Job#: 3024453 Job Description: Systems Engineer - Team LeadSan Diego, CA (Onsite)Secret or Top Secret Clearance required
Description Windows Systems Engineer with IL6 cloud and DevSecOps expertise. This is not a traditional "Windows systems admin" role. We are looking for a hands-on senior engineer who thrives in secure cloud environments, understands automation-first infrastructure, and wants to play a visible leadership role on a high-impact DoD mission.
You will serve as both a technical leader and operational team lead, working directly with the Government customer to ensure mission systems remain secure, resilient, and continuously improving.
This role provides technical leadership and coordination only, it does not include HR, disciplinary, or performance management authority.
Key Responsibilities: Engineer and Secure Mission Infrastructure
- Design, engineer, and sustain Windows Server environments within classified IL6 cloud architectures.
- Support and optimize infrastructure in Azure Government Secret, AWS GovCloud Secret, or equivalent IL6 platforms.
- Implement and maintain automation-first infrastructure using scripting and Infrastructure-as-Code principles.
- Harden systems in accordance with DISA STIGs, RMF controls, and DoD cybersecurity policies.
- Support containerized workloads and platform services operating within secure DevSecOps pipelines.
- Integrate Windows systems into CI/CD workflows, GitOps processes, and secure build pipelines.
- Support vulnerability management, patch automation, and security validation processes.
- Ensure high availability, backup integrity, and continuity of mission systems.
- Troubleshoot across compute, storage, identity, network, and cloud layers
- Serve as Team Lead (Operational Leadership)
- Act as the primary day-to-day technical interface with the Government customer.
- Translate mission priorities into actionable engineering tasks.
- Coordinate daily activities across the engineering team.
- Ensure task alignment, delivery tracking, and clear communication.
- Facilitate routine coordination (task assignments, reporting inputs, timecard reminders).
- Identify risks and escalate issues proactively.
Note: This position provides technical and operational leadership only. It does not include hiring, firing, performance reviews, or disciplinary authority.
RequirementsClearance LevelSecret
CertificationsIAT II (one of the following)
CySA+
CompTIA Security+
CCNA - Security
GICSP
GSEC
SSCP
Required Qualifications: 10+ years of relevant experience; senior-level role with exposure to complex tasks.
Skills & Competencies: Experience operating within DoD cybersecurity frameworks (RMF, STIG compliance).
Experience integrating Windows infrastructure into DevOps/DevSecOps workflows.
Strong scripting ability (PowerShell required; Python or Bash a plus).
Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams in customer-facing environments.
Preferred Experience- Kubernetes or OpenShift platform exposure.
- Experience in restricted classified environments.
- Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM, Ansible, etc.).
- Experience with container security and image hardening.
- Microsoft cloud certifications (Azure Government focus).
- Cloud security or advanced cybersecurity certifications.
Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.
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