• Senior Systems Engineer

    SAIC (Washington, DC)


    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.

     

    Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

    REQNUMBER: 2506843

    SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability