Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

REQUIRED: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph

LOCATION: Full-time onsite in McLean, VA

We're seeking a Systems Engineer who can deploy, operate, and sustain secure, high-availability services across AWS and other cloud environments. In this role, you'll work hands-on with Infrastructure as Code, build and manage CI/CD pipelines, and support containerized workloads using Docker or Podman.

We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.

Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence

Ardent Principles offers a competitive salary range and a comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package designed to support long-term stability and employee well-being. We provide more than a position—we offer a workplace committed to excellence, integrity, and mission-focused impact. Our mission is to act as a bridge between satisfied clients and fulfilled employees, ensuring that your job and well-being are our top priorities because your satisfaction leads to the success of our clients. Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high-impact solutions.

Application Deadline: June 25, 2026

Department: Data Analysis and Technology Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: McLean, VA

Workplace type: Onsite

Key Responsibilities

In this challenging yet rewarding role, you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life. You must have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience in and/or with:

• Deploying, operating and maintaining web services within the Client's AWS cloud environment (and other cloud service providers).
• Working with Infrastructure as code (IaC) technologies including AWS Cloud Formation.
• Implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins.
• Using Infrastructure as Code tools; Terraform and CloudFormation.
• AWS services (to include EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC, IAM, and CloudWatch)
• Containerization such as Docker and Podman.
• Strong scripting proficiency: Bash and Python.
• Database self-hosting including installation, configuration, backup/recovery, high availability, and performance tuning using PostgreSQL and MySQL.
• Monitoring, logging, and alerting systems; Prometheus/Alertmanager and CloudWatch.
• Integrating and deploying diverse software systems: AWS cloud services, open-source applications, COTS/GOTS products, and custom applications.
• Networking, security, IAM policies, and AWS architecture best practices.
• Using Git-based workflows, branching strategies, and version control best practices.

Highly Desired Qualifications

Other skills and demonstrated experiences that are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work, include:

• Deploying and managing data platform components: Apache Spark, Trino, Apache Ranger, Apache Iceberg, Apache Superset, or data catalogs.
• Using Data lakehouse architectures and supporting infrastructure.Secrets management solutions such as AWS Secrets Manager or Parameter Store.
• Disaster recovery, backup strategies, and continuity planning.
• Using or familiarity with API gateways and modern microservices patterns.
• Cost optimization practices in AWS.
• Background deploying and supporting AI/ML workloads or model serving infrastructure.
• Mentoring team members on DevOps and cloud best practices.
• NoSQL databases such as DynamoDB or MongoDB, etc.
• Additional monitoring tools such as Grafanaor ELK stack.
• Integrating Sponsor's Enterprise services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Linux Operating Systems
• Agile/Scrum development methodologies in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
• Working effectively in high-performing, cross-functional teams with multiple concurrent projects.
• Working directly with stakeholders to gather requirements, understand needs, and translate them into technical solutions with minimal oversight.
• Self-directed work with a strong ownership mentality and commitment to code quality, testing, and documentation.
• Context-switching between projects and systems as priorities demand.

What We Offer You

• Highly Competitive Salary : Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off : Providing ample time for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Dedicated Training Budget : Supporting continuous learning and professional development.
• 100% Employer-Covered Family Vision, Dental, and Health Insurance : Ensuring comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• 100% Employer-Covered Life and Disability Insurance : Offering financial security and peace of mind.
• 401(k) Plan with a 6% Employer Match : Helping you plan and save for a secure retirement, with 100% vesting from day one.
• 11 Paid Government Holidays : Observing national holidays to ensure time off with family and friends.
• Spot Bonuses for Exceptional Performance : Rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements.

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time position with consultants expected to be available and working onsite in McLean, VA during core hours. Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to driving positive change through technology. Apply now with our easy 3-minute, mobile-friendly initial application process. Your future starts here!

About Ardent Principles, Inc.

At Ardent Principles, we're more than just a technology company - we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our mission is to empower organizations with transformative IT solutions and program management services, while our values of integrity, excellence, and teamwork guide everything we do. We foster a culture of open communication, where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. Join us and be part of a company where your contributions truly make a difference. Apply Now

Our Hiring Process

Stage 3: Client Review Stage 4: Offer Stage 5: Hired Stage 1: Application Review Stage 2: Phone Screen Stage 3: Client Review Stage 4: Offer Stage 5: Hired Find out more

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