Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer - DISA Citadel SupportFull-time Ft. Meade, MDActive Secret clearance required Referral bonus: $1,000Sign-on bonus: up to $2,500 Position OverviewWe are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to support the Defense Information Systems Agency Citadel mission. The ideal candidate will provide advanced engineering, integration, administration, and operational support for enterprise infrastructure and mission-critical systems in a secure DoD environment.This role requires a proactive engineer with deep experience in systems architecture, virtualization, automation, cybersecurity compliance, and enterprise operations. The selected candidate will work closely with government stakeholders, cybersecurity teams, network engineers, and mission partners to ensure high availability, performance, and security across the environment.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, maintain, and optimize enterprise systems infrastructure supporting DISA Citadel operationsEngineer and administer Linux server environments in classified (IL6) and unclassified (IL5) networksSupport virtualization platforms including VMware, Hyper-V, or cloud-based environmentsDevelop and maintain system documentation, architecture diagrams, SOPs, and operational proceduresPerform systems monitoring, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and root-cause analysisSupport patch management, STIG compliance, vulnerability remediation, and RMF activitiesCollaborate with cybersecurity personnel to ensure compliance with DoD security requirementsAutomate system administration and operational tasks using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or AnsibleSupport backup, disaster recovery, continuity of operations, and high-availability solutionsParticipate in system upgrades, migrations, and technology refresh initiativesProvide Tier III escalation support for complex infrastructure issuesMentor junior engineers and contribute to technical strategy and process improvement initiativesRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)8+ years of systems engineering or enterprise infrastructure experienceExperience supporting DoD or federal government environmentsStrong experience with:Red Hat Enterprise LinuxVMware vSphere/ESXi administrationActive Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group PolicyEnterprise storage and backup technologiesAutomation and scripting toolsSystems monitoring and performance managementUnderstanding of RMF, STIGs, ACAS, and DoD cybersecurity policiesActive Security+ CE or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 certificationActive Secret clearance requiredPreferred QualificationsVMware VCP, Microsoft, Red Hat, or AWS certificationsExperience with hybrid cloud environments and automation frameworksFamiliarity with DevSecOps methodologies and infrastructure-as-codeExperience supporting large-scale enterprise or mission systems within DISA environmentsKnowledge of Kubernetes, containers, or modern platform engineering conceptsDesired SkillsStrong analytical and troubleshooting abilitiesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work independently in fast-paced mission environmentsStrong customer engagement and stakeholder coordination experienceProven ability to manage competing priorities and operational deadlinesWhy Join UsSupport high-impact national defense missionsWork with cutting-edge enterprise technologiesCollaborative engineering environment with opportunities for advancementCompetitive compensation and benefits packageOpportunity to contribute directly to mission-critical DoD operations About Semper Valens Solutions:Semper Valens Solutions, Inc. (SVS) is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing Cost Effective Software and Systems Engineering, Field Support, Training and Full Life cycle Support Management to the DOD and VA community.At Semper Valens, our vision is to remain a creative, cutting edge and cost-effective