Systems Engineer

About the role

Aquila Technology is seeking a Systems Engineer to support a premier defense research organization. The role focuses on designing and integrating distributed data architecture solutions, with emphasis on AI/ML, automation, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop prototypes and proof-of-concepts to support secure, cloud-based data sharing and modernization initiatives across distributed environments
• Evaluate emerging technologies in data engineering and observability
• Build and manage databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, Mongo, InfluxDB)
• Data Analysis
• Data Visualization (display tool-kits and methodologies)
• ETL (Extract, transform, and load)
• Machine Learning/AI
• AI/ML
• Develop and implement algorithms for AI/ML workflows in Python
• Software programming: Java, C/C++, Python, Linux
• Familiarity with monitoring, logging, and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana and Splunk)
• DevSec Ops experience
• Systems Analysis

Requirements

• Currently holds a Secret Clearance (OR a higher clearance)
• Experience with OMS (open mission systems) and UCI (universal command and control interface)
• Containerization (Docker, podman, etc.)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5 years Building and managing databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, Mongo, InfluxDB)
• 5 years Data Analysis
• 5 years Data Visualization (display tool-kits and methodologies)
• 5 years Experience with ETL (Extract, transform, and load)
• 2 years Machine Learning/AI
• 2 years AI/ML
• 2 years Experience developing and implementing algorithms for AI/ML workflows in Python
• 2 years Software programming: Java, C/C++, Python, Linux
• 2 years Familiarity with monitoring, logging, and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana and Splunk)
• 2 years DevSec Ops experience

Skills

• Strong background in data analysis, identifying trends, drawing actionable insights, and evaluating data interoperability from diverse sources to support key decisions
• Proficiency with high-performance database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouseDB)
• Hands-on development experience with Python, Java, and C/C++ for high-performance data processing, analytics, and system components
• Deep understanding of observability and visualization stacks, including Grafana for dashboards, Prometheus, and VictoriaMetrics for monitoring large-scale distributed systems
• Ability to analyze complex systems, identify performance bottlenecks, debug issues, and implement efficiency improvements
• Experience gathering and analyzing system requirements, mapping them to capabilities, identifying gaps, and developing risk mitigation strategies
• Strong team collaboration using Agile methodologies, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Familiarity with DevSecOps pipelines, practices, and tools
• Experience or strong interest in network emulation and testbed environments

Nice to Have

• Experience with OMS (open mission systems) and UCI (universal command and control interface)
• Containerization (Docker / Podman)

Benefits and Perks

• PTO – 15 days (vacation/sick)
• 10 paid holidays – 6 standard (New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) – 4 floating holidays prorated based on your day of hire: 1.5 paid days, or 12 hours, for approved volunteer work
• 1 week of paid maternity/paternity LOA after 1 year of Full-time employment
• Tuition & Training Reimbursement– 5K annually for pre-approved, Eligible full-time team members who have completed a minimum of six (6) monthsof employment may apply for tuition reimbursement for approved, job-related courses taken through an accredited college or university. Team members must achieve a grade of “B” or better to qualify for reimbursement.
• Aquila will reimburse up to $5,000 per fiscal year for tuition expenses only. Expenses related to training programs, certifications, books, materials, meals, transportation, or other non-tuition costs are not eligible under the Tuition Reimbursement Program. All tuition reimbursement requests must be submitted to and approved by the team member’s Manager prior to course registration. Reimbursement will be issued upon successful course completion and submission of final grades and proof of payment.
• 401K with Fidelity – Eligible to participate following 90 days of employment. Company match on employee contribution: $1/$1 up to 3%, then .50 cents / $1 for 4th and 5th %s
• Company match does not apply to catch-up contribution
• Cell Phone & Internet Reimbursedup to $150 monthly to cover cell phone, data, and home internet expenses. Aquila Technology will reimburse team members who work from home ONLY for cell phone/mobile device fees for work-related communications and/or operations each month. Employees eligible for this benefit must work remote 2 days a week or more to qualify.
• Buy Your Own Device (BYOD) – Team members are eligible for reimbursement of up to $1,500 every three (3) years for the purchase of electronic equipment used to access corporate services. To qualify for this benefit, employees must have completed a minimum of six (6) months of employment and must agree to and sign the Device Minimum Configuration Form prior to reimbursement. Electronic devices eligible under the Buy Your Own Device (BYOD) program are limited to cell phones, laptops, and tablets.