System Engineer Level 3
Position Summary
DarkStar is searching for a Systems Engineer based in Annapolis Junction, targeting individuals with an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and Counterintelligence Polygraph. This role is critical for ensuring the compatibility of production systems with strategic architectures and requires a professional with a minimum of seven years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will bring robust technical expertise in systems engineering to contribute to key documentation and develop innovative capabilities. This position offers the opportunity to engage in complex projects that significantly contribute to national security within a dynamic and collaborative team environment.
Location: Annapolis Junction
FLSA Status: Full-Time
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens
Position Type: On-Site
Clearance Level: TS/SCI + Counterintelligence Polygraph
Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee alignment of system requirements with architecture frameworks (DoDAF, SOA).
• Support the creation of systems engineering documentation.
• Specify system and functional requirements across components.
• Facilitate resolution of action items from cross-discipline meetings.
• Engage in design teams for new capabilities, considering all operational needs.
• Assign process and error budgets to system components.
• Propose alternate system designs and establish verification criteria.
• Contribute to interface definitions and ensure detailed component requirements are feasible.
• Participate in defining and approving system specifications.
• Formulate requirements for information assurance and SOA solutions.
• Document interface designs in a centralized repository.
• Assess program risks and ensure compliance with standards.
• Support DoD and JCIDS documentation processes.
• Provide technical direction in system development and integration.
• Develop operational scenarios and conduct performance analyses.
• Coordinate integration efforts, leveraging models and simulations to mitigate risks.
• Participate in Configuration Control Boards and propose design alternatives.
• Assess and mitigate risks, ensuring system interoperability with standards.
• Recommend solutions based on Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) efforts.
• Guide complex system development towards optimized integration and interface definitions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and a Counterintelligence Polygraph.
• Requires twenty (20) years of experience as a Systems Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and leading Systems Engineering efforts is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university is mandatory.
• An additional five (5) years of Systems Engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in at least two (2) of the following areas is required:
  • DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) version 2.02 modeling and system engineering analysis or development.
  • Cryptographic development and analysis.
  • IA and cybersecurity architectures, concepts, principles, use cases, and standards.
  • Familiarity with DoD, IC, and other federal government policies, directives, and instructions related to IA and cybersecurity strategic planning and direction.