Systems Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues.

With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad.

Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission.

Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA.

Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.

We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.

Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Space Systems Group, part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis.

We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command (USSF / SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF.

We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command.

We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to execute on time and on budget within the technical communities.

Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Spacepower!

SPA has a near-term need for a Systems Engineer.

Responsibilities

As a Systems Engineer at SPA, you will be assigned to support the Space Systems Command Program Office developing software solutions to perform cyber operations in defense of the US Space Force’s mission systems.

Using the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to implement a DevSecOps approach, you will enable the rapid development and shipment of software solutions to protect, defend, and respond to both ground- and space-based cyber adversarial threats.

You will be expected to understand and apply the best practices and standards for secure software development and deployment as set forth by Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) Top 10 policies and procedures.

You will be expected to design, develop, test, integrate, and deploy software in accordance with the concepts and techniques defined by the 12 Factor App development practices (, cloud native (, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF).

As Systems Engineer your responsibilities will include :

• Supporting activities with the integration and configuration teams to ensure the automatic build and deployment process works effectively across all environments.
• Conducting network and system tap planning for integration of software and hardware with mission systems.
• Implementing Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) applications, including scripts, tools, software patches, system updates, firmware updates, and related tasks.
• Monitoring the performance of the system and resolving any issues related to their efficient and effective use.
• Monitoring and reporting on the overall health of the supported system.
• Providing solutions for application and database issues including capacity, redundancy, replication, and performance tuning.
• Defining, developing, managing, and administering processes used to issue and secure user Identification(s) (ID), passwords, and security keys (public / private, unique) in compliance with DoD, DISA, and USSF standards, policies, and procedures at all mission system sites.
• Analyzing data storage requirements and designing appropriate backup strategies, processes, and procedures for all networked systems.
• Working with building facilities team to ensure sufficient power and cooling.
• Documenting any network plans for tap and aggregator placement and engineering including as-is and to-be architectures.
• Performing capacity planning, performance monitoring, network operations, and analysis to enable low latency and consistent transmission of data from mission systems to correlation locations.
• Developing system architecture documentation, design, and plans of current and future technical and functional systems by depicting technical, system, and functional architecture views.
• Developing plans that enable information sharing, integration, and interoperability through consideration of service-oriented architecture best practices by aligning current architectures with the future architectures.
• Developing implementation plans to achieve defined migration strategies, creating supporting architectural documentation, and coordinating approvals.
• Assessing the available capacity of the destination data center to ensure current infrastructure can support the increased capacity required for the planned installation including power, cooling, floorspace, ingress / egress pathways, cableway availability, and site considerations.
• Developing the organization’s cloud strategy and plans.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain the top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Salary pay range : 135k - 165k

Qualifications

About the Must Haves

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience performing systems engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or relevant STEM from an accredited institution
• At least one or more of the following certifications : Sec+, CSEP, CCNA, CCNP, JNCIS, JNCDA, or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen and possess a current Top Secret Clearance
• Your resume must demonstrate experience : Planning, managing, and architecting software-intensive systems in accordance with DoD StandardsApplying sound systems engineering methodologies in accordance with Industry Best Practices for complex systemsConducting hardware and software integrationProficiency in low-level programming, real-time operating systems, and hardware abstraction layerDeveloping test plans, conducting system integration tests, and troubleshooting issuesAbility to optimize system performanceAbility to strategize and execute from design and development, through maintenance and support after deploymentConducting proactive risk management and contingency planningProficiency with the following tools / technologies : Python, Linux CLI, Bash Scripting

SPA is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action. It is, and will continue to be, the policy of the company to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals.

We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability or genetics or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.