Lead Systems Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer Location: Arlington, VA - Pentagon
Work Type: Hybrid
Remote Work: 50%

Job Description
Lead systems engineering for cryptographic modernization and key management across DoW portfolios and platforms. Conduct assessments and systems analysis for technology integration, align with NDAA/OMB/National Manager guidance, and advise on DoW?wide priorities for secure modernization.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate cryptographic capabilities and roadmap modernization strategies, including post quantum considerations.
• Analyze impacts of federal guidance on crypto programs; develop recommendations for enterprise adoption.
• Support research, engineering, interoperability testing, and technical baselines; ensure contract and quality compliance.
• Coordinate with relevant DoW orgs (e.g., DISA, NSA, USCYBERCOM, and DoW components) for modernization planning.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a technical discipline and 12+ years related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in secure systems design, requirement development, and performance evaluation.
• Ability to define/interpret high level performance requirements and develop approaches to achieve them.
• Top Secret clearance

Nice to Have Qualifications

• Experience with KMI/KME, COMSEC policy, and PQC transition planning.
• Familiarity with enterprise crypto inventory tracking and deep?dive program reviews.

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Top Secret clearance is required.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $170,000 (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.)

Benefits: Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron's benefits programs.

Gridiron IT Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status.

Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies. Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.