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# Principal Systems Engineer/SME

- **Company:** Leidos, Inc.
- **Location:** Fort Meade, MD, United States
- **Salary:** $154,050 - $278,475
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computing Platforms, Systems Engineering, Bash Shell, Configuration Management, Signals Intelligence, Cyber Security, Computer Networks, System Configuration, Perl (Programming Language), Interoperability, Network Administration, Performance Tuning, Software Systems, Systems Integration, Web Analytics, Reliability of Systems, Information Technology, Deployment Automation
- **Published:** October 29, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-systems-engineer-sme-fort-george-g-meade-md--6394fba4-9874-416a-8905-f081926792e9

## About the Role

Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, Cryptography, Computer Networks, Network Administration/Management, Analysis Skills, Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), Web Analytics, Computer Operations, Computer Security, * Minimum of twenty (20) years of Systems Engineering experience on programs/contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.

 * Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline related to Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Five (5) additional years of Systems Engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
 * Security Clearance requirement: Active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.

## Description

The Principal Systems Engineer serves as a senior technical authority leading the design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems utilizing Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) products. This role drives end-to-end systems integration across hardware, software, and network components to ensure seamless interoperability, operational performance, and mission success across a complex technical landscape., * Lead the design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems leveraging COTS and GOTS products.

 * Direct end-to-end systems integration across hardware, software, and network components to ensure interoperability, scalability, and optimized performance.
 * Develop and execute system integration plans, validation and verification procedures, and deployment strategies to ensure operational readiness and requirements compliance.
 * Develop, update, and maintain BASH and PERL scripts to automate system setup, configuration, and maintenance of core servers and clustered computing environments.
 * Implement automation initiatives and process improvements to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and long-term maintainability.
 * Provide senior-level technical leadership, advanced troubleshooting, and lifecycle sustainment support, including system upgrades, patching, and performance tuning.
 * Deliver training and technical guidance to administrators, operators, and cross-functional engineering teams while ensuring adherence to security and configuration management standards.