XKEYSCORE Systems Engineer

Columbia Technology Partners • Annapolis Junction, MD

6d • $195 - $225

About The Position

CTP is seeking an experienced XKEYSCORE Systems Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority supporting the design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems. The role focuses on complex, large-scale distributed processing environments that use Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) technologies, including mission-critical platforms such as XKEYSCORE.

The engineer provides systems engineering leadership for analytic or SIGINT systems, system integration, automation, clustered computing environments, and lifecycle sustainment. The position requires an active security clearance with appropriate polygraph, a DOD 8570 certification, U.S. citizenship, and successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.

CTP describes its compensation as competitive. Benefits include medical plans, vision and dental coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off and leave, career-related learning support, insurance and disability coverage, profit-sharing bonuses, and referral bonuses.

Requirements

• 20 or more years of Systems Engineering experience supporting programs or contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline related to Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; five additional years of Systems Engineering experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or integrating large-scale analytic or SIGINT systems, such as XKEYSCORE or comparable platforms, in secure, high-availability environments.
• U.S. citizenship.
• DOD 8570 Certification.
• Active Security Clearance with appropriate Polygraph.
• Successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
• Subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting XKEYSCORE or comparable large-scale analytic/SIGINT systems.
• Experience with distributed and clustered computing environments, including hardware, software, and network integration.
• Proficiency with BASH and PERL scripting for system configuration, automation, and maintenance.
• Experience with COTS/GOTS integration, system testing, verification, validation, and deployment.
• Experience with system upgrades, patching, performance tuning, and advanced troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of security, compliance, and configuration management standards within classified environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, testing, deployment, training, and sustainment of packet-based hardware and software systems using COTS and GOTS products.
• Support large-scale distributed processing environments using XKEYSCORE or similar mission systems.
• Direct end-to-end integration across hardware, software, and network components to ensure interoperability, scalability, and optimized performance in high-throughput data processing environments.
• Develop and execute system integration plans, validation and verification procedures, and deployment strategies to support operational readiness and requirements compliance.
• Develop, update, and maintain BASH and PERL scripts to automate system setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of core servers and clustered computing environments.
• Implement automation initiatives and process improvements to improve system reliability, efficiency, and long-term maintainability.
• Provide senior-level technical leadership and advanced troubleshooting across operational systems.
• Support lifecycle sustainment activities, including system upgrades, patching, and performance tuning.
• Deliver training and technical guidance to administrators, operators, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Support adherence to security, compliance, and configuration management standards for classified systems.

Benefits

• Three medical plans with in-network and out-of-network options.
• Vision and dental coverage paid in full by CTP.
• 401(k) with a 6% company contribution.
• Paid time off and customizable leave plans, with jury duty, bereavement, and military leave.
• Up to $10,000 for approved career-related learning, training, education, and/or tuition.
• Life and AD&D insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability at no cost to employees.
• End-of-year profit-sharing bonus.
• Tiered referral bonus program, with bonuses ranging from $7,000 to $20,000 if a referral joins the team.
• Competitive pay.

What This Job Offers

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