Senior Systems Engineer in McLean, Virginia with Security Clearance

Markon is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to support an Intelligence Community client in Chantilly, Virginia. This position will provide systems engineering and programmatic support to mission-critical, high-visibility programs throughout the full systems development lifecycle. The Systems Engineer will apply International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) principles and methodologies to support requirements development, system architecture, integration, verification, validation, and technical program execution. Responsibilities

• Support systems engineering activities across the full INCOSE systems lifecycle, from concept development and requirements definition through integration, verification, validation, deployment, and sustainment.
• Apply established systems engineering methodologies, processes, and best practices to support the development and implementation of mission-critical capabilities.
• Develop, analyze, document, and manage system requirements, ensuring alignment with Sponsor mission objectives and operational needs.
• Support system architecture development, technical assessments, and engineering trade studies to evaluate alternative solutions and recommend technical approaches.
• Provide programmatic and technical support to high-visibility Sponsor programs, including planning, execution, coordination, and performance monitoring.
• Support the development and maintenance of systems engineering documentation, including requirements specifications, interface documentation, technical baselines, and lifecycle artifacts.
• Coordinate system integration, verification, and validation activities to ensure solutions meet technical, operational, and performance requirements.
• Conduct technical risk assessments, gap analyses, and feasibility studies to identify potential issues and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with Sponsor stakeholders, program managers, engineers, developers, and mission personnel to translate operational needs into actionable technical requirements.
• Support technical reviews, milestone assessments, design reviews, and program status briefings throughout the systems development lifecycle.
• Monitor program progress, engineering deliverables, and technical dependencies to support successful execution of program objectives.
• Apply configuration management, change control, and requirements traceability practices to maintain consistency across system baselines and engineering documentation.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and engineering solutions to identify opportunities for improved system performance, interoperability, and mission effectiveness.
• Communicate complex technical concepts, engineering recommendations, and program risks to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement of systems engineering processes, standards, and program execution practices within the Sponsor environment.

Qualifications Required

• An active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph (FSP) is required to be considered for this role.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of demonstrated senior-level experience supporting systems development activities across the INCOSE systems engineering lifecycle within the Sponsor organization.
• Experience providing programmatic support to systems development efforts and high-profile programs within the Sponsor environment.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering principles, including requirements analysis, architecture development, system integration, verification, and validation.
• Experience developing or maintaining systems engineering documentation, technical requirements, and lifecycle artifacts.
• Understanding of technical program management processes, including planning, risk management, milestone tracking, and coordination of engineering activities.
• Ability to evaluate technical requirements, identify engineering challenges, and develop practical recommendations supporting mission objectives.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, program managers, and government stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex engineering concepts effectively to technical and nontechnical audiences.

Desired

• 7+ years of relevant experience supporting systems engineering, systems development, or technical program execution within the Intelligence Community.
• Extensive experience supporting Sponsor-specific systems engineering processes, technical reviews, and high-visibility programs.
• Familiarity with INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook methodologies and established systems engineering best practices.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and modeling tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, or IBM Engineering Systems Design Rhapsody.
• Experience using requirements management and traceability tools, such as IBM DOORS, Jama Connect, or similar platforms.
• Experience conducting technical trade studies, system architecture assessments, and engineering risk analyses.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies, DevSecOps practices, or hybrid systems engineering frameworks.
• Experience supporting technical program planning, schedule management, performance assessments, and engineering milestone reviews.
• Professional certifications such as INCOSE ASEP/CSEP/ESEP or Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Experience developing technical briefings, engineering decision packages, and executive-level program documentation.

Salary Range USD $155,000.00 - USD $185,000.00 /Yr. The Markon pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.