Senior Systems Engineer
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer
- Company: Analytic Services Inc (ANSER)
- Location: Rosslyn, VA
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: System Administration & Infrastructure
- Date Posted: June 25, 2025
- Experience Level: 10+ years
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Lead architecture governance for a large-scale DoD CIO program, supporting Information Enterprise (IE) and Special Access Programs (SAP)
- Conduct comprehensive assessments, identify risks, and develop implementation roadmaps for enterprise architecture
- Establish and maintain architecture governance frameworks, policies, and standards
- Develop and manage digital engineering ecosystems, integrating emerging technologies and enhancing collaboration
- Design and document network, cloud, system, data, software, test, and cybersecurity architectures
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in system engineering, with a focus on architecture governance, risk mitigation, and compliance within the DoD environment.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Architecture Assessment & Analysis: Evaluate existing architecture, identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, and technology gaps
- Risk Identification & Mitigation: Identify risks associated with the current architecture and propose mitigation strategies
- Gap Analysis & Roadmap Development: Conduct gap analysis and create implementation roadmaps for transitioning to the desired state
- Governance Framework Development: Develop and implement frameworks that define roles, responsibilities, and processes for architecture governance
- Policy & Standard Creation: Create policies and standards that govern architecture practices, ensuring compliance with federal regulations
- Review Boards & Change Management: Establish review boards and processes for managing changes to the architecture
- Documentation & Communication: Maintain thorough documentation and communicate findings and updates to relevant stakeholders
- Digital Engineering Ecosystem Management: Establish and manage a formal, standardized, and integrated digital engineering ecosystem across SAP IT and DoD programs
- Data Environment Creation: Create a secure, centralized data environment that supports sharing and collaboration across the ecosystem
- Interface Control Documents & Integration Plans: Develop ICDs and integration plans to guide the smooth integration of new technologies
- Architecture Design & Documentation: Design and document network, cloud, system, data, software, test, and cybersecurity architectures, and prepare Enterprise Architecture products and documents
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in information technology, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical field (or a bachelor's degree with an additional 6 years of relevant experience for a total of 18 years' experience)
Experience: 12+ years of progressive experience in system engineering
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated understanding of system engineering principles and processes
- Demonstrated understanding of Department of Defense (DoD) information management and technology
- Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
Preferred Skills:
- Understanding of DoD Information Enterprise and Special Access Programs
📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's complexity and the required security clearance, candidates should have extensive experience in system engineering, with a strong focus on architecture governance and DoD information management.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
- Portfolio Essentials:
- Case studies demonstrating architecture assessment, gap analysis, and roadmap development
- Examples of developed architecture governance frameworks, policies, and standards
- Documentation showcasing network, cloud, system, data, software, test, and cybersecurity architectures
- Technical Documentation:
- Code quality, commenting, and documentation standards for architecture artifacts
- Version control, deployment processes, and server configuration for digital engineering ecosystems
- Testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques for architecture projects
📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on architecture governance and digital engineering ecosystems, portfolio examples should highlight the candidate's ability to assess, plan, and document complex architectural decisions and their impact on the enterprise.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on regional market research and the role's complexity)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible hours for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on regional market data for senior system engineering roles within the DoD environment. Benefits are based on the company's standard employee benefits package.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Non-profit organization focused on enhancing national and homeland security by strengthening public institutions
