Systems Engineer Principal

About the role

SAIC is seeking a Systems Administrator/Network Engineer/Spacecraft Command & Control Scheduler to coordinate and manage end‑to‑end architecture by scheduling assets, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting networking equipment, servers, and processing systems. The position supports testing, development, training, exercises, and real‑world operations, and serves as a direct interface with users and sister agencies to gather requirements, spot trends, and develop usage metrics for mission execution.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute space and ground segment schedules, coordinating with other intelligence organizations.
• Monitor signal processor product generation to ensure flow of time‑critical data.
• Maintain and update all components of computer network software, including licenses, version updates, and anti‑virus software.
• Configure and maintain firewalls, switches, and servers in an operational environment.
• Troubleshoot network hardware issues and provide fault detection, isolation, and traffic monitoring.
• Document network problems, outages, and solutions; prioritize fixes and assess impact.
• Generate data analytics to improve network throughput performance.
• Communicate scheduling and networking issues to internal teams and Government leads.
• Provide documentation and technical specifications for updates to scheduling and networking software/hardware.
• Support development teams with integration of network hardware, software, cybersecurity upgrades, and recap efforts across various classification levels.
• Train and educate new users.
• Perform rotational shift work that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Occasional travel as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with nine (9) or more years of experience, or Master’s degree with seven (7) or more years, or PhD/JD with four (4) or more years.
• Relevant CS/IT experience may substitute for a degree.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph.
• Database, network, or system administration experience preferred.
• DOD 8570 Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II certification desired; if not held, must obtain within three months of hire.
• Ability to lift 50 lb.

Skills

• Problem‑solving and critical‑thinking abilities, often with limited documentation.
• Project management and documentation of best practices, troubleshooting guides, and maintenance activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to brief and interface with all organizational levels.
• Team‑oriented with a customer‑focused attitude.
• Working knowledge of Linux Red Hat Enterprise, Microsoft Server, network protocols, Palo Alto firewalls, and Dell server configuration.
• Certifications such as CCNA Security, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, Security+, CND, or SSCP are beneficial.

Pay

Target salary range: $160,001 – $200,000 (based on experience and other factors).

Schedule

Full‑time, day shift with rotational shift work that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.