Operational Systems Engineer (Full Performance)

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionHelp engineer the automation capabilities that make complex software testing more scalable, efficient, and adaptable. As an Operational Systems Engineer (Full Performance) in Chantilly, VA, you'll contribute to the development and sustainment of a cross-platform software test automation system supporting critical mission requirements.In this role, you'll work across application development, infrastructure automation, and virtualization to enhance the existing DART platform and expand its ability to support diverse testing environments. Using technologies such as Python, C++, REST APIs, Docker, Ansible, and Terraform, you'll help develop automation services, integrate modern DevOps capabilities, and support both legacy workloads and emerging AI-enabled development initiatives. This opportunity is well suited to an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working across Linux and Windows environments, and building practical solutions that improve how software is tested and delivered.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, implement, and maintain IT systems and software capabilities that support mission network operations and end users.Enhance and extend the existing DART software test automation platform, including application-layer development, integration, and operational sustainment.Develop robust applications and automation services using Python and C++, supporting cross-platform testing and infrastructure management.Implement and maintain application interfaces, including RESTful APIs with Swagger documentation, while supporting existing Python bindings and legacy integrations.Integrate Infrastructure as Code technologies such as Ansible and Terraform with DevOps tools including Bamboo, Bitbucket, Confluence, and Jira.Automate the provisioning, configuration, and management of virtualized testing environments across VMware, KVM, Proxmox, physical hardware, and other hypervisor platforms.Evaluate technology options, assess implementation tradeoffs, and recommend solutions that meet scalability, compatibility, and operational requirements.Develop end-to-end automation workflows, including logic for automated resource allocation and scaling across customized testing environments.Support containerized applications and automated testing and deployment processes using Docker, CI/CD pipelines, and modern DevOps practices.Apply knowledge of network operations and the OSI model, particularly Layers 1–4, to support system integration, connectivity, and troubleshooting.Implement and maintain application authentication and authorization capabilities using protocols and standards such as OAuth, JWT, and OpenID Connect.Design, integrate, and optimize data storage solutions using SQL Server and/or MongoDB, with attention to performance, reliability, and application requirements.Identify opportunities to improve system efficiency, expand automation capabilities, and support both established workloads and emerging AI-enabled software development efforts.Document technical designs, deployment procedures, test plans, system configurations, and operational processes.Collaborate with engineers, colleagues, and mission partners to communicate technical approaches, explain tool functionality, and coordinate implementation and operational activities.Manage assigned projects from requirements gathering and design through implementation, testing, and final documentation, working independently with minimal supervision.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience).5+ years of relevant technical experience supporting software engineering, systems engineering, test automation, or related technical initiatives.5+ years of programming experience with Python, along with strong knowledge of C++ for developing robust software applications.5+ years of experience designing, architecting, and developing enterprise-scale applications.5+ years of experience developing operating-system-agnostic platforms or applications supporting both Linux and Windows environments and diverse testing targets.Hands-on experience automating and managing multiple hypervisor platforms, including VMware and KVM, to support complex, scalable, and highly customized environments.Understanding DevOps principles, containerization using Docker, and CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and software deployment.Experience developing end-to-end automation solutions, including functionality for automated resource allocation or scaling.Working knowledge of authentication and authorization standards such as OAuth, JWT, and OpenID Connect.Strong understanding of SQL Server, including database administration or performance optimization, and/or experience with MongoDB for NoSQL data storage.Familiarity with infrastructure and application integration, system configuration, and software testing practices.Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills, with the ability to adapt to emerging issues, changing priorities, and short deadlines.Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly and maintain awareness of evolving software engineering and infrastructure practices.Preferred QualificationsProgramming experience with additional languages such as Go or Rust, or advanced C++ development for low-level system and hypervisor interactions.5+ years of experience with C# and .NET Core for application development.Experience automating and managing multiple hypervisor platforms, including Harvester, to support complex and customized testing environments.Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and/or Helm to manage, provision, and version-control virtualized infrastructure and configurations.Experience with Kubernetes for container orchestration.Experience supporting both on-premises and cloud-based deployment technologies and automation workflows.Knowledge of Linux and Windows kernels and kernel drivers, particularly in support of deep-level application and hardware compatibility testing.Experience managing large-scale remote workstation clusters, with an emphasis on high availability, low latency, and scalable resource utilization.Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools, including applications that improve software development productivity and automation.Experience in integrating machine learning models into software applications.Understanding of event-driven architecture principles and their application to scalable systems.Experience with Elasticsearch for log management and search, or familiarity with open-source ELK Stack technologies.Experience developing and documenting standard operating procedures for systems, networks, or technical platforms.Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments while adapting to evolving requirements.A self-starter mindset, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively while exploring and adopting new technologies.Position Clearance Requirement:TS/SCI with an FSPSalary and Benefits Information:The salary range for this position is $115,453.00 to $147,077.00. The proposed range is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, location, and contractual considerations and may fall outside of the stated range. We offer a great benefits package designed to support you and your family. View our benefits information here: Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain or maintain a U.S security clearance which requires U.S citizenship.We win with inclusionNS2 Mission’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. At NS2 Mission, we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better world.NS2 Mission is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with NS2 Mission and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an e-mail with your request to Recruiting Operations Team:View email address on click.appcast.io applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements.