SME Cybersecurity Systems Engineer Lead

Leidos•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

This Department of War enterprise data and analytics program delivers mission-critical capabilities that enable leaders across the Department to make faster, better-informed decisions using trusted data at scale. Leidos Digital Modernization sector is seeking an experienced SME Cybersecurity Systems Engineer Lead to support the delivery, enhancement, and adoption of enterprise data and analytics products used across multiple DoD organizations. In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates to translate operational and strategic requirements into scalable, production-ready solutions. You will contribute directly to product planning, execution, and continuous improvement—helping ensure capabilities are delivered efficiently, aligned to mission priorities, and positioned for sustained success. This position offers the opportunity to work on a high-visibility, enterprise program at the intersection of data, analytics, and emerging AI technologies. Ideal candidates are motivated by mission impact, comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments, and interested in building deep domain expertise while delivering capabilities with real-world national security outcomes.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related technical discipline and 12 + years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree in a related field and 10 + years of relevant experience.
At least one of the following foundational qualification pathways consistent with DoD 8140 requirements: Current DoD 8570/8140 baseline certification appropriate for Advanced Cyber Defense Analyst roles (e.g., GCFA or GCIA), Offerings listed in the DoD 8140 Training Repository, Demonstrated equivalent training and experience qualifying under DoD 8140 foundational qualification alternatives.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in cybersecurity systems engineering to include leading teams of cybersecurity engineers in the development of security features, policy, and accreditation elements in concert with DoD security standards
Experience with MBSE and other engineering tools.
Proven experience in developing cybersecurity and information assurance artifacts.
Experience with FOSS, COTS, and GOTS products.
Experience in designing and implementing cybersecurity plans and architectures.
Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring cybersecurity engineering teams.

Nice To Haves

CISSP, CCSP, CASP+, or equivalent advanced cybersecurity certification.
Experience implementing enterprise-scale Zero Trust Architecture.
Experience leading advanced cyber defense analytics, SIEM/SOAR integration, or detection engineering teams.
Experience implementing automated compliance and continuous monitoring solutions.
Experience supporting multi-enclave DoD environments.
Experience supporting enterprise data, analytics, or AI platforms in secure environments.

Responsibilities

Design and implement cybersecurity plans, architectures, and test descriptions leveraging FOSS, COTS, and GOTS products to meet system security requirements.
Develop cybersecurity and information assurance artifacts using MBSE and other engineering tools to demonstrate security implementations mapping to ATO and RMF requirements.
Own the data platform’s security strategy, policies, and procedures, ensuring consistent application of security controls across development, deployment, and operational workflows.
Prepare, maintain, and execute a System Engineering Plan (SEP) for managing all systems architecture and system engineering aspects of the program.
Conduct systems engineering activities required to specify, build, and maintain system engineering designs for the System.
Design, prepare, and document systems engineering and cybersecurity artifacts for the System.
Define, document, maintain, and promulgate APIs and technical standards for using and interoperating within and outside the System.
Design, engineer, integrate, and continuously improve the underlying infrastructure of the System, including cloud environment, network, data storage, logging, auditing functions, and more.
Identify, prepare, track, secure, and integrate government, commercial, and open-source tools and services into the System.
Design, architect, engineer, and continuously improve the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) components.
Design, build, and maintain services and products to make production-ready AI/ML models accessible for customer use.
Prepare and maintain cybersecurity architecture and system engineering solutions for the System, ensuring compliance with Federal, DoD, and agency-specific security policies.
Perform site reliability engineering to build and maintain a reliable, scalable, and efficient System.
Participate in the Engineering Control Board (ECB) process for supporting all major engineering milestones and decisions for the program.
Manage a team of 8-15 direct reports, providing leadership, guidance, and performance management.