Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

Comprising more than 130 personnel, the Integrated Warfare Systems Group (IWSG) delivers expertise across program and project management, acquisition and contracting, systems and digital engineering, software development, test and evaluation, sustainment and life‑cycle management, cybersecurity, international/Foreign Military Sales, strategic communications, and IT services. These capabilities support more than 100 Above Water Sensor, Undersea, and Combat System programs and projects within the Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Mission Systems, Maritime and Munitions, as well as clients at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, and the Office of Naval Research.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to drive the integration of secure, resilient architectures into critical DoD tactical systems. In this role, you will apply systems security engineering (SSE) principles throughout the system lifecycle—from requirements definition and upfront design through verification and deployment. You will be a vital technical contributor, guiding defense programs through the acquisition process and ensuring systems are designed to survive and operate in contested cyber environments. You must have the ability to work from SPA's 20 M St. office in DC at least three days per week and potentially up to full time depending upon client needs.

A successful candidate will be adept at driving the implementation of cyber survivability requirements into system architectures leveraging standards such as NIST SP 800-160; collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams, including software, hardware, and DevSecOps, to ensure cybersecurity is built in rather than bolted–on compliance. Acting as a key technical contributor in engineering reviews, milestone decisions, and program–level risk assessments, ensuring cybersecurity is an integral part of the process.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related STEM discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in Systems Engineering, Cyber Systems Engineering, or Systems Security Architecture on DoD programs (Army, Air Force, Navy, or Joint).
• Direct experience supporting the DoD acquisition lifecycle, including providing technical input to engineering reviews, program milestones, and verification & validation activities.
• Lead Program Protection capability development, integrating Anti‑Tamper (AT), Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), and software assurance into the overarching system design.
• Develop and analyze system‑level security architectures, identifying vulnerabilities and engineering mitigations early in the acquisition lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of upfront, secure engineering design principles.
• Possess a current IAT/IAM Level III, DoD 8570 IASAE Level II compliant certification (e.g., CISSP).
• Active DoD Secret clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field.
• Experience with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
• Experience serving as a Systems Engineer in a Navy acquisition program office.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps pipelines and associated security tools (e.g., SonarQube, Fortify).

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Washington, D.C. Pay Transparency Range: $115k - $195k.

Pay Range Information

Washington, DC, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $135,000.00/Yr. - USD $195,000.00/Yr.