Operational Systems Engineer (Full Performance)

Volume Integration • Chantilly, VA

7d

About The Position

The Operational Systems Engineer (Full Performance) contributes to the development and sustainment of a cross-platform software test automation system supporting mission requirements. The role enhances the existing DART platform and expands its ability to support diverse testing environments, working across application development, infrastructure automation, and virtualization.

The engineer develops automation services and integrates DevOps capabilities to support legacy workloads and emerging AI-enabled development initiatives. The work involves technologies such as Python, C++, REST APIs, Docker, Ansible, and Terraform, as well as Linux and Windows environments. The position includes managing projects from requirements gathering and design through implementation, testing, and documentation, with minimal supervision.

The position is based in Chantilly, Virginia, and requires a TS/SCI with an FSP clearance. The stated salary range is $115,453 to $147,077. Final compensation depends on qualifications, experience, location, and contractual considerations, and may fall outside the stated range. NS2 Mission describes its culture as inclusive and offers flexible working models and a benefits package; benefits details are provided through a linked benefits page.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant technical experience supporting software engineering, systems engineering, test automation, or related technical initiatives.
• At least 5 years of Python programming experience and strong knowledge of C++ for developing software applications.
• At least 5 years of experience designing, architecting, and developing enterprise-scale applications.
• At least 5 years of experience developing operating-system-agnostic platforms or applications that support Linux and Windows environments and diverse testing targets.
• Hands-on experience automating and managing multiple hypervisor platforms, including VMware and KVM, for complex, scalable, and customized environments.
• Understanding of DevOps principles, Docker containerization, and CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and software deployment.
• Experience developing end-to-end automation solutions, including automated resource allocation or scaling.
• Working knowledge of authentication and authorization standards such as OAuth, JWT, and OpenID Connect.
• Strong understanding of SQL Server, including database administration or performance optimization, and/or experience with MongoDB.
• Familiarity with infrastructure and application integration, system configuration, and software testing practices.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills, including the ability to adapt to emerging issues, changing priorities, and short deadlines.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly and maintain awareness of evolving software engineering and infrastructure practices.
• Ability to obtain or maintain the required TS/SCI with FSP clearance. The posting notes that many positions require U.S. citizenship for security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Programming experience with Go or Rust, or advanced C++ development for low-level system and hypervisor interactions.
• At least 5 years of experience with C# and .NET Core application development.
• Experience automating and managing multiple hypervisor platforms, including Harvester.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and/or Helm.
• Experience with Kubernetes for container orchestration.
• Experience supporting on-premises and cloud-based deployment technologies and automation workflows.
• Knowledge of Linux and Windows kernels and kernel drivers, particularly for deep-level application and hardware compatibility testing.
• Experience managing large-scale remote workstation clusters, emphasizing high availability, low latency, and scalable resource utilization.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools that improve software development productivity and automation.
• Experience integrating machine learning models into software applications.
• Understanding of event-driven architecture principles and their application to scalable systems.
• Experience with Elasticsearch for log management and search, or familiarity with open-source ELK Stack technologies.
• Experience developing and documenting standard operating procedures for systems, networks, or technical platforms.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments while adapting to evolving requirements.
• A self-starter mindset and ability to work independently and collaboratively while exploring and adopting new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain IT systems and software capabilities that support mission network operations and end users.
• Enhance and sustain the DART software test automation platform, including application-layer development and integration.
• Develop applications and automation services using Python and C++ for cross-platform testing and infrastructure management.
• Implement and maintain application interfaces, including RESTful APIs with Swagger documentation, Python bindings, and legacy integrations.
• Integrate Infrastructure as Code technologies such as Ansible and Terraform with DevOps tools including Bamboo, Bitbucket, Confluence, and Jira.
• Automate provisioning, configuration, and management of virtualized testing environments across VMware, KVM, Proxmox, physical hardware, and other hypervisor platforms.
• Evaluate technology options, assess implementation tradeoffs, and recommend solutions that meet scalability, compatibility, and operational requirements.
• Develop end-to-end automation workflows, including automated resource allocation and scaling across customized testing environments.
• Support containerized applications and automated testing and deployment processes using Docker, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices.
• Apply network operations and OSI model knowledge, particularly Layers 1–4, to support system integration, connectivity, and troubleshooting.
• Implement and maintain authentication and authorization capabilities using OAuth, JWT, and OpenID Connect.
• Design, integrate, and optimize data storage solutions using SQL Server and/or MongoDB.
• Identify opportunities to improve system efficiency, expand automation, and support established workloads and AI-enabled software development.
• Document technical designs, deployment procedures, test plans, system configurations, and operational processes.
• Collaborate with engineers, colleagues, and mission partners to communicate technical approaches, explain tool functionality, and coordinate implementation and operations.
• Manage assigned projects from requirements gathering and design through implementation, testing, and final documentation, working independently with minimal supervision.

Benefits

• A benefits package designed to support employees and their families; specific benefits are available through the linked benefits information page.
• Flexible working models.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level