Company Size: Medium-sized organization with a focus on client service and thought leadership
Founded: 1980
Team Structure:
- Cross-functional teams consisting of analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts
- Collaborative environment with a focus on client service and public sector impact
Development Methodology:
- Agile/Scrum methodologies for project management and delivery
- Code review, testing, and quality assurance practices for architecture artifacts
- Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management for digital engineering ecosystems
Company Website: ANSER Website
📝 Enhancement Note: ANSER's focus on public service and thought leadership creates an environment where candidates can make a significant impact on national security and homeland defense initiatives.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
System Administration Career Level: Senior-level role with a focus on architecture governance, risk mitigation, and compliance within the DoD environment
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Program Manager, with cross-functional collaboration with analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts
Technical Impact: Significant technical influence on enterprise architecture, digital engineering ecosystems, and the integration of emerging technologies within the DoD
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical leadership and mentoring opportunities within the team and across the organization
- Progression to senior management or executive roles within the company or the broader public sector
- Specialization in emerging technologies, digital engineering, or architecture governance
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities for technical leadership, management, and specialization in emerging technologies and architecture governance.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with multiple monitors, testing devices, and web development tools available
Office Location(s): Rosslyn, VA (with potential for remote work in the future)
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative workspace with dedicated areas for team interaction and cross-functional collaboration
- Access to multiple monitors, testing devices, and web development tools for architecture design and documentation
- Flexible work arrangements with the option to work from home or on-site
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines
📝 Enhancement Note: ANSER's collaborative work environment encourages cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing, fostering an innovative and engaging atmosphere for system administrators and engineers.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Phone Screen: Assessment of system engineering fundamentals, architecture governance, and DoD information management knowledge
- On-site Technical Deep Dive: Architecture design, risk mitigation, and digital engineering ecosystem discussion
- Behavioral Interview: Assessment of problem-solving skills, communication, and cultural fit
- Final Evaluation: Technical impact discussion and final assessment of qualifications
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight architecture assessment, gap analysis, and roadmap development case studies
- Showcase architecture governance frameworks, policies, and standards
- Demonstrate network, cloud, system, data, software, test, and cybersecurity architectures, and Enterprise Architecture products and documents
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on system engineering principles, architecture governance, and DoD information management
- Prepare for architecture design, risk mitigation, and digital engineering ecosystem discussions
- Rehearse communication and technical explanation articulation for architecture concepts
ATS Keywords: Architecture Governance, System Engineering, Digital Engineering, Risk Mitigation, Compliance, DoD Information Management, Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Architectures, Network Architectures, AI/ML Systems, Integration Plans, Documentation, Assessment and Analysis, Implementation Roadmap, Interoperability, Security Vulnerabilities
📝 Enhancement Note: ANSER's interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise in system engineering, architecture governance, and DoD information management, as well as their problem-solving skills and cultural fit.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Architecture Tools:
- Enterprise Architect
- Argo CD
- Jenkins
- GitLab CI/CD
Cloud Platforms:
- AWS GovCloud
- Azure Government
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Networking Tools:
- Cisco Packet Tracer
- Wireshark
- SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer
Cybersecurity Tools:
- Nessus
- Metasploit
- Burp Suite
📝 Enhancement Note: ANSER's technology stack includes a mix of enterprise architecture, CI/CD, cloud, networking, and cybersecurity tools, enabling system administrators and engineers to design, deploy, and secure complex architectures within the DoD environment.
