETL pipelines for AI/ML/LLM projects, preprocessing and

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with BS/BA, including at least 2 years in Sponsor programs.
• Hands-on with ETL pipelines, data modeling, and AI/ML‑supportive data engineering.
• Proficiency in Cypher, Python, or Java.
• Experience with graph technologies (Neo4j) and Cypher queries.
• Experience cleaning, modeling, and visualizing medium-to-large datasets.
• Experience developing dashboards or system visualizations.
• Experience operating with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Understanding of classified/high-security cloud environments.
• Strong ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize ETL pipelines, including data flows supporting AI/ML/LLM projects and large-scale analytics.
• Clean, preprocess, analyze, and visualize medium-to-large datasets using modern analytic and statistical methods.
• Build and optimize Neo4j graph database solutions including schema design, relationship modeling, and efficient Cypher query development.
• Develop software components in Cypher, Python, Java, or JavaScript following secure development practices.
• Maintain documentation for datasets, queries, security artifacts, engineering decisions, and developed software components.

Skills

TS/SCI with polygraph

Cypher

Python

Java

ETL pipelines

Data modeling

AI/ML data engineering

Graph databases

Neo4j

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud security

Communication skills

Dashboards

Visualization

Data visualization

Education

BS/BA

Tools

Neo4j

Tableau

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

• Chantilly, VA

We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Engineering with strong Data Engineering experience to design, secure, and optimize mission‑critical data solutions. This role blends system engineering, secure cloud architecture, advanced analytics, ETL/AI‑ML data engineering, virtualization technologies, and modern development practices. The ideal candidate has experience operating in classified AWS environments, developing with Cypher/Python/Java, and working with graph technologies, while communicating complex concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and optimize ETL pipelines, including data flows supporting AI/ML/LLM projects and large‑scale analytics.
• Clean, preprocess, analyze, and visualize medium‑to‑large datasets using modern analytic and statistical methods.
• Build and optimize Neo4j graph database solutions including schema design, relationship modeling, and efficient Cypher query development.
• Develop software components in Cypher, Python, Java, or JavaScript following secure development practices.
• Maintain documentation for datasets, queries, security artifacts, engineering decisions, and developed software components.

Required Qualifications:

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph
• Minimum of 5 years with BS/BA including at least 2 years of Sponsor experience
• Hands‑on experience with ETL pipelines, data modeling, activity modeling, and AI/ML‑supportive data engineering
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Cypher, Python, Java)
• Experience with graphing database technologies (Neo4j and Cypher query language expertise preferred)
• Demonstrated experience cleaning, modeling, and visualizing medium‑to‑large datasets
• Experience developing dashboards or system visualizations
• Experience operating with modern software virtualization tools like Docker, Kubernetes
• Understanding of cloud infrastructure in High security environments (classified)
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and nontechnical audiences
• Customer‑specific experience supporting mission systems or classified programs

Desired Qualifications

• Exposure to AI/ML or LLM system engineering and data workflows
• Familiarity with Agile development frameworks and cloud‑native design patterns
• Experience visualizing data in Tableau

RCT Systems offers:

• Competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)
• Immediate 401k vesting
• Generous PTO and flexible schedules
• $500.00 annual technology allowance

RCT Systems is committed and proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex (to include pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other federally protected class.