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# Principal Systems Engineer/SME

- **Company:** Leidos, Inc.
- **Location:** Fort Meade, MD, United States
- **Salary:** $154,050.0 - $278,475.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computing Platforms, Systems Engineering, Bash Shell, Configuration Management, Computer Networks, System Configuration, Perl (Programming Language), Interoperability, Performance Tuning, Software Systems, Systems Integration, Reliability of Systems, Information Technology, Deployment Automation
- **Published:** July 23, 2026
- **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/873C238FA66D40A49ACA6B47DFC16690/job/

## About the Role

* Minimum of twenty (20) years of Systems Engineering experience on programs/contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
 * Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline related to Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Five (5) additional years of Systems Engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
 * Security Clearance requirement: Active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.

## Description

The Principal Systems Engineer serves as a senior technical authority leading the design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems utilizing Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) products. This role drives end-to-end systems integration across hardware, software, and network components to ensure seamless interoperability, operational performance, and mission success across a complex technical landscape., * Lead the design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems leveraging COTS and GOTS products.

 * Direct end-to-end systems integration across hardware, software, and network components to ensure interoperability, scalability, and optimized performance.
 * Develop and execute system integration plans, validation and verification procedures, and deployment strategies to ensure operational readiness and requirements compliance.
 * Develop, update, and maintain BASH and PERL scripts to automate system setup, configuration, and maintenance of core servers and clustered computing environments.
 * Implement automation initiatives and process improvements to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and long-term maintainability.
 * Provide senior-level technical leadership, advanced troubleshooting, and lifecycle sustainment support, including system upgrades, patching, and performance tuning.
 * Deliver training and technical guidance to administrators, operators, and cross-functional engineering teams while ensuring adherence to security and configuration management standards.


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