Senior Systems Engineer

Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to support a critical U.S. government agency in the National Capital Region. This SME-level role is ideal for an experienced systems engineer with broad technical depth across Microsoft enterprise platforms, Unix/Linux systems, and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) components. The role offers an opportunity to support infrastructure modernization, hybrid identity and access integration, and implementation of secure enterprise environments aligned with agency goals.

The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in Microsoft and Linux systems administration with hands-on experience in identity federation, enterprise directory services, secure access platforms, and modern endpoint and application hosting solutions. Familiarity with tools such as Zscaler, Oracle, and integration of Zero Trust frameworks is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation, and lifecycle support of enterprise infrastructure across Windows, Linux, and hybrid environments.
• Serve as a senior escalation point for complex infrastructure issues, especially in Microsoft Active Directory, Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), and Unix/Linux OS environments.
• Provide expert support for:
• Active Directory, Group Policy, and identity federation (AD FS, Entra ID, conditional access).
• Windows Server and IIS-based application hosting.
• Unix/Linux system administration and troubleshooting (e.g. RedHat, Solaris).
• Integration of COTS/third-party applications in secure environments.
• Hybrid and cloud identity, including Entra ID Connect and SSO/MFA policy design.
• PaaS data processing services such as Data Bricks/Data Factory.
• Support the implementation and integration of Zero Trust Architecture components, including secure web gateways, access brokers, and endpoint telemetry tools.
• Provide subject matter expertise in Zscaler configuration and policy enforcement (e.g., ZIA, ZPA).
• Support systems with Oracle database or application backends, including basic troubleshooting and system integration tasks.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation such as SOPs, architecture diagrams, platform configurations, and change records.
• Automate routine administrative and operational tasks using scripting tools such as PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
• Collaborate with security, network, and operations teams to support secure, scalable infrastructure aligned with compliance frameworks.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; or 8+ years of equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
• At least six (6) years of hands-on experience in enterprise system engineering roles.
• Strong expertise in Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, and hybrid identity platforms (e.g., Entra ID).
• Demonstrated experience supporting and troubleshooting Unix/Linux operating systems.
• Experience working with Zero Trust Architecture concepts and tools, especially Zscaler.
• Familiarity with Oracle systems, including application integration or backend support.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation using PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills, technical documentation abilities, and collaboration across technical domains.
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with identity and access management integrations (e.g., AD FS, Entra ID, conditional access policies).
• Knowledge of endpoint and network security tools aligned with ZTA principles.
• Experience with enterprise web application hosting (e.g., IIS) and secure configurations.
• Industry certifications: Azure, ITIL 4, Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, CompTIA Linux+, Zscaler Certified Associate, or equivalent.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.