XKEYSCORE Systems Engineer

Columbia Technology Partners • Annapolis Junction, MD

4d

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 leveraging Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) technologies, including mission-critical platforms such as XKEYSCORE.

The position provides technical leadership across system integration, automation, clustered computing environments, and lifecycle sustainment. The engineer supports secure, high-availability analytic or SIGINT systems and works across hardware, software, and network components to help ensure interoperability, scalability, performance, and operational readiness. The role also includes maintaining automation scripts, troubleshooting and tuning systems, supporting upgrades and compliance, and delivering training and technical guidance.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold an active security clearance with an appropriate polygraph. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. A DOD 8570 certification is required, and applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.

Requirements

• 20+ 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 be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or integrating large-scale analytic or SIGINT systems, such as XKEYSCORE or comparable platforms, within secure, high-availability environments.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Active security clearance with appropriate polygraph.
• DOD 8570 certification.
• 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 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 associated with 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.
• 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 and short-term and long-term disability coverage at no cost to employees.
• Year-end profit-sharing bonus.
• Referral bonus program with bonuses ranging from $7,000 to $20,000 if a referral joins the team.

What This Job Offers

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