Entry-Level Systems Engineer [$197k/yr] TS/SCI-FS Poly with Security Clearance
This entry-level Systems Engineer role requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph and involves leading software development teams using Agile and SAFe methodologies. The position focuses on technical planning, managing project schedules, mitigating risks, and coordinating verification, validation, and deployment activities to support mission-critical applications within the Intelligence Community.
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, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an Entry-Level Systems Engineer to support critical application development and delivery for customers in the Intelligence Community. This role requires an active Top Secret/SCI with Full-Scope Polygraph (TS/SCI-FS Poly); candidates without this clearance will not be considered. The position focuses on leading small software teams in a technical capacity, shaping application roadmaps, managing schedules, and ensuring successful verification, validation, and deployment activities.
What You’ll Do
- Directly lead and mentor software development teams, acting as a technical liaison between developers and stakeholders.
- Support creation of epics, features and product roadmaps; advise on priority and sequencing.
- Define project schedules, milestones, and governance plans to keep delivery on track.
- Apply Agile and SAFe practices to plan iterations, identify dependencies, and manage change.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks proactively.
- Coordinate verification, validation, and deployment activities across teams and environments.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders and drive iterative feedback loops.
Qualifications & Clearance Requirements
- Active Top Secret / SCI with Full-Scope Polygraph (TS/SCI-FS Poly) — required.
- Technical bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- 0+ years of relevant experience (entry-level candidates with strong technical training are encouraged).
- Familiarity with Agile and SAFe frameworks.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and an ability to work cross-functionally.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. (No employer-sponsored work visas are indicated in the source posting.)
Compensation & Employment Type
- Total compensation: $197,000 per year (tentative/posted by the source).
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Location: On-site in Savage, MD (Savage, Maryland). Relocation or other benefits are not specified in the source posting.
Preferred Skills
- Experience or coursework in systems engineering, software development lifecycle, or related disciplines.
- Hands-on experience with Agile tooling (JIRA, Confluence, or similar).
- Ability to develop and maintain project roadmaps and governance artifacts.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
About the Client
This opportunity is with Confidential Client, an organization supporting missions across the Intelligence Community. Confidential Client emphasizes integrity, teamwork, and a mission-focused culture.
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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