Principal Systems Engineer- DevSecOps

Description

SAIC is looking for a Principal System Engineer to serve as the primary DevSecOps engineer on a mission-critical Navy communications program. This is a high-visibility role where you will own the containerization strategy — from architecture and build to hardening and sustainment — for systems that directly support DoD operational readiness.

If you live and breathe containers, love solving hard security and scalability problems, and want your work to matter at a national security level, this role was built for you.

This is an ON-SITE role located in San Diego, CA

Why This Role Stands Out

• You are THE container expert on the program — your knowledge helps shape the architecture

• Work on real-world, mission-critical Navy communication systems

• Collaborative team of engineers, program managers, and government stakeholders

• Fast-paced, innovative environment where technical leadership is recognized and rewarded

• San Diego, CA — one of the best cities in the country to live and work

What You'll Do

Container Engineering & DevSecOps (Core Focus)

• Design, build, and manage the containerization platform using tools such as Docker and Kubernetes

• Build and maintain custom container images , optimized for security and performance

• Develop and manage CI/CD pipelines that integrate seamlessly with containerized environments

• Lead container hardening efforts , implementing:

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

• SECCOMP and AppArmor profiles

• Namespace isolation and least-privilege configurations

• Ensure containers and orchestration platforms meet DoD/RMF compliance and ATO requirements

• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize containerized applications for high availability and resilience in production

Security & Compliance

• Apply Risk Management Framework (RMF) principles across the DevSecOps lifecycle

• Implement and maintain compliance with DoD/DoN cybersecurity policies

• Utilize STIGs to harden containers, hosts, and network equipment

• Maintain environment compliance with directives (IAVA/IAVM)

Infrastructure & Networking

• Provide network integration, configuration, and administration support

• Configure and document network systems, including Cisco networking equipment

• Integrate container-specific monitoring and logging tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK/EFK stack)

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a key technical leader , providing direction and mentorship to junior engineers

• Interface regularly with management, customers, and cross-functional teams

• Participate in technical issue resolution during integration, implementation, and testing phases

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

• Must have an Active Top Secret Clearance to start.

• Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance after start.

• DoD IAT 2 Level II certified eligibility.

• Hands-on container expertise, including:

• Setup, configuration, and hardening of Docker and Kubernetes environments

• Building and Managing CI/CD pipelines

• Container Security tools: RBAC, SECCOMP, AppArmor, namespace isolation

• strong knowledge of container networking, monitoring, and logging (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK/EFK)

• Strong grasp of DevOps/ DevSecOps practices and principles.

• Solid computer and networking skills with working knowledge of applicable military and commercial standards Certifications (One or More required)

• Security + (required)

• MS Windows Server- Certification of course completion accepted

• MCITP, MCSA, or MCSE may substitute

• Cisco OS Certifications may substitute for MS certifications

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Experience with STIG implementation for network and container environments

• Working knowledge of Cisco networks and equipment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience establishing equipment configurations in support of operational requirements

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

REQNUMBER: 2613117

SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability