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# Senior System Engineer

- **Company:** Cornerstone Defense
- **Location:** Columbia, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $190,000 - $220,000
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, Information Systems, Systems Development Life Cycle, Requirements Management, Requirements Traceability, Systems Integration, Information Technology, Enterprise Integration, Cyber Warfare
- **Published:** November 14, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9314803/senior-system-engineer

## About the Role

* Minimum of 15 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or related discipline.
 * Demonstrated experience supporting DoD environments and defense contracting organizations.
 * Proven experience applying systems engineering principles to complex systems-of-systems and enterprise-scale programs.
 * Experience supporting large organizations (200-2,000 personnel) with complex technical, operational, and governance structures.
 * Expert-level proficiency with Atlassian Confluence and Jira, including dashboards, automation, requirements management, and enterprise collaboration.
 * Deep understanding of SAFe, Agile Release Trains, and Program Increment Planning.
 * Experience developing governance frameworks, technical documentation, SOPs, MFRs, ADRs, and systems engineering artifacts.
 * Strong understanding of DoD acquisition policies, lifecycle processes, and the Adaptive Acquisition Framework.
 * Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of distilling complex technical concepts for executive audiences.
 * Experience supporting USCYBERCOM, cyber mission programs, enterprise architecture initiatives, or large modernization efforts.
 * Experience with Mattermost and Confluence.

Preferred:

 * SAFe certification or formal SAFe training.
 * CISSP certification preferred but not required

## Description

Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *, Seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide strategic systems engineering, technical governance, and enterprise integration support to PAE JCWA (Joint Cyber Warfare Architecture). This highly visible SETA position serves as a trusted advisor to leadership, supporting architecture development, systems engineering governance, Agile execution, and cross-functional coordination across JCWA programs. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, process discipline, and exceptional communication skills to support complex systems-of-systems development within a DoD environment.

Core Tasks :

 * Provide strategic systems engineering, technical governance, and enterprise integration support across JCWA programs, serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
 * Collaborate with architecture and engineering teams to develop JCWA Systems Engineering documentation, Reference Designs, and governance artifacts including Charters, SOPs, MFRs, Systems Engineering Plans, ADRs, and Technical Needs.
 * Lead enterprise architecture governance, systems integration efforts, and decision-making processes while maintaining awareness of DoD and Army policies impacting engineering activities.
 * Facilitate and coordinate large-scale SAFe PI Planning events involving 900+ personnel across multiple ARTs; develop planning materials, communication guides, AARs, lessons learned, and continuous improvement initiatives.
 * Build automated workflows, dashboards, and reporting capabilities using Confluence and Jira to enhance transparency, requirements traceability, and operational effectiveness.
 * Support maturation of the JCWA Lean Agile Center of Excellence (LACE) and identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and standardization.
 * Coordinate Priority Operational Needs across Agile Release Trains to ensure alignment with operational and organizational priorities; collaborate with PMOs, Service Cyber Components, mission partners, and technical organizations.
 * Lead and support Functional Area Requirements Working Groups, improving governance, stakeholder transparency, and requirements management processes.
 * Develop executive-level dashboards and reporting products demonstrating compliance, performance, and progress toward JCWA priorities.
 * Engage routinely with senior military and civilian leaders, communicating risks, issues, mission impacts, and technical recommendations.
 * Produce strategic communications that articulate JCWA capabilities, accomplishments, operational outcomes, and mission value for executive audiences.
 * Maintain situational awareness of key JCWA issues, dependencies, risks, and provide timely recommendations, briefs, and governance documentation.
 * Manage knowledge repositories and enterprise collaboration resources using expert-level Confluence and Jira integrations.