Senior Zero Trust Systems Engineer with Security Clearance

Markon is seeking a Senior Zero Trust Systems Engineer to support the Fort Meade customer by leading systems engineering and cybersecurity initiatives that strengthen the security and resiliency of large-scale Department of Defense systems. This role applies systems engineering principles and Zero Trust architecture concepts to assess complex enterprise environments, identify vulnerabilities, and enhance Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO). As a technical leader, the Senior Zero Trust Systems Engineer partners with Government stakeholders to develop secure system architectures, validate cybersecurity requirements, mentor engineering teams, and advance mission-critical Zero Trust capabilities. Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities supporting Zero Trust initiatives across large-scale Department of Defense systems.
• Perform cybersecurity assessments using an Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO) mindset to strengthen Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) capabilities.
• Conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments by analyzing system architectures, design documentation, build specifications, interface documentation, and engineering artifacts.
• Perform independent verification and validation (IV&V) of cybersecurity requirements, security controls, and system capabilities.
• Incorporate systems security engineering and resiliency principles into acquisition documentation, including Performance Work Statements (PWS), technical requirements, and engineering plans.
• Evaluate contractor proposals to assess systems resiliency, cybersecurity posture, and technical compliance with Government requirements.
• Develop technical recommendations that improve Zero Trust implementations and strengthen enterprise security.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Systems Engineers by managing workload priorities, fostering professional development, and promoting engineering excellence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Government customers and mission partners to obtain technical information and improve mission outcomes.
• Lead engineering reviews, technical risk assessments, architecture discussions, and system lifecycle activities supporting enterprise modernization. Qualifications
• Active TS/SCI W/ Poly clearance required with this Customer.
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 15+ years of systems engineering experience. A Bachelor's degree may be credited as 4 years of experience and a Master's degree as an additional 2 years, consistent with customer requirements.
• Minimum 6 years of experience leading systems engineering teams across complex technical organizations.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, or assessing Zero Trust architectures and cybersecurity principles.
• Experience performing cybersecurity assessments of large-scale Department of Defense or Intelligence Community systems.
• Experience conducting enterprise vulnerability assessments using systems engineering methodologies.
• Experience performing Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) of security requirements and system capabilities.
• Experience evaluating technical proposals, system architectures, engineering documentation, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle processes, requirements development, systems integration, risk management, and secure architecture principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, mentor engineers, and collaborate across Government and contractor organizations.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and customer engagement skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Cybersecurity certification such as Security+, CISSP, CEH, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-160 Systems Security Engineering guidance.
• Knowledge of INCOSE systems engineering lifecycle processes.
• Experience supporting large-scale Department of Defense or Intelligence Community enterprise systems.
• Experience with systems resiliency engineering, enterprise architecture, or secure systems acquisition.
• Experience leading Zero Trust modernization initiatives supporting national security missions.