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# Application Engineer IV - Systems Focus

- **Company:** Black Eagle Defense
- **Location:** Fort Meade, MD, United States
- **Salary:** $190,000.0 - $247,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Amazon Web Services, Systems Engineering, Cloud Engineering, Configuration Management, Software Documentation, CompTIA Security+, System Configuration, Continuous Availability, Linux System Administration, Linux Servers, Ansible, Zero Trust Network Access, Virtual Machines, VMware Virtualization, Enterprise Software Applications, Saltstack, Infrastructure Automation Frameworks, Information Technology
- **Published:** August 29, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9126596/application-engineer-iv-systems-focus

## About the Role

QUALIFICATIONS Ph.D. plus Four (4) years of experience, a Master's degree plus Six (6) years of experience, a Bachelor's degree plus Eight (8) years of experience, or an Associate's degree plus Ten (10) years of professional experience is acceptable. Twelve (12) years of relevant experience is acceptable if the candidate does not possess a degree., Qualified candidates must demonstrate a combination of at least two (2) of the following technical competencies:

 * Proficiency in Linux system administration
 * Hands-on experience with VMware virtualization environments
 * Experience managing cloud infrastructure and virtual machines (e.g., AWS, VMs)
 * Familiarity with Zero Trust security architectures and framework implementations
 * Demonstrated experience patching, upgrading, and hardening Linux servers
 * Working knowledge of automation and configuration management tools such as Ansible or SaltStack

CERTIFICATIONS & TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES A CompTIA Security+ certification is required.

## Description

DUTIES As a successful candidate for the Application Engineer IV role, you will apply system administration and systems engineering principles to support the security, integrity, and operational health of enterprise systems. In this role, you will lead system lockdown and cybersecurity hardening efforts while collaborating with cross-functional groups across the organization to identify and mitigate compliance issues. You will also evaluate existing system configurations, review operational techniques, and support ongoing system maintenance to ensure all infrastructure remains secure, compliant, and fully operational., * Monitor the health, performance, and operational status of enterprise IT systems and security tool suites

 * Maintain, patch, upgrade, and refresh infrastructure resources to ensure continuous availability and operational readiness
 * Implement system lockdowns, baseline hardening standards, and access control policies across operating environments
 * Analyze security vulnerabilities and compliance deficiencies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to remediate technical risks
 * Utilize scripting and automation techniques to streamline system administration and configuration management processes
 * Research and evaluate commercial and government security solutions to address technical gaps and enhance system security postures
 * Prepare configuration management plans, technical change proposals, and system documentation to support security compliance
 * Coordinate testing, integration, and deployment activities with internal stakeholders and external interface owners
 * Support enterprise security frameworks and compliance controls to protect systems against unauthorized access and operational degradation


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