👥 Team Culture & Values
System Administration Values:
- Expertise: Demonstrate a deep understanding of system engineering principles, architecture governance, and DoD information management
- Innovation: Embrace emerging technologies and digital engineering practices to enhance architecture design and implementation
- Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams, including analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts
- Integrity: Uphold ANSER's commitment to public service and thought leadership in national security and homeland defense
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional Integration: Collaborate with analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts to ensure architecture alignment with program objectives and mission requirements
- Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews and architecture discussions to maintain high-quality standards and continuous learning
- Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to ANSER's knowledge base and technical community, fostering a culture of learning and growth
📝 Enhancement Note: ANSER's system administration team values expertise, innovation, collaboration, and integrity, fostering a culture of continuous learning, growth, and high-quality architecture design and implementation.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Architecture Complexity: Design and manage complex architectures that support highly sensitive defense projects and align with national security objectives and modern technological standards
- Security Compliance: Ensure architecture compliance with DoD directives, policies, and standards, as well as federal regulations
- Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and digital engineering practices, integrating them into the architecture as appropriate
- User Experience: Design architectures that prioritize user experience, accessibility, and performance optimization
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Advancement: Develop expertise in emerging technologies, digital engineering, and architecture governance through training, workshops, and conferences
- Certification & Community Involvement: Pursue relevant certifications and engage with professional communities to enhance knowledge and network
- Mentorship & Leadership Development: Participate in technical mentorship programs and leadership development opportunities to advance career growth
📝 Enhancement Note: ANSER's technical challenges and learning opportunities enable system administrators and engineers to grow their skills, advance their careers, and make a significant impact on national security and homeland defense initiatives.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Architecture Fundamentals: Demonstrate a solid understanding of architecture principles, patterns, and best practices
- Governance & Compliance: Explain architecture governance frameworks, policies, and standards, and discuss compliance with DoD directives, policies, and federal regulations
- Risk Mitigation: Describe risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies for complex architectures within the DoD environment
Company & Culture Questions:
- ANSER's Mission: Explain how your architecture design and implementation efforts align with ANSER's mission to enhance national and homeland security
- Team Collaboration: Discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams, including analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts
- Technical Leadership: Describe your approach to technical leadership, mentoring, and knowledge sharing within the team and across the organization
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Architecture Walkthrough: Provide a comprehensive walkthrough of your architecture design, including network, cloud, system, data, software, test, and cybersecurity architectures
- Risk Mitigation & Compliance: Highlight risk mitigation strategies and compliance measures within your architecture design
- User Experience & Performance Optimization: Demonstrate how your architecture design prioritizes user experience, accessibility, and performance optimization
📝 Enhancement Note: ANSER's interview preparation focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise in system engineering, architecture governance, and DoD information management, as well as their cultural fit and alignment with the organization's mission.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Systems Engineer position:
- Submit your application through the ANSER careers page
- Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your architecture assessment, gap analysis, and roadmap development case studies
- Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on system engineering principles, architecture governance, and DoD information management
- Research ANSER's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit and alignment with the organization's goals
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and system administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with ANSER before making application decisions.
Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)
System Administration-Specific Focus:
- Tailor every section specifically to system administration, infrastructure, and architecture roles
- Include system engineering methodologies, architecture governance, and risk mitigation practices
- Emphasize architecture assessment, gap analysis, roadmap development, and implementation strategies
- Address digital engineering ecosystems, emerging technologies, and user experience considerations
- Highlight the candidate's ability to work with cross-functional teams, including analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts
Quality Standards:
- Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information
- Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about system engineering processes, architecture governance, and team structure
- Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text
- Strategically distribute system administration and architecture-related keywords throughout all sections naturally
- Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and system administration specialization
Industry Expertise:
- Include specific architecture tools, cloud platforms, networking tools, and cybersecurity tools relevant to the role
- Address system administration career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities in architecture and infrastructure teams
- Provide tactical advice for architecture assessment, gap analysis, roadmap development, and implementation strategies
- Include system administration-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance
- Emphasize architecture governance, risk mitigation, and compliance within the DoD environment
Professional Standards:
- Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout
- Use system administration and architecture industry terminology appropriately and accurately
- Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to system administrators and engineers
- Provide actionable insights that give system administration candidates a competitive advantage
- Focus on system administration team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and user impact measurement
Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:
- Emphasize architecture assessment, gap analysis, roadmap development, and implementation strategies
- Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the system administration discipline and role level
- Address architecture governance, risk mitigation, and compliance within the DoD environment
- Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable architecture design
- Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for architecture projects
Avoid:
- Generic business jargon not relevant to system administration or architecture roles
- Placeholder text or incomplete sections
- Repetitive content across different sections
- Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific system administration or architecture role
- Marketing language unrelated to system administration, infrastructure, or architecture
Generate comprehensive, system administration-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for system administrators, engineers, and infrastructure professionals evaluating career opportunities and preparing for technical interviews in the system administration and architecture industry.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a Master's degree in a related technical field or a Bachelor's degree with additional relevant experience. A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in system engineering and an active TS/SCI Security Clearance are required.