Cybersecurity Systems Engineer (Entry Level to SME) TS/SCI with Poly REQUIRED
The Cybersecurity Systems Engineer at Confidential Client supports the national security mission by maintaining and securing IT infrastructure through configuration, monitoring, and incident response. This role spans entry-level to subject matter expert responsibilities, including system hardening, vulnerability management, security architecture design, and leadership in compliance and risk management. The position offers a hybrid work model and requires an active TS/SCI with Poly clearance, emphasizing collaboration, advanced technical skills, and continuous learning in a fast-paced environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Cyber Security (Defense & Intelligence).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This role is for a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer supporting defense/intelligence missions at multiple seniority levels (Entry → SME). You will join a confidential client team that secures mission systems and infrastructure, performs threat detection and response, and supports compliance and engineering across on-prem and cloud environments.
Primary responsibilities (vary by level):
- Entry / Junior
- Assist with day-to-day security operations: monitoring, basic incident support, and vulnerability scanning.
- Maintain and update endpoint and network security controls (AV, EDR, firewalls).
- Produce clear technical documentation and support patching and remediation workflows.
- Mid
- Configure and administer SIEM, EDR, identity, and network security tools.
- Integrate security into CI/CD pipelines and automate routine security tasks.
- Perform code analysis (SAST/DAST), threat hunting, and lead root-cause investigations.
- Senior / SME
- Architect secure solutions across infrastructure, cloud, and application layers; design zero-trust and IaC-based deployments.
- Lead RMF/authorization activities, conduct attack-surface analyses, and drive remediation priorities.
- Mentor engineering staff, lead incident response and forensic activities, and automate complex security workflows.
Who We're Looking For
Minimum and preferred qualifications vary by level. All candidates must have an active TS/SCI with Poly clearance (required).
General requirements:
- Active TS/SCI with polygraph (required).
- Demonstrated experience or training appropriate to the level (education + years of relevant work experience accepted per level).
- Strong foundational knowledge of networking (TCP/IP), host and OS security (Windows, Linux), and common security tooling (SIEM, EDR, vulnerability scanners).
- Scripting/automation experience (Python, PowerShell, Bash) for mid to SME levels.
- Familiarity with cloud security (AWS/Azure), DevSecOps practices, and configuration management.
Education & certification examples by level (examples from source):
- Entry: HS/GED with experience OR Associates/Bachelor per the level rules; foundational certs (CompTIA Security+, Network+).
- Junior/Mid: Relevant degrees/years of experience and mid-level certs (CCNA, cloud certs).
- Senior/SME: Advanced certifications (CISSP, CISM, DoD 8570/8140 baselines), demonstrated RMF/NIST/SP 800-53 or DoD/IC framework experience.
We will evaluate each applicant against the responsibilities and qualifications for the target level they apply to.
Location & Clearance
- Work location: Fort Myer, VA (Fort Myer / Arlington area). A hybrid working model is acceptable as defined by our confidential client.
- Clearance: Active TS/SCI with Poly is required prior to start. Candidates must be eligible to maintain required clearances and complete any background checks and onboarding investigations.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range (U.S. estimate): $89,600.00 - $204,000.00 per year.
- Benefits (may include): medical/dental/vision plans, 401(k) matching, paid time off, parental leave, tuition assistance, wellness programs, and other client-specific benefits. Final compensation depends on level, experience, and security requirements.
Why Work With Our Client
- Work on high-impact defense and intelligence missions using modern security engineering practices.
- Collaborative, outcome-driven teams with opportunities to grow technically and lead.
- Competitive pay and benefits and a strong focus on professional development and clearances-based career paths.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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