Data Protection System Engineer Level 2

Annapolis Junction, MD
Full Time
Cybersecurity and Engineering Operations
Mid Level
Data Protection System Engineer Level 2

Position Summary
DarkStar is searching for a Data Protection System Engineer based in Annapolis Junction, targeting individuals with an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and a Full Scope 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, particularly in data protection within a zero-trust enterprise, and specialized knowledge of Varnish, Virtu, and/or Titus. This position is primarily within an uncleared environment, with limited telework opportunities. It offers the chance to engage in complex projects contributing to national security within a dynamic and collaborative team environment.

Location: NBP 131, Annapolis Junction, Maryland 
Schedule (FT/PT): Full-Time
Travel Required: No
Shift: Day
Remote Type: Limited
Security Clearance: Current TS/SCI
Polygraph: Fullscope Polygraph (CCA Accepted)

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Manage system requirements and derived requirements to ensure the delivery of production systems compatible with defined system architectures, such as the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) and Service-oriented Architecture (SOA).
  • Contribute to developing systems engineering documentation, including System Engineering Plans, Initial Capabilities Documents, Requirements Specifications, and Interface Control Documents.
  • Assist with developing system and functional requirements and allocating these requirements to hardware, software, facilities, and personnel components.
  • Coordinate the resolution of action items from Configuration Control Board (CCB) meetings, design reviews, program reviews, and test reviews that require cross-discipline coordination.
  • Participate in Integrated Product Teams to design new capabilities based on comprehensive development and operational considerations.
  • Allocate real-time process and error budgets to systems and subsystem components.
  • Generate alternative system concepts, physical architectures, and design solutions.
  • Define methods, processes, and evaluation criteria for system verification against requirements in a written plan.
  • Develop system design solutions that satisfy system requirements and fulfill functional analysis.
  • Review and provide input on program and contract Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), work packages, and the Integrated Master Plan (IMP).
  • Participate in interface definition, design, and changes to the configuration across groups and throughout the lifecycle.
  • Derive stakeholder needs and lower-level requirements from higher-level requirements, ensuring they are complete, correct, unique, unambiguous, realizable, and verifiable.
  • Develop derived requirements for Information Assurance Services, including Confidentiality, Integrity, Non-repudiation, Availability, and mechanisms such as Identification, Authentication, Access Control, and Accountability.
  • Implement comprehensive SOA solutions and DoDAF-based operational, technical standards, system, and services views for architectures.
  • Capture all interface designs in a common interface control format and store data in a commonly accessible repository.
  • Assess and manage risks, plan verification efforts for new designs, prepare timeline analysis diagrams and establish requirements change control processes.
  • Manage and ensure the technical integrity of the system baseline over time, from development through deployment and operations & maintenance.
  • Integrate data protection products into a zero-trust enterprise, ensuring compliance with security and protection standards.
  • Support the planning and test analysis of DoD Certification/Accreditation Process and other Government Certification and Accreditation (C&A) processes.
  • Provide technical direction for complex hardware/software systems, including requirements elicitation, analysis, functional allocation, concept development, interface standards, system architecture, technical/non-technical assessment, and end-to-end flow analysis.
  • Develop scenarios and an Operational Concept describing interactions among the system, user, and environment, covering operational, support, maintenance, and disposal needs.
  • Conduct quantitative analysis in non-functional areas like Reliability, Maintainability, Vulnerability, and Survivability.
  • Establish and follow a formal procedure for system integration activities among teams, ensuring complete interface coverage.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Clearance: Current TS/SCI + Full Scope Polygraph. In-scope counterintelligence polygraphs will be accepted, and personnel with a current CI polygraph will be considered for contract roles requiring a full-scope polygraph if they possess a Conditional Certification of Access (CCA), pending successful completion and adjudication of a full-scope polygraph.
  • Experience: Fourteen (14) years as a Systems Engineer on similar contracts and programs.
  • Education:
    • Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or a related discipline.
      • Five (5) additional years of Systems Engineering experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
Specialized Skills:
  • Additional Tools: Must have knowledge of Varnish, Virtu, and/or Titus.
  • Data Protection: Experience integrating data protection products within a zero-trust enterprise environment.
Salary Range:
$149,000 - $155,000
This pay range is a general guideline and not a guarantee of specific compensation or salary. When extending an offer, DarkStar Intelligence considers various factors, including (but not limited to) the job's responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, market data alignment, applicable bargaining agreements (if any), and other relevant laws.
 

About DarkStar Intelligence

DarkStar Intelligence is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). We are dedicated to advancing mission support and tradecraft development for our clients while emphasizing employee retention and client satisfaction. We deliver high-quality, intelligence-based solutions grounded in our “Core Four” values: humility, passion, agility, and ownership. Our team members embody humility by prioritizing the mission over personal recognition, bringing passion through relentless enthusiasm for problem-solving and innovation. With agility, they adapt swiftly to changing mission requirements and excel in team dynamics. Above all, our personnel take full ownership of their work, holding themselves accountable to deliver results and uphold the highest standards of excellence. We strive to make our country safer and create a lasting impact through these values.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At DarkStar Intelligence LLC, we believe that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is not just a policy but a core value that defines our approach to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is valued based on their skills, abilities, and qualifications and where employment decisions are made solely on merit.

We uphold a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination of any kind. Our commitment ensures that no one is discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our EEO principles are embedded in every facet of the employment process—from recruitment and hiring to promotions, transfers, training, and career development. We also apply this commitment to maintaining an inclusive work environment, equitable compensation and benefits, fair performance evaluations, and respectful terminations. At DarkStar Intelligence, diversity and inclusion are more than policies; they are essential to who we are and how we operate.

EEO Flyer: shorturl.at/abpNX

Employee Benefits

At DarkStar Intelligence LLC, we believe investing in our employees means providing a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their personal and professional well-being. We offer a variety of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our team:

Core Benefits:

  • Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to ensure you and your family access essential care.
  • Income Protection: Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability to give you peace of mind.
  • Retirement Planning: A 401(k) plan to help you build a secure financial future.
  • Work-Life Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Legal Services for added support whenever needed.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, 11 paid Federal Holidays, plus a Floating Holiday to celebrate what matters most to you.

Voluntary Benefits:

  • Identity & Legal Protection: LegalShield and IDShield protect your identity and provide access to legal resources.
  • Additional Coverage: Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Care Insurance for extra protection and peace of mind.

At DarkStar Intelligence, we are committed to providing benefits that empower you to thrive inside and outside the workplace. We value your contributions and strive to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

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