Cyber systems engineer

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

The Multipurpose Interactive Trainer (MIT) team is a cross-functional engineering team responsible for delivering cutting-edge tactical training systems to the submarine fleets of both the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. Our work is dynamic and mission-critical—integrating and administering enterprise compute environments running tactical software builds that deliver capabilities not yet fielded to the fleet. Training systems are deployed to key naval bases, including San Diego, Pearl Harbor, Bangor, Norfolk, Groton, Kings Bay, and Perth, Australia.

As a Cyber Systems Engineer for Trainers/MIT, you will launch your career supporting cybersecurity engineering and operations across secure, classified lab environments. In this entry-level role, you will work closely with senior cyber engineers, system administrators, and integration leads to configure, maintain, and assess system security baselines. You will gain hands-on experience running vulnerability scanners, applying OS hardening benchmarks, generating Assessment and Authorization (A&A) artifacts, and supporting continuous monitoring for system Authority to Operate (ATO).

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline (recent graduate or graduating within the current academic cycle).
• Foundational Knowledge: Basic understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, network concepts (TCP/IP, ports, protocols), and standard operating system concepts.
• Hands-On Exposure: Academic, internship, or project-based experience navigating and administering Linux and/or Windows operating systems.

What sets you apart:

• Problem-Solving & Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; Ability to document technical steps clearly and summarize findings for teammates.
• Growth Mindset: High curiosity, initiative, and eagerness to learn DoD frameworks and enterprise tooling with guidance from senior mentors.
• Clear understanding of systems engineering concepts, principles, theories, and technical standards.
• Creative thinker with ability to multi-task.
• Ability to grasp and apply new information quickly and handle increasing responsibilities with growing complexity.
• Team player who thrives in collaborative environments and revels in team success.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others.
• Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation.

Certifications: Current DoD 8570 / 8140 IAT Level II baseline certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE, CySA+, or CCNA Security) or active progress toward one.

Tool Familiarity: Classroom, lab, or internship experience with vulnerability scanners (ACAS/Nessus), SCAP tools, or SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk).

Framework Awareness: Exposure to NIST SP 800-53 security controls, Risk Management Framework (RMF), or DISA STIG benchmarks.

Virtualization & Scripting: Basic familiarity with shell scripting (Bash, PowerShell, or Python) and virtualization platforms (KVM, VMware, or VirtualBox).

Hands-on Projects: Participation in collegiate cyber defense competitions (e.g., CCDC, CTFs), student engineering clubs, or personal homelab environments.

Our Commitment to You:

An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development. Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security. Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule). Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more. See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options: This position is fully on-site. While on-site, you will be a part of the Manassas Virginia (VAMS03) Facility.

Travel: Up to 10% travel may be required to support site installations, site surveys, or testing events.

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range: USD $77,843.00 - USD $86,358.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans