Systems Engineer, Tech Project Lead

Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Technical Project Lead (TPL) to manage