Systems Engineer

Ardent Principles, Inc.•Chantilly, VA

12d•$130,000 - $260,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are hiring for a Systems Engineer with the technical depth and systems‑thinking mindset to design, secure, and optimize complex IT infrastructures across modern cloud environments. In this role, you will architect and deploy scalable, reliable, and secure solutions in AWS and Azure, ensuring mission‑critical systems operate with precision and resilience. You will lead efforts in system security and compliance, implementing safeguards, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and supporting accreditation activities such as ATO and ATD under established NIST frameworks. Ardent Principles delivers cutting‑edge capabilities across data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management. We thrive at the intersection of mission, technology, and innovation. At Ardent Principles, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers rooted in purpose. Our competitive salary ranges and industry‑leading benefits are designed to support long‑term stability, growth, and overall well‑being. We’re committed to creating an environment where talented people can do their best work and feel valued while doing it. Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high‑impact solutions.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
System engineering, managing, and optimizing complex IT systems and infrastructure, particularly within cloud environments such as Azure and AWS.
Architecting and deploying solutions within cloud platforms, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
System security, including implementation of security measures and conducting comprehensive risk assessments.
Securing systems in compliance with established guidelines, e.g., NIST standards, including experience with compliance and accreditation processes such as Authority to Operate (ATO) and Authorization to Deploy (ATD).
Data management, including secure data transfer and ingestion, as well as handling large-scale data sets while maintaining high standards of data integrity and security.
Using data orchestration and lifecycle management tools to optimize data processes and integration across various platforms.
Presenting and translating complex technical information into clear and concise language for diverse audiences.
Working with or familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts, demonstrating exposure to related integration methodologies in systems engineering.
Developing and maintaining secure communications channels and network infrastructure to support mission-critical operations.

Nice To Haves

Assessment and Authorization (A&A) processes, including familiarity with the steps required to secure and maintain system accreditations and authorizations.
Participating in security assessments and contributing to the development of assessment artifacts and documentation.
Python scripting for automation, system management tasks, and developing custom scripts to streamline operations within complex IT environments.
Windows PowerShell scripting for automating administrative tasks, managing systems, and maintaining secure configurations across multiple platforms.
Strong communication skills, with demonstrated experience working effectively with cross-functional teams, including both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

System engineering, managing, and optimizing complex IT systems and infrastructure, particularly within cloud environments such as Azure and AWS.
Architecting and deploying solutions within cloud platforms, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
System security, including implementation of security measures and conducting comprehensive risk assessments.
Securing systems in compliance with established guidelines, e.g., NIST standards, including experience with compliance and accreditation processes such as Authority to Operate (ATO) and Authorization to Deploy (ATD).
Data management, including secure data transfer and ingestion, as well as handling large-scale data sets while maintaining high standards of data integrity and security.
Using data orchestration and lifecycle management tools to optimize data processes and integration across various platforms.
Presenting and translating complex technical information into clear and concise language for diverse audiences.
Working with or familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts, demonstrating exposure to related integration methodologies in systems engineering.
Developing and maintaining secure communications channels and network infrastructure to support mission-critical operations.