Desktop Systems Engineer - TS/SCI at General Dynamics Information Technology

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Desktop Systems Engineer - TS/SCI
Company: General Dynamics Information Technology
Location: USA MD Annapolis Junction
Job Type: On-site
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-06-30
Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

Strategize desktop environment evolution, integrating emerging tech, new solutions, and software/hardware updates based on DIA CIO roadmaps.
Maintain DISA-approved WIM and Secure Host Baseline (SHB) for Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems, ensuring compliance and security.
Deploy Windows and Office Security Updates, packaged applications, and desktop images, keeping systems up-to-date and secure.
Develop and document formal configuration guides, GPOs, and technical support documentation to ensure consistency and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in desktop engineering, with a focus on emerging technologies and a deep understanding of Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems. Familiarity with VMware, Citrix, and VDI architecture is also beneficial.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning: Develop and maintain desktop environment strategy, aligning with DIA CIO roadmaps and emerging technologies.
Compliance & Security: Maintain DISA-approved WIM and SHB, ensuring desktop systems comply with security standards and regulations.
Deployment & Updates: Deploy Windows and Office Security Updates, packaged applications, and desktop images, keeping systems secure and up-to-date.
Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Develop and maintain technical support documentation, configuration guides, and GPOs to ensure knowledge sharing and consistency.
Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure desktop systems integrate well with other IT systems and meet user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong collaboration skills, as the Systems Engineer will work closely with various teams to ensure desktop systems meet user needs and comply with security standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline).

Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience in desktop engineering, with a strong focus on Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems.

Required Skills:

Active TS/SCI clearance and ability to obtain and maintain a CI poly.
DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (e.g., Security+, CND, SSCP, GSEC, GICSP, CySA+, or CCNA Security).
Detailed knowledge of end user computing environments, including Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac OSX, and their supporting infrastructure components (e.g., Active Directory, group policy creation and maintenance, and SCCM).
Experience with deploying, configuring, and managing enterprise solutions for Windows 10 and 11.
Proficiency in Python, PowerShell, and Bash Scripting.
Familiarity with VMware ESXi and vSphere, virtualization networks, and Citrix or VMware VDI architecture.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with emerging technologies in desktop engineering.
Familiarity with other operating systems (e.g., Linux distributions).
Strong collaboration and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience with containerization (e.g., Docker) and infrastructure as code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform) could be beneficial for this role, as they are becoming increasingly relevant in desktop engineering.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Desktop Engineering Projects: Highlight desktop engineering projects showcasing your ability to maintain and secure desktop environments, deploy updates, and develop configuration guides.
Documentation: Include examples of technical support documentation, configuration guides, and GPOs you've developed to demonstrate your knowledge sharing and collaboration skills.

Technical Documentation:

Process Documentation: Provide examples of process documentation for desktop deployment, update, and maintenance tasks.
Security Compliance: Include documentation demonstrating your understanding of security compliance requirements for desktop systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working with classified information, ensure that any portfolio materials you submit are properly cleared and do not contain sensitive information.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $139,984 - $184,000 per year. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, and the actual salary may vary based on experience, geographic location, and contractual requirements.

Benefits:

401K with company match
Comprehensive health and wellness packages
Paid vacation and holidays
Paid education and certifications
Short and long-term disability benefits
Life insurance
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Critical illness insurance
Business travel and accident insurance

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture: GDIT fosters a people-focused and customer-centric environment, delivering desktop engineering services to support government activities. The company values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Team Structure:

The desktop engineering team consists of systems engineers, desktop administrators, and support specialists.
The team reports to the Desktop Engineering Manager and works closely with other IT teams, including network and security teams.

Development Methodology:

GDIT uses Agile methodologies for desktop engineering projects, with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
The team follows established processes for desktop deployment, update, and maintenance tasks, ensuring consistency and quality.

Company Website: GDIT

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT is a large, established company with a strong presence in the government contracting space. The company's size and experience provide opportunities for career growth and professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring significant experience in desktop engineering and a deep understanding of Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems.

Reporting Structure: The Systems Engineer reports to the Desktop Engineering Manager and works closely with other IT teams to ensure desktop systems meet user needs and comply with security standards.

Technical Impact: The Systems Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining and securing desktop environments, ensuring they meet user needs and comply with security standards. Their work directly impacts the productivity and security of end-users across the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: With experience, the Systems Engineer may have the opportunity to take on a leadership role, mentoring junior team members and driving technical decision-making.
Architecture & Design: As the desktop environment evolves, the Systems Engineer may have the opportunity to contribute to architecture and design decisions, shaping the future of desktop engineering at GDIT.
Emerging Technologies: GDIT encourages its employees to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in desktop engineering. The company provides opportunities for professional development and certifications to support this growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's size and experience provide numerous opportunities for career growth and professional development. The company's commitment to continuous learning and innovation makes it an excellent choice for desktop engineers looking to advance their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: GDIT's office in Annapolis Junction is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate communication and teamwork among desktop engineering teams.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in Annapolis Junction, MD. GDIT has multiple locations across the United States, providing opportunities for remote work or relocation for the right candidate.

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: The office features open workspaces, conference rooms, and breakout areas designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork.
Technology: GDIT provides its employees with modern hardware and software tools to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.
Flexibility: GDIT offers flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to balance their work and personal lives more effectively.

