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# Principal Systems Operations Engineer

- **Company:** RTX
- **Location:** Springfield, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $107,500.0 - $204,500.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Databases, Continuous Delivery, Continuous Integration, Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, Oracle (Applications), Systems Development Life Cycle, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Systems Integration, Cloud Platform System, System Availability, Performance Monitor, Vulnerability Analysis, Programming Languages
- **Published:** October 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9277882/principal-systems-operations-engineer

## About the Role

* Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience

 * Experience in systems engineering, particularly in operations and maintenance environments

 * Experience troubleshooting complex systems, analyzing operational anomalies, and supporting system recovery

 * Experience working independently, exercising sound technical judgment, and resolving complex technical issues

 * Active and transferable U.S. government-issued DoD TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

 * Experience working in a Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) environment

 * Experience in satellite ground system development or operations

 * Experience in relevant project domains, such as mission management ground systems or space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms

 * Experience working in Linux environments, particularly Red Hat, Experience with programming languages such as Java, C++, or Python

 * Experience with cloud environments and modern infrastructure, Experience with Oracle or similar database technologies

## Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Operations Engineer supporting one of our premier programs within Raytheon, an RTX Business, in the Space Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (SISR) business unit. As part of the Systems Integration and Test (SI&T) organization, your expertise in system operations, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and collaboration with contractors and government personnel will be critical to mission success. You will support operational readiness, system availability, anomaly resolution, baseline installations, and the resolution of complex operational issues in a mission-critical environment. The work is on-site in Springfield, VA.

What You Will Do

 * Lead and coordinate baseline installations in operational environments

 * Monitor, track, analyze, and report system availability and performance metrics

 * Troubleshoot complex operational issues, resolve anomalies, and lead system recovery efforts

 * Generate weekly, monthly, and ad hoc system availability and performance reports

 * Represent the program in technical exchange meetings and customer briefings

 * Lead efforts to resolve systems engineering, integration, and operational issues

 * Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams, contractors, and government personnel to plan and execute operational activities

 * Monitor, track, and manage operational workloads to support mission requirements

 * Provide technical guidance and backup support to technical leadership during meetings and briefings

 * Support 24/7 operations, including off-hours call-in as needed