Systems Security Engineer

Job Title: Principal Cyber Systems Security Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on integrating secure, resilient architectures into critical Department of Defense (DoD) tactical systems by applying systems security engineering principles across the full system lifecycle. The Principal Cyber Systems Security Engineer leads the incorporation of cyber survivability requirements into system architectures, ensuring systems can operate in contested cyber environments. The position emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams and external integrators, guiding programs through the DoD acquisition process and ensuring cybersecurity is designed in from the outset rather than treated as a compliance afterthought.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems security engineering (SSE) principles across the entire system lifecycle, from requirements definition and upfront design through verification, deployment, and sustainment.
• Drive the implementation of cyber survivability requirements into system architectures, leveraging standards such as NIST SP 800-160.
• Develop and analyze system-level security architectures, identify vulnerabilities early in the acquisition lifecycle, and engineer appropriate mitigations.
• Lead Program Protection capability development by integrating Anti-Tamper (AT), Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), and software assurance into overarching system designs.
• Provide technical input and guidance throughout the DoD acquisition lifecycle, including engineering reviews, program milestone decisions, and verification and validation activities.
• Act as a key technical contributor in program-level risk assessments, ensuring cybersecurity is an integral part of decision-making processes.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams, including software, hardware, and DevSecOps, to ensure cybersecurity is built into systems rather than added as a later compliance measure.
• Engage regularly with customers and other system integrators to ensure they understand and correctly implement technical security requirements.
• Review technical implementations from partner organizations, identify gaps or issues, and clearly explain what needs to be corrected and why.
• Produce and maintain clear, comprehensive technical documentation and security-related artifacts that support acquisition and engineering activities.
• Perform some project management responsibilities, including tracking progress on security engineering tasks and coordinating with stakeholders to meet program objectives.
• Contribute to the culture of continuous improvement by sharing best practices in secure engineering design and promoting secure-by-design principles across programs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related STEM field.
• Professional experience in Systems Engineering, Cyber Systems Engineering, or Systems Security Architecture on DoD programs (Army, Air Force, Navy, or Joint).
• Direct experience supporting the DoD acquisition lifecycle, including providing technical input to engineering reviews, program milestones, and verification and validation activities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead Program Protection capability development, integrating Anti-Tamper (AT), Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), and software assurance into system designs.
• Proven experience developing and analyzing system-level security architectures and identifying vulnerabilities early in the acquisition lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of upfront, secure engineering design principles and secure-by-design methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with security engineering and cybersecurity practices in complex defense systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and integrators, clearly explaining technical requirements and necessary corrective actions.
• Experience with technical documentation, including drafting and reviewing security-related artifacts and requirements.
• Possession of a current IAT/IAM Level III, DoD 8570 IASAE Level II compliant certification (such as CISSP).
• Active DoD Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant technical field.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo or similar platforms.
• Experience serving as a Systems Engineer in a Navy acquisition program office.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps pipelines and associated security tools, such as SonarQube and Fortify.
• Experience in cybersecurity for complex, mission-critical systems within the DoD environment.
• Exposure to program and project management responsibilities within technical or defense-related programs.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively within integrated, cross-functional teams.
• Ability to operate effectively in a highly technical, mission-focused environment that supports national security objectives.

Work Environment

The role is based in a collaborative office environment in the Navy Yard area, with a hybrid work schedule that typically requires commuting to the office two to three days per week. The broader organization includes a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of professionals specializing in program and project management, acquisition and contracting, systems and digital engineering, software development, test and evaluation, sustainment and life-cycle management, cybersecurity, international and Foreign Military Sales, strategic communications, and IT services. This team supports a large portfolio of Above Water Sensor, Undersea, and Combat System programs and projects across the Navy and related organizations. The work environment emphasizes technical excellence, mission focus, and close collaboration, offering unique challenges and opportunities to contribute to complex national security solutions. The culture values innovation, objective analysis, responsiveness to mission needs, and building trusted relationships with government partners.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Alexandria, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $195000.00/yr.

I am working on getting a sell sheet from the HR team that we can send out to candidates

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Alexandria,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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