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# Senior Zero Trust Systems Engineer in Fort Meade, Maryland

- **Company:** Markon, LLC.
- **Location:** Fort Meade, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $240,000
- **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:** October 11, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9078652/senior-zero-trust-systems-engineer-in-fort-meade-maryland

## 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

 * 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.