> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1955305-senior-zero-trust-systems-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1955305-senior-zero-trust-systems-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Senior Zero Trust Systems Engineer

- **Company:** Markon, LLC.
- **Location:** Fort Meade, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $240,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Cyber Security, Information Systems Security Architecture Professional, Zero Trust Network Access, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Trusted Systems, Cyber Warfare, Vulnerability Analysis
- **Published:** August 6, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9078652/senior-zero-trust-systems-engineer

## About the Role

* 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

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-69efba14-e104-832e-9250-eb6b1ebc82a5-2" data-turn-id-container="request-69efba14-e104-832e-9250-eb6b1ebc82a5-2" data-testid="conversation-turn-312" data-turn="assistant">

 * 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.

## Description

* 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.


## Related Videos

- [Trust Issues: Because Zero-Trust Isn’t Optional Anymore](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100089-trust-issues-because-zero-trust-isn-t-optional-anymore)
- [Security Challenges of Breaking A Monolith](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/362-security-challenges-of-breaking-a-monolith)
- [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats)
- [Real-world Threat Modeling](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/936-real-world-threat-modeling)
- [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure)
- [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers)

## Related Articles

- [Events like RSAC Get You CISOs. Developers Decide What Actually Gets Deployed.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/693-events-like-rsac-get-you-cisos-developers-decide-what-actually-gets-deployed)
- [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking)
- [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing)
- [The Overflow: Security and Privacy](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/715-the-overflow-security-and-privacy)
- [What Makes WeAreDevelopers World Congress Different From Every Other Tech Event?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/701-what-makes-wearedevelopers-world-congress-different-from-every-other-tech-event)
- [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers)