Entry Level Software Systems Engineer
The Entry Level Software Systems Engineer at Confidential Client supports U.S. Navy surface ship systems by designing, configuring, and integrating software solutions within an agile team environment. Responsibilities include containerization, automation scripting, manual testing, debugging, and technical documentation to ensure robust, secure, and scalable infrastructure. The role emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement through AI tools, and adherence to cybersecurity and systems engineering principles in a fully on-site setting.
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, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Entry Level Software Systems Engineer to join an on-site engineering team supporting surface-ship systems. You will help design, configure, integrate, test, and document software and systems in production-like lab environments that support mission-critical naval systems.
- This is a full-time, on-site position in Orchard Heights, WA.
- Department of Defense Secret security clearance is preferred at time of hire. Applicants will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
What You’ll Do
- Package, deploy, and maintain containerized applications and delivery pipelines (examples: Zarf, Docker, Kubernetes-style tools).
- Build and maintain automation and CI/CD scripts (Bash, PowerShell, GitLab CI/CD) to streamline integration and deployments.
- Configure and secure server and VM environments (Linux, Windows Server, VMware, Proxmox).
- Perform manual integration testing and debugging in production-like lab environments; identify, document, and track defects to resolution.
- Produce clear technical documentation, integration reports, and dashboards; contribute to web-based docs (HTML familiarity helpful).
- Communicate professionally with internal teams and customer stakeholders via email and collaboration tools; maintain Jira and Confluence records to customer-visible standards.
- Apply AI-assisted tools where appropriate to improve engineering workflows, testing efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Engineering, Science, Math, or equivalent.
- Foundational understanding of software integration concepts and multi-component system debugging.
- Working knowledge of Linux and/or Windows server environments and basic administration.
- Familiarity or aptitude with scripting (Bash, PowerShell) and automation frameworks (Ansible).
- Exposure to containerization concepts and CI/CD pipelines (GitLab preferred).
- Strong written communication and documentation skills; attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in an Agile team using Jira and Confluence.
- Foundational awareness of cybersecurity and vulnerability management.
Preferred / Nice-to-Have
- Experience with Zarf, Docker, Kubernetes, or similar container tooling.
- Experience designing, configuring, and securing virtual machines (VMware, Proxmox).
- Familiarity with one or more application languages/frameworks useful for debugging (Java, Vue.js, .NET MAUI, Go).
- CompTIA Security+ (or ability to obtain).
- Prior experience in systems engineering, IT support, vulnerability scanning, or DevSecOps contexts.
- Demonstrated ability to apply AI/ML tooling to engineering tasks.
Compensation & Benefits
- Combined salary range: USD $77,843 - USD $86,358 per year (typical range; actual pay may vary based on experience and other factors).
- Competitive benefits including 401(k) matching, healthcare, paid parental leave, wellness programs, and employee resource groups.
- Flexible schedules available (9/80 schedule with every other Friday off, if desired).
- Career development, training, and research-oriented work with experienced teams.
Workplace & Location
- This position is fully on-site. While on-site, you will be part of the Orchard Heights, WA team.
- Careertakes may share your application with this Confidential Client and may provide access to other matched opportunities via the platform.
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.
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