Senior systems engineer

CTEC is a leading technology firm that provides modernization, digital transformation, and application development services to the U.S. Federal Government. Headquartered in McLean, VA, CTEC has over 300 team members working on mission-critical systems and projects for agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service, and the Office of Personnel Management. The work we do affects millions of U.S. citizens daily as they interact with the systems we build. Our best-in-class commercial solutions, modified for our customers’ bespoke mission requirements, are enabling this future every day.

The Company has experienced rapid growth over the past 3 years and recently received a strategic investment from Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN). In addition to our recent growth in Federal Civilian agencies, we are seeking to expand our capabilities in cloud development and footprint in national-security focused agencies within the Department of Defense and U.S. Intelligence Community.

We are currently seeking a Systems Engineer (Senior) to join our team.

Position Summary

The Systems Engineer (Senior) is responsible for performing high-level systems analysis, evaluation, design, integration, documentation, and implementation of highly complex applications and systems. This role requires a thorough understanding of administrative and technical principles to support enterprise-wide system development and engineering initiatives. This position supports the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) with their IBM mainframe-based civilian payroll system.

The Senior Systems Engineer directs and participates in all phases of system development with emphasis on planning, analysis, evaluation, integration, testing, validation, verification, and acceptance activities, including Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) and Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E). The position also involves applying advanced business and technical methodologies to solve complex engineering problems and deliver automated solutions that meet organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform systems analysis, design, integration, implementation, and maintenance for complex enterprise applications.
• Lead and participate in all phases of the system development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Support planning, analysis, evaluation, integration, testing, IV&V, DT&E, and acceptance activities.
• Analyze complex technical and business requirements and develop automated engineering solutions.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, system specifications, reports, charts, and graphs.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, briefings, and status updates to stakeholders and leadership.
• Ensure quality standards and service delivery requirements are consistently achieved for assigned tasks and projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, developers, testers, and business stakeholders to support system modernization and operational objectives.
• Support configuration management, audit readiness, and compliance activities.
• Identify system risks, issues, and performance concerns and recommend corrective actions.
• Analyze and Action Requests and System Change Requests, developing resolution plans and documenting outcomes in configuration management system.
• Analyze and resolve ABENDs (unplanned program terminations) and escalate as required.
• Support IBM DB2 and IDMS (v19.0) database administration, including installation, maintenance, and upgrade activities, with development of Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs).
• Participate in Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning, testing, and enhancement exercises.
• Monitor and manage incoming file transfers and interface files.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must possess extensive hands-on experience (3–5 years) with the following:

• IDMS database
• COBOL programming
• JCL
• Agile Methodology

Preferred Qualifications

Extensive hands-on experience (3–5 years) with the following is preferred:

• Oracle
• COGNOS
• JavaScript
• Broadcom Endevor
• Software Testing Strategies
• Configuration Management Strategies
• Audit Support and Assurance
• REXX scripting language
• MQSeries 6.0
• z/OS mainframe operating environment; IBM mainframe tools: TSO, ISPF, SDSF, JES
• ACF2 security management (REL 16.0.05/MVS)
• Control-M job scheduler; IBM DB2; PL/SQL
• Assembler programming (IBM mainframe)

Desired Skills

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting enterprise-level or government systems environments.
• Knowledge of systems engineering methodologies and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Experience with legacy systems modernization and integration efforts is highly desirable.
• Exposure to 24/7 production mainframe operations or on-call support environments.
• Familiarity with DoD/DFAS security requirements and CAC-enabled environments.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field preferred.

Clearance: Active Secret clearance required.

If you are looking for a fun and challenging environment with talented, motivated people to work with, CTEC is the right place for you. In addition to employee salary, we offer an array of employee benefits including:

• Paid vacation & Sick leave
• Health insurance coverage
• Career training
• Performance bonus programs
• 401K contribution & Employer Match
• 11 Federal Holidays