Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

Department: Data Analysis and Technology Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chantilly, VA

Compensation: $130,000 - $260,000 / year

Description

REQUIRED: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
LOCATION: Full-time, onsite in Chantilly, VA

We are hiring for a Systems Engineer with the technical depth and systems-thinking mindset to design, secure, and optimize complex IT infrastructures across modern cloud environments. In this role, you will architect and deploy scalable, reliable, and secure solutions in AWS and Azure, ensuring mission-critical systems operate with precision and resilience. You will lead efforts in system security and compliance, implementing safeguards, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and supporting accreditation activities such as ATO and ATD under established NIST frameworks.

Who We Are:
Ardent Principles delivers cutting-edge capabilities across data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management. We thrive at the intersection of mission, technology, and innovation.

Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence
At Ardent Principles, we don't just offer jobs-we build careers rooted in purpose. Our competitive salary ranges and industry-leading benefits are designed to support long-term stability, growth, and overall well-being. We're committed to creating an environment where talented people can do their best work and feel valued while doing it.

Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high-impact solutions.

Key Responsibilities

In this challenging yet rewarding role as a Systems Engineer, you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life. You must have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience in and/or with:

• System engineering, managing, and optimizing complex IT systems and infrastructure, particularly within cloud environments such as Azure and AWS.
• Architecting and deploying solutions within cloud platforms, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
• System security, including implementation of security measures and conducting comprehensive risk assessments.
• Securing systems in compliance with established guidelines, e.g., NIST standards, including experience with compliance and accreditation processes such as Authority to Operate (ATO) and Authorization to Deploy (ATD).
• Data management, including secure data transfer and ingestion, as well as handling large-scale data sets while maintaining high standards of data integrity and security.
• Using data orchestration and lifecycle management tools to optimize data processes and integration across various platforms.
• Presenting and translating complex technical information into clear and concise language for diverse audiences.
• Working with or familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts, demonstrating exposure to related integration methodologies in systems engineering.
• Developing and maintaining secure communications channels and network infrastructure to support mission-critical operations.

Highly Desired Qualifications

Other skills and demonstrated experiences that are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work, include:

• Assessment and Authorization (A&A) processes, including familiarity with the steps required to secure and maintain system accreditations and authorizations.
• Participating in security assessments and contributing to the development of assessment artifacts and documentation.
• Python scripting for automation, system management tasks, and developing custom scripts to streamline operations within complex IT environments.
• Windows PowerShell scripting for automating administrative tasks, managing systems, and maintaining secure configurations across multiple platforms.
• Strong communication skills, with demonstrated experience working effectively with cross-functional teams, including both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What We Offer You

• Highly Competitive Salary: Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Providing ample time for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Dedicated Training Budget: Supporting continuous learning and professional development.
• 100% Employer-Covered Family Vision, Dental, and Health Insurance: Ensuring comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• 100% Employer-Covered Life and Disability Insurance: Offering financial security and peace of mind.
• 401(k) Plan with a 6% Employer Match: Helping you plan and save for a secure retirement, with 100% vesting from day one.
• 11 Paid Government Holidays: Observing national holidays to ensure time off with family and friends.
• Spot Bonuses for Exceptional Performance: Rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements.

SCHEDULE:

This is a full-time position with consultants expected to be available and working onsite in Chantilly, VA during core hours.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to driving positive change through technology. Apply now with our easy 3-minute, mobile-friendly initial application process. Your future starts here!