Senior Operational Systems Engineer

Help build and sustain the technical infrastructure that keeps mission-critical systems operating reliably. As a Senior Operational Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA, you'll support the configuration, maintenance, and evaluation of specialized IT environments that enable complex operational requirements and critical national security missions. Working alongside engineering teams and mission stakeholders, you'll apply your knowledge of network architecture, system administration, and infrastructure technologies to implement solutions, assess technical requirements, and address challenging operational issues. This role offers the opportunity to work across diverse technical environments, contribute to infrastructure improvements, and help ensure systems remain reliable, functional, and aligned with mission needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, operate, and maintain network technologies, including routers, switches, database servers, and supporting infrastructure.
• Prepare and maintain operational infrastructure and intermediate platforms to support mission requirements.
• Evaluate technical specifications and infrastructure configurations to determine compatibility with operational needs.
• Analyze network architectures, internet functionality, Internet Service Provider (ISP) connectivity, and network traffic to support system assessments and troubleshooting.
• Apply systems administration expertise across Windows, Unix, Linux, macOS, and mobile operating systems to configure, maintain, and troubleshoot technical environments.
• Conduct technical analysis to identify infrastructure issues, evaluate potential risks, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Assess supporting enterprise technologies, including web servers, databases, load balancers, caching servers, and storage clusters.
• Research and synthesize technical information from multiple sources to support engineering decisions, system improvements, and operational planning.
• Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to colleagues and mission partners regarding system functionality, operational procedures, and infrastructure capabilities.
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and potential risks through documentation, briefings, and direct engagement with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Manage multiple technical assignments, prioritize competing requirements, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Support system readiness through ongoing infrastructure maintenance, configuration reviews, and operational troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications

• Required medical clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline, such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in operational systems engineering, network engineering, systems administration, or a related technical field.
• Government certification or equivalent qualification, as required for the position.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret technical specifications and evaluate system and infrastructure requirements.
• Strong understanding of computer networking architecture, including fundamental network analysis, internet functionality, ISP connectivity, and network traffic.
• Systems administration knowledge across operating systems such as Windows, Unix, Linux, macOS, and mobile operating systems.
• Ability to assess technical risks, identify potential issues, and communicate recommendations effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, including the ability to research, prioritize, and synthesize complex technical information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments independently while adapting to changing technical and operational priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications such as OSCP, OSWE, GXPN, GPEN, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with enterprise infrastructure components, including web servers, databases, load balancers, caching servers, and storage clusters.
• Understanding of mobile technologies and their implementations.
• Background supporting network infrastructure, systems administration, or technical operations in complex environments.
• Experience researching unfamiliar technologies and developing practical solutions to emerging technical challenges.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Position Clearance Requirement:

TS/SCI with an FSP

Salary and Benefits Information:

The salary range for this position is $143,868.00 to $190,455.00. The proposed range is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, location, and contractual considerations and may fall outside of the stated range. We offer a great benefits package designed to support you and your family. View our benefits information here: https://sapns2.com/ns2-mission-careers/ Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain or maintain a U.S security clearance which requires U.S citizenship. We win with inclusion NS2 Mission’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. At NS2 Mission, we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better world. NS2 Mission is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with NS2 Mission and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an e-mail with your request to Recruiting Operations Team: NS2Mission.Careers@sapns2.com. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements.