Systems Engineer (Ground Processing) with Security Clearance

Shadowgate Partners is seeking a Systems Engineer for our client. This is a fully funded position with the client serving as prime on the contract, available for immediate start. This role is 100% onsite at the client's facility either in Fairfax, VA or Denver, CO. Support ground processing system development to satisfy evolving mission requirements (e.g., modern communications signals) and ground architecture requirements (e.g., resiliency) for a container orchestration and edge processing framework deployed across multiple government sites. The framework provides an operationally supported orchestration environment enabling DevSecOps pipelines for Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery/Deployment, and Continuous Operations, driving rapid software/hardware updates with reduced transition timelines and cost. Responsibilities - Investigate and implement agile software development and deployment techniques to modernize current systems; e.g., containerize components, Kubernetes orchestration
- Interact with developers and the customer within a weekly/monthly/quarterly rhythm to plan and execute agile processes; e.g., define Jira epics and stories, assign story points, assess progress toward objectives
- Perform trade studies and conduct demonstrations to improve architecture resiliency
- Develop prototype tools
- Document system architecture, interfaces, CONOPs, trade study plans and results
- Create Confluence pages summarizing Jira roadmaps, key technical capabilities, and detailed plans Required Skills and Experience - Familiar with Cloud Native Compute Foundation (CNCF) offerings and how they facilitate application deployment in on-premises or cloud environments
- Experience with Linux systems usage and administration
- At least 10 years performing technical systems engineering tasks and/or software development
- At least 5 years working on programs in the Intelligence Community
- Familiarity with ground processing systems
- Ability and desire to work independently; i.e., adapt tasking to fulfill needs as they evolve
- Proven capability to learn complex systems and perform engineering tasks to improve them Desired Skills and Experience - Master's degree in Computer Science or Engineering
- Experience with Kubernetes and related containerization technologies and managing clusters (Docker, Helm, k9s)
- Experience and familiarity with DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure-as-code (Ansible, Terraform, Puppet)
- Proficiency or experience with at least one scripting/programming language such as Python, Bash, VBA, or Go
- Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices for cloud-native and on-premises deployments, PKI, container security scanning, and zero-trust principles
- Experience configuring and monitoring a suite of logging tools (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack, OpenSearch)
- Basic understanding of networking fundamentals (routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs) and secure communications in distributed computing systems
- Proven leadership skills and the ability to nurture productive relationships with customers
- Strong knowledge of NRO Ground systems
- Expertise in SIGINT tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and/or dissemination
- Strong Jira and Confluence skills; facilitate technical and programmatic information sharing across the program and with the customer Security Clearance TS/SCI with the ability to obtain a CI polygraph after start. Salary Range $120,000 - $220,000 Benefits Our Client offers an incredible benefits package including a 25% 401(k) company contribution, an additional 25% Individual Benefits Account (IBA) contribution covering health insurance premiums, 8 weeks of PTO, and 100% tuition and books reimbursement.