Sr. Systems Engineer - Systems Design & Modernization

job summary:

Randstad is seeking an experienced Sr. Systems Engineer - Systems Design & Modernization to support mission-critical Transportation Operations applications for a premier rail transit client in Washington, DC. This role serves as a key technical design and integration lead within the Scalable Service Delivery portfolio, translating complex operational workflows into resilient, scalable, and secure system implementations. Working across both legacy mainframe (IBM/TPF) environments and modern distributed platforms (Java/Spring, APIs, Kafka/event streaming), you will partner with cross-functional architecture, engineering, and operations teams to bridge legacy data flows, guide modernization roadmaps, and ensure technical enablers are successfully delivered across the software development lifecycle.

location: Washington, Washington, D.C.
job type: Contract
salary: $50 - 60 per hour
work hours: 9am to 5pm
education: Bachelors
responsibilities:

Define, document, and maintain end-to-end system and integration designs across application, data exchange, messaging, and infrastructure viewpoints.

Guide the transition of legacy and mainframe capabilities (including IBM mainframe and TPF feeds) toward modern API-led, microservices, and event-driven architectures.

Provide technical design and integration leadership for Java- and Spring-based services, REST APIs, middleware, and real-time streaming platforms (e.g., Kafka).

Translate business strategies and operational requirements into actionable technical decision records (ADRs), system specifications, and reference patterns.

Partner with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and delivery teams to ensure all designs meet strict standards for availability, resilience, observability, and disaster recovery.

Actively contribute to SAFe ceremonies, including PI Planning, by identifying architectural enablers, sequencing dependencies, and mitigating technical risk across teams.

Evaluate vendor platforms, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software, and integration components using structured technical trade-off analyses and proof-of-concept testing.

Monitor implementation milestones to ensure delivery aligns with approved design specifications and resolve emergent technical debt or integration roadblocks.

qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

8+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering, technical systems analysis, or solution integration within complex, mission-critical enterprise environments.

Hands-on technical background working across both legacy platforms (mainframe/TPF integration) and modern distributed architectures (Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, microservices).

Practical experience designing and implementing middleware, messaging, and event-driven data flows (e.g., Apache Kafka, MQ).

Solid understanding of core non-functional requirements, including system resiliency, high availability, performance tuning, application security, and fault tolerance.

Hands-on familiarity operating within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) environment, including PI Planning and dependency tracking.

Strong communication and cross-functional facilitation skills, with a track record of translating complex technical constraints for both delivery teams and operational stakeholders.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.
At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact
Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).
This posting is open for thirty (30) days.