Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

BAE Systems · Springfield · $118,095–$200,762 (stated in the posting)

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Network & Application Support Engineer to join our team in support of a critical, long-standing contract with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). This role offers a unique balance between maintaining the stability of legacy systems and driving the innovation of new capabilities.

The ideal candidate will be deeply customer-focused, ensuring all technical deliverables align with the NGA’s operational mission and strategic goals. While you will enter an environment with established stability and a deep institutional knowledge base, the evolving needs of the NGA ensure the work remains challenging and forward-looking. This dual-function role encompasses both the engineering of sophisticated enterprise computing infrastructure and the critical 24/7 operational sustainment of customer applications.

The successful candidate will provide engineering services for network infrastructure—including cloud services, containerized solutions, and virtualized applications—while ensuring the day-to-day stability of customer applications and segment interfaces. This role interfaces directly with engineering resources across multiple facilities and serves as the high-level technical escalation point for complex system anomalies. This position offers significant growth potential, providing a pathway to transition from a technical expert into a leadership role as you help shape the future of geospatial intelligence capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Infrastructure Engineering & Optimization
- Cloud & Virtualization: Build and manage VPCs with Linux VMs using commercial cloud providers (eg. AWS), configuring them as network appliances and ensuring they meet strict cybersecurity standards.
- Network Hardening: Configure and harden network hardware, including firewalls, switches, routers, and IPS, as well as Linux OS in both cloud and physical environments.
- Architecture Support: Provide expertise in core infrastructure, voice/video engineering, network analytics, and bandwidth service delivery.

Operations & Application Sustainment
- Mission Support: Provide critical 24x7 mission support, monitoring customer applications and investigating segment interfaces to minimize operational impacts.
- Triage & Resolution: Perform initial assessment, research, and technical assistance for hardware and software issues; isolate problems and implement permanent solutions.
- Incident Management: Respond to technical requests via phone, email, or in person; log all interactions and track resolutions following standard help desk procedures and CONOPS.
- SME Escalation: Act as a primary point of contact for problem escalation with vendors, factories, and other site Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
- Reporting: Prepare daily operational status briefings and maintain up-to-date knowledge of all system changes and updates.
- Customer Engagement: Foster a collaborative relationship with the Customer to identify pain points and propose proactive technical solutions.
- Strategic Planning: Contribute to the long-term technical roadmap of the contract, identifying opportunities for modernization and efficiency gains.

Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and the nature of this role, this position is performed 100% full-time on-site at a BAE Systems customer facility. Due to the 24x7 mission requirement, the candidate must be able to provide independent troubleshooting and resolution during after-hours and weekends (Call-in support).

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field
Hold an active/current Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain an SCI clearance with Counter Intelligence (CI) Polygraph
Applicant must be able to obtain and maintain the CompTIA Security+ certification or equivalent
Experience in the field of cybersecurity
Experience troubleshooting computer systems, hardware and software issues
Experience with Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux preferred) and PostgreSQL or other relational databases
Working knowledge of Xen Orchestra and hypervisor technology
Strong oral and written communications skills
Technical writing skills: capable of creating and modifying engineering documentation
Ability to take initiative, multi-task and work well under pressure

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Hold an active/current Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance with CI polygraph
Master’s degree in computer science or computer engineering
Working experience with NGA GEOINT Data Types and Products
Active CompTIA Security+ Certification
Expert-level experience with Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux preferred) and PostgreSQL or other relational databases
Expert-level knowledge of Xen Orchestra and hypervisor technology
Experience deploying internet network infrastructure and a thorough understanding of the customer's core appliances and services

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

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