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.
Key Responsibilities:- 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.
Qualifications:- 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.
Requirements: - 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:
This position requires an active Security Clearance with appropriate Polygraph.About us:Founded in 2007, Columbia Technology Partners is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business with a specialization in technology and management consulting committed to solving intricate and sensitive technology issues facing corporations and federal agencies. Since its inception, CTP has been instrumental in the technical design, engineering development, operational deployment, and support of key systems. With a proven track record in information security, project management, systems/network engineering, security risk management, vulnerability assessments, and mobile security implementation; our employees have the experience, expertise, and innovative thinking our customers need for results that exceed expectations. CTP staff have worked closely with both government engineers and management to gather mission requirements, develop the architecture to deliver the needed functionality and assess tools available to meet or exceed the needs of the mission.
At Columbia Technology Partners (CTP), we are united in being the best that we can be as individuals, but our core belief is that we can be better together. Together we will take on each mission with an execution process that authentically represents who we are. Our success relies on our team values, the foundation we built around them, and the Partners we become along the way.
That's why our pay is competitive, our missions are critical, and our benefits
represent what matters most to CTP:
Our People.Salary Range TransparencyAt Columbia Technology Partners we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. We believe in creating a work environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and rewarded for their contributions.
How We Determine Salary RangesOur 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.
Really good benefits, for really GREAT people:From our CTP Family to yours, we know how important these decisions are. Your benefits are about
you, not us. Tell us what you need in order to see a future at CTP; let's get where you're going,
together.
Medical: CTP offers 3 superior plans, bringing our employees both in-network and out-of-network options.
Vision + Dental: Both free to you + paid in
full by CTP.
Retirement: 401k - 6% company contribution
PTO + Leave: A work life balance is extremely important to our team here at CTP, which is why our paid time off plans are so lucrative. Offering customizable leave plans to meet your needs is just one of our many perks! Jury Duty, Bereavement + Military Leave provided.
Career Growth: Up to $10,000 provided for approved career-related learning, training, education, and/or tuition.
Life and AD&D Insurance/Short-Term & Long-Term Disability: More peace of mind, at zero cost to you.
Profit Sharing Bonus: End of year cash gets added to your bottom-line.
Referral Bonus Program: Our tiered program provides an incentive with each stage of the hiring process your referral passes. Our bonuses range from $7,000-$20,000, if your referral joins the team.
Columbia Technology Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. Our EEO policy reflects our commitment to ensure equality and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Our policy applies to all employees, job candidates, contractors, stakeholders, partners, and visitors.
CTP was voted one of the top 25 best places to work in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine! 
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