Systems Engineer SME

Job Description

Systems Engineer SME

Chantilly, VA, United States (On-site)

Job Title: Systems Engineer SME

Job Code: IT1323

Location: Chantilly, VA

Reports to: Program Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisory: Supervisory responsibilities

Prepared Date: 11/9/2026

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

This position requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Position Summary:

Cherokee Preting is seeking an Engineering Tech Lead to support our government client. The Engineering Tech Lead will support existing systems and provide guidance to build new technologies.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting Salary Range for Systems Engineer SME: $185,000 - $250,000

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security

Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage

Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options

Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options

Professional development, training, and certification support

Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn't just a promise, it's part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes the following:

Develop new policies and integrate them into an enterprise service

Participate in deployment/administration of tools and integration testing

Lead team of database developers, systems engineers, software developers, cybersecurity engineers, test engineers, who develop custom user interfaces and rest services to management digital policies, assist in installation, deployment, and maintenance of products

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervisory responsibilities

Basic Qualifications:

Technical & Systems Support:

Experience with IdAM/ICAM delivery systems, Authentication, Authorization, Attributes

Prior experience in a Systems Engineer role providing requirements and system interface analysis for enterprise scale development project

Experience developing and maintaining interface control documents between components in an enterprise operational system

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:

Strong communication between development team and stakeholders on intent of the requirements and user stories

Hands on experience with the customer's A&A process to achieve system approval

Additional Responsibilities:

Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 16 years of experience OR Master's Degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience

Experience with Cloud/Amazon Web Services

Experience translating user requirements into agile sprint stories and acceptance criteria that is achievable within each sprint

Experience with the security accreditation process

Experience with agile project management methodologies, including managing product backlogs

This position requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.

Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with requirements management on a program interacting with and supporting multiple customers

Experience as a Scrum Master

Experience with the XACTA security accreditation tool

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information:

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Preting, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it's needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won't, and deliver where it counts. If that's the kind of work you're looking for, you've found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-SM1 #IntelCareers

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

In accordance with Virginia's pay transparency requirements, the estimated annual salary range for this position is $185,000 - $250,000. Actual compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at