Systems Engineer

Ardent Principles, Inc. • Herndon, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a mission‑driven Systems Engineer with deep expertise in secure cloud architectures, assessment and authorization (A&A), and enterprise‑scale system engineering. In this role, you will lead technical exchanges with major cloud service providers, shape secure multi‑cloud solutions, and maintain rigorous compliance across complex systems aligned with FIPS‑199, NIST 800‑53, and CNSS 1253 requirements.

Who We Are:
We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.

Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence
Ardent Principles offers a competitive salary range and a comprehensive, industry‑leading benefits package designed to support long‑term stability and employee well-being. We provide more than a position—we offer a workplace committed to excellence, integrity, and mission‑focused impact. Our mission is to act as a bridge between satisfied clients and fulfilled employees, ensuring that your job and well-being are our top priorities because your satisfaction leads to the success of our clients.

Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high‑impact solutions.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph

Nice To Haves

• Assessing cloud security technologies for security gaps and weaknesses according to industry standards.
• Reviewing cloud security body of evidence packages for completeness and accuracy.
• Facilitating technical exchange meetings (TEMs) with cloud service providers to review cloud service architectures.
• Providing project management support including project planning, task tracking, milestone management, and resource coordination to ensure timely delivery of all contract requirements.
• Using the IC element A&A process.
• Creating or reviewing A&A body of evidence documentation in a cloud security environment.
• Identifying, implementing, or reviewing appropriate information security controls.
• Working in Xacta 360

Responsibilities

• Facilitating TEMs with cloud service providers to review cloud service architectures
• Maintaining assessment and authorization (A&A) packages across multiple services or systems in accordance with FIPS-199, NIST 800-53, and CNSS 1253 requirements.
• Designing, implementing, assessing or reviewing systems that utilize cloud technology with either Amazon Web Services, Oracle Cloud, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure cloud architecture.
• Utilizing or reviewing cross domain technology and common architecture designs.
• Continuous monitoring requirements to include scan analysis for critical or high findings with common scan tools such as Rapid 7, Nessus, and Qualys.
• Creating, monitoring, or closing system or service plan of Action and Milestone items (POA&Ms).
• Utilizing compliance tools to track assessment and authorization activities such as Xacta 360, Risk Vision, RSA Archer.
• Working with the common control provider concept within the NIST Risk Management Framework.
• Security control assessments to include working with SCAs and preparing security packages for SCAs.
• Conducting information system security engineering activities.
• Project management experience including project planning, task tracking, milestone management, and resource coordination
• Developing and maintaining program metrics, performance indicators, and compliance status dashboards
• Preparing technical reports, program highlights, status briefings, and leadership communications.

Benefits

• Highly Competitive Salary: Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Providing ample time for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Dedicated Training Budget: Supporting continuous learning and professional development.
• 100% Employer-Covered Family Vision, Dental, and Health Insurance: Ensuring comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• 100% Employer-Covered Life and Disability Insurance: Offering financial security and peace of mind.
• 401(k) Plan with a 6% Employer Match: Helping you plan and save for a secure retirement, with 100% vesting from day one.
• 11 Paid Government Holidays: Observing national holidays to ensure time off with family and friends.
• Spot Bonuses for Exceptional Performance: Rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees