Systems Engineer Sr Principal

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

Job summary

SAIC in Chantilly, VA seeks a Systems Administrator/Network Engineer/Spacecraft Command/Control Scheduler to coordinate end-to-end architecture, schedule assets, configure and troubleshoot networking equipment, servers, and processing systems for tests, training, and operations.

The role interfaces with users and agencies, requires TS/SCI with poly, on-site with potential for on-site, up to 10% travel, and rotating shifts including nights and weekends; strong communication and team orientation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher with extensive CS/IT experience; substitutions allowed
• TS/SCI security clearance with active polygraph required or obtainable
• Experience in database, network, or system administration preferred
• IAT Level II certification desired; candidates must obtain within 3 months if not held

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage end-to-end architecture by scheduling assets
• Configure, maintain and troubleshoot networking equipment, servers and processing systems
• Monitor and optimize network throughput and security
• Provide documentation and technical specifications to leadership
• Train and educate new users
• Support testing, development, exercises and real-world operations
• Travel up to 10% and participate in rotating shifts

Skills

Network administration

System administration

Problem solving

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Linux Red Hat

Microsoft Server

Palo Alto Firewalls

Dell Server Configuration

Job description

Job ID 2614444

Location Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted 2026-09-09

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Systems Engineer

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Rotating

Travel Yes - 10% of the time

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 fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience or a closely related field with 5+ years of experience is desired. Additional years of hands‑on work experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree
• 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.