> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2025577-senior-system-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2025577-senior-system-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 System Engineer - **Company:** Cornerstone Defense - **Location:** Columbia, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $190,000.0 - $220,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, Information Systems, Systems Development Life Cycle, Requirements Management, Requirements Traceability, Systems Integration, Information Technology, Enterprise Integration, Cyber Warfare - **Published:** August 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9086382/senior-system-engineer ## About the Role * Minimum of 15 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or related discipline. * Demonstrated experience supporting DoD environments and defense contracting organizations. * Proven experience applying systems engineering principles to complex systems-of-systems and enterprise-scale programs. * Experience supporting large organizations (200-2,000 personnel) with complex technical, operational, and governance structures. * Expert-level proficiency with Atlassian Confluence and Jira, including dashboards, automation, requirements management, and enterprise collaboration. * Deep understanding of SAFe, Agile Release Trains, and Program Increment Planning. * Experience developing governance frameworks, technical documentation, SOPs, MFRs, ADRs, and systems engineering artifacts. * Strong understanding of DoD acquisition policies, lifecycle processes, and the Adaptive Acquisition Framework. * Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of distilling complex technical concepts for executive audiences. * Experience supporting USCYBERCOM, cyber mission programs, enterprise architecture initiatives, or large modernization efforts. * Experience with Mattermost and Confluence. Preferred: * SAFe certification or formal SAFe training. * CISSP certification preferred but not required ## Description Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *, Seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide strategic systems engineering, technical governance, and enterprise integration support to PAE JCWA (Joint Cyber Warfare Architecture). This highly visible SETA position serves as a trusted advisor to leadership, supporting architecture development, systems engineering governance, Agile execution, and cross-functional coordination across JCWA programs. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, process discipline, and exceptional communication skills to support complex systems-of-systems development within a DoD environment. Core Tasks : * Provide strategic systems engineering, technical governance, and enterprise integration support across JCWA programs, serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. * Collaborate with architecture and engineering teams to develop JCWA Systems Engineering documentation, Reference Designs, and governance artifacts including Charters, SOPs, MFRs, Systems Engineering Plans, ADRs, and Technical Needs. * Lead enterprise architecture governance, systems integration efforts, and decision-making processes while maintaining awareness of DoD and Army policies impacting engineering activities. * Facilitate and coordinate large-scale SAFe PI Planning events involving 900+ personnel across multiple ARTs; develop planning materials, communication guides, AARs, lessons learned, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Build automated workflows, dashboards, and reporting capabilities using Confluence and Jira to enhance transparency, requirements traceability, and operational effectiveness. * Support maturation of the JCWA Lean Agile Center of Excellence (LACE) and identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and standardization. * Coordinate Priority Operational Needs across Agile Release Trains to ensure alignment with operational and organizational priorities; collaborate with PMOs, Service Cyber Components, mission partners, and technical organizations. * Lead and support Functional Area Requirements Working Groups, improving governance, stakeholder transparency, and requirements management processes. * Develop executive-level dashboards and reporting products demonstrating compliance, performance, and progress toward JCWA priorities. * Engage routinely with senior military and civilian leaders, communicating risks, issues, mission impacts, and technical recommendations. * Produce strategic communications that articulate JCWA capabilities, accomplishments, operational outcomes, and mission value for executive audiences. * Maintain situational awareness of key JCWA issues, dependencies, risks, and provide timely recommendations, briefs, and governance documentation. * Manage knowledge repositories and enterprise collaboration resources using expert-level Confluence and Jira integrations. ## Related Videos - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [42 x 2 Canvases Later: Two Years, Two Minds, Many Lessons](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1458-42-x-2-canvases-later-two-years-two-minds-many-lessons) - [A Founder's Journey : From Startup Chaos to Purposeful Growth](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1926-a-founder-s-journey-from-startup-chaos-to-purposeful-growth) - [Organizational Change Through The Power Of Why - DevSecOps Enablement](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/478-organizational-change-through-the-power-of-why-devsecops-enablement) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Events like RSAC Get You CISOs. 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