Work Schedule: GDIT offers a full-flex work week, allowing employees to own their priorities at work and at home. The standard workweek is 40 hours, with opportunities for flexible scheduling and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's commitment to work-life balance and flexible scheduling makes it an attractive employer for desktop engineers looking for a supportive and collaborative work environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to assess your technical qualifications and cultural fit.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of your desktop engineering skills, focusing on your ability to deploy and maintain desktop environments, develop configuration guides, and ensure security compliance.
On-site Interview: A face-to-face interview with the Desktop Engineering Manager and other team members to discuss your technical skills, cultural fit, and career aspirations.
Final Evaluation: A review of your technical assessment and on-site interview performance to determine your fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight Relevant Projects: Focus on desktop engineering projects that demonstrate your ability to maintain and secure desktop environments, deploy updates, and develop configuration guides.
Demonstrate Technical Depth: Showcase your deep understanding of Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems, as well as your familiarity with VMware, Citrix, and VDI architecture.
Emphasize Collaboration: Highlight your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure desktop systems meet user needs and comply with security standards.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush Up on Technical Skills: Review your knowledge of desktop engineering, focusing on Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems, as well as your familiarity with VMware, Citrix, and VDI architecture.
Practice Deployment & Update Tasks: Familiarize yourself with desktop deployment and update tasks, ensuring you can complete them efficiently and accurately under time constraints.
Prepare for Security Compliance Questions: Brush up on your understanding of security compliance requirements for desktop systems, ensuring you can discuss them confidently in the interview.

ATS Keywords: [Provided in the "Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure" section]

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills and cultural fit, ensuring you are the right candidate for the role. The company values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, so be prepared to discuss your approach to desktop engineering and your commitment to staying up-to-date with emerging technologies.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Operating Systems:

Windows 10
Windows 11
Mac OSX

Server Technologies:

VMware ESXi
vSphere
Citrix
VMware VDI architecture

Development & DevOps Tools:

Python
PowerShell
Bash Scripting
Active Directory
Group Policy
SCCM

Infrastructure Tools:

VMware vRealize Automation (vRA)
VMware vRealize Orchestrator (vRO)
Ansible (for configuration management and automation)

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT uses a combination of proprietary and open-source tools to manage its desktop environment. Familiarity with these tools, as well as emerging technologies in desktop engineering, is beneficial for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: GDIT encourages its employees to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in desktop engineering and to explore new solutions and approaches to meet user needs.
Collaboration: The company values collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Quality: GDIT is committed to delivering high-quality desktop engineering services that meet user needs and comply with security standards.
Security: The company prioritizes security in all aspects of desktop engineering, ensuring desktop systems are protected from threats and comply with relevant regulations.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: GDIT's desktop engineering team works closely with other IT teams, including network and security teams, to ensure desktop systems integrate well with other IT systems and meet user needs.
Code Review Culture: The company encourages a culture of code review and peer programming, ensuring knowledge sharing and consistency in desktop engineering practices.
Knowledge Sharing: GDIT fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, with regular training sessions, workshops, and brown bag lunches to help employees stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's commitment to collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning makes it an attractive employer for desktop engineers looking to grow their careers in a supportive and engaging work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in desktop engineering, and explore new solutions and approaches to meet user needs.
Security Compliance: Ensure desktop systems comply with relevant regulations and security standards, and develop strategies to protect them from evolving threats.
User Experience: Design desktop environments that meet user needs and provide a seamless, intuitive user experience.
Scalability: Develop strategies to scale desktop environments to meet the needs of growing user bases and support business expansion.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Professional Development: GDIT offers opportunities for professional development and certifications to help employees stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices in desktop engineering.
Mentorship: The company encourages a culture of mentorship, with experienced desktop engineers sharing their knowledge and expertise with junior team members to support their growth and development.
Architecture & Design: As the desktop environment evolves, desktop engineers may have the opportunity to contribute to architecture and design decisions, shaping the future of desktop engineering at GDIT.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's commitment to continuous learning and professional development makes it an attractive employer for desktop engineers looking to advance their careers and stay up-to-date with emerging technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Operating Systems: Be prepared to discuss your deep understanding of Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems, as well as your familiarity with VMware, Citrix, and VDI architecture.
Deployment & Update Tasks: Brush up on your knowledge of desktop deployment and update tasks, ensuring you can complete them efficiently and accurately under time constraints.
Security Compliance: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of security compliance requirements for desktop systems and strategies to protect them from evolving threats.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Research GDIT's company culture, values, and mission, and be prepared to discuss how you align with them and contribute to their success.
Team Dynamics: Familiarize yourself with the desktop engineering team's structure and dynamics, and be prepared to discuss how you would fit in and contribute to their success.
User Experience: Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing desktop environments that meet user needs and provide a seamless, intuitive user experience.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight Relevant Projects: Focus on desktop engineering projects that demonstrate your ability to maintain and secure desktop environments, deploy updates, and develop configuration guides.
Demonstrate Technical Depth: Showcase your deep understanding of Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems, as well as your familiarity with VMware, Citrix, and VDI architecture.
Emphasize Collaboration: Highlight your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure desktop systems meet user needs and comply with security standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills and cultural fit, ensuring you are the right candidate for the role. The company values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, so be prepared to discuss your approach to desktop engineering and your commitment to staying up-date with emerging technologies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this desktop systems engineer position at GDIT:

Submit Your Application: Visit the GDIT careers page and search for the "Desktop Systems Engineer - TS/SCI" position. Click on the job title to access the application form.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience in desktop engineering, with a focus on Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems, as well as your familiarity with VMware, Citrix, and VDI architecture.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Select desktop engineering projects that demonstrate your ability to maintain and secure desktop environments, deploy updates, and develop configuration guides. Ensure your portfolio is properly cleared and does not contain sensitive information.
Research GDIT: Familiarize yourself with GDIT's company culture, values, and mission, and be prepared to discuss how you align with them and contribute to their success.
Prepare for the Interview: Review your technical skills, desktop engineering knowledge, and be prepared to discuss your approach to desktop engineering and your commitment to staying up-to-date with emerging technologies.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Desktop Systems Engineer - TS/SCI