Systems Engineer - Information Assurance with Security Clearance

Overview
Arcfield was purpose–built to protect the nation and its allies through innovations in digital transformation, space mission engineering and launch assurance, miniaturized sensors and satellites, advanced modeling and simulation, cybersecurity, and conventional and hypersonic missile support. Headquartered in Chantilly, VA with 16 global offices, Arcfield employs more than 1,500 engineers, analysts, IT specialists, and other professionals with more than 60 years of collective proven experience supporting missions in cyber and space defense, space exploration, hypersonic and nuclear deterrence and warfighter readiness.

Responsibilities
We are searching for a PART–TIME (15–20 hours weekly) candidate who is a recognized authority within the company, responsible for tackling complex technical problems and delivering innovative solutions. Engages in full life cycle system design and development, ensuring compliance with client and government standards. Works closely with multi–disciplinary engineering teams to translate high–level strategies into detailed requirements, conducts formal verifications, and supports business development.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Solves complex technical problems with innovative solutions.
2. Designs, develops, evaluates, and modifies end–to–end systems throughout their life cycle.
3. Develops quantifiable requirements from customer descriptions, system planning, and logistics.
4. Ensures compliance with client requirements and government standards through formal verification methods.
5. Translates high–level product strategies into detailed system requirements.
6. Collaborates with other engineering disciplines to create lower–level implementation requirements.
7. Establishes and coordinates development standards, practices, and procedures.
8. Designs interfaces and integrates system elements for overall functionality.
9. Assesses system performance using evaluation criteria and technical performance measures.
10. Acts as a customer liaison to support business development and shape requirements.
11. Participates in conceptual design and documentation processes.
12. Engages in design reviews to ensure traceability of requirements and compliance.
13. Develops system–level requirements verification and customer acceptance test procedures.
14. Reviews test plans/procedures and ensures alignment with contractual requirements.
15. Participates in the testing process to validate requirements.

Program Description:
With a fresh, new 7–year contract, this program provides SETA (Systems Engineering Technical Advisor) & SE&I (Systems Engineering & Integration) services to an important Intelligence Community (IC) customer with a focus on critical, assured space communications and supporting IT infrastructure. The contract support is part of the customer core team focused on all aspects of the systems engineering life cycle beginning with conops development, where we work directly with users, potentially going into harm's way, who will be dependent on these communications systems. We then capture their requirements and work closely with developers to deliver these essential capabilities. We get involved with setting up and running tests to ensure these cutting–edge capabilities will meet the stringent requirements and then we support transition to operations. Once in operations, our teams work closely with the users to make sure critical operations are successful, providing important information to support critical decisions by policy makers. The program also supports client acquisition strategy, future technology development and modernization efforts.

Specific Job Description:
The position supports a government customer in Chantilly, VA, focusing on assisting the government with the acquisition of new systems and upgrades, working closely with development contractors, Information System Security Engineers (ISSEs) and the government client to ensure all IT assets comply with security requirements and are able to attain and maintain Authority To Operate (ATO).

Key Duties:

1. Support the acquisition and upgrade of communication systems for government users.
2. Communicate with accrediting officials to understand and capture new security requirements.
3. Collaborate with development contractors to convey requirements and create delivery plans, including plans for agile software development programs.
4. Review security requirement test plans and report status to the Information Systems Owners (ISOs).
5. Coordinate with ISSEs and ISSOs to monitor testing of new assets with security relevant changes.
6. Maintain thorough understanding of POAMs to support the ISO in ensuring actions are worked off in a timely manner.
7. Assist in the identification of security relevant changes that could drive additional ATO testing.
8. Participate in equipment installations, testing, and occasional CONUS/OCONUS travel.
9. Ensure requirements capture and management to maintain the system baseline.
10. Assist with contract–related activities, including drafting Statements of Work, reviewing proposals, and assessing contractor performance.

Qualifications

Required:
10 to 12 years with BS or 8 to 10 years with MS or 5 to 7 years with a PhD (4 years of additional relevant experience in information systems security may substitute for the degree).
Technical BS in Engineering, Computer Science or related technical degree.
Prior experience with Government acquisitions.
Understanding of satellite/ground segment hardware/software.
Familiarity with network communication protocols.
Must possess and be able to maintain a TS/SCI clearance with Poly.
The ability to work well within a team of engineers.
Demonstrates success in working with government customers.

Desired:
5 years of experience with Commercial/Government acquisition of satellite/ground segment hardware/software.
BS in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity or Computer Science.
Experience with network communications protocols, equipment and architecture development.
Prior experience as a SETA with IC agency customer working with requirements and other related readiness processes.

EEO Statement
Arcfield proactively fulfills its role as an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, status as a Disabled Veteran, Recently Separated Veteran, Active–Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veteran, Armed Forces Services Medal, or any other characteristic protected by law.