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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Systems Engineer 3 - **Company:** Columbia Technology Partners - **Location:** Annapolis Junction, MD, United States - **Salary:** $190,000.0 - $225,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Bash Shell, Configuration Management, Signals Intelligence, Distributed Systems, Perl (Programming Language), Interoperability, Performance Tuning, Software Systems, Systems Integration, Reliability of Systems, Information Technology, Deployment Automation - **Published:** June 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=a75446bec74fcf1f ## About the Role Do you have experience in Validation design?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, * Minimum of twenty (20) years of Systems Engineering experience supporting programs of comparable size, scope, and complexity. * Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline; five (5) additional years of relevant Systems Engineering experience may substitute for a degree. * Demonstrated experience integrating, sustaining, or supporting large-scale analytic, SIGINT, or mission processing systems (e.g., XKEYSCORE or equivalent) in high-availability, secure environments., * U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. CTP is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. * Certification Requirements: + DOD 8570 Certification This position requires an active Security Clearance with appropriate Polygraph. ## Description The Principal Systems Engineer functions as a senior technical authority responsible for architecting, integrating, and sustaining large-scale, packet-based hardware and software systems in secure, mission-critical environments. This role leads end-to-end system lifecycle activities leveraging COTS and GOTS technologies to support high-throughput analytic platforms, including XKEYSCORE and comparable distributed processing systems. The position provides advanced technical leadership across integration, automation, performance optimization, and operational sustainment while ensuring compliance with classified system standards., * Architect, integrate, test, deploy, and sustain packet-based hardware and software systems utilizing COTS and GOTS solutions in large-scale distributed environments supporting XKEYSCORE or similar mission platforms. * Lead end-to-end systems integration across compute, storage, network, and software components to ensure interoperability, scalability, resilience, and optimized analytic performance. * Develop and execute system integration, validation, verification, and deployment strategies to ensure operational readiness and compliance with technical and mission requirements. * Design, maintain, and enhance BASH and PERL automation scripts to support system provisioning, configuration management, and lifecycle maintenance of core servers and clustered computing environments. * Drive automation initiatives and process improvements to improve system reliability, efficiency, and long-term maintainability across distributed infrastructures. * Provide senior-level technical leadership and advanced troubleshooting support, including system upgrades, patching, performance tuning, and lifecycle sustainment in operational settings. * Deliver technical training and mentorship to administrators, operators, and engineering teams while enforcing security, compliance, and configuration management requirements for classified systems., Our salary ranges are based on the following key factors: * Job Role and Responsibilities: The specific duties and responsibilities associated with each role form the foundation of our compensation structure. * Market Research and Industry Benchmarks: We conduct regular analysis of market trends and salaries across our industry, using reliable compensation data to ensure we stay competitive. * Experience and Qualifications: An individual's experience, education, certifications, and specialized skills all contribute to determining their position within a salary range. * Location: Salary ranges may be adjusted based on geographic cost of living, in accordance with local and national standards. * Company Performance: Our compensation practices also take into account overall company performance and financial health, ensuring that we maintain sustainability while rewarding our team. ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Rethinking Intelligence: AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Inclusive Work - Artur Ortega](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1377-rethinking-intelligence-ai-accessibility-and-the-future-of-inclusive-work-artur-ortega) - [From Bedside Beeps to Interoperable Bytes – Getting your medical devices ready to talk the IEEE 11073 language](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/771-from-bedside-beeps-to-interoperable-bytes-getting-your-medical-devices-ready-to-talk-the-ieee-11073-language) - [Old tools, new tricks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1916-old-tools-new-tricks) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [Building Systems that Last](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1389-building-systems-that-last) ## Related Articles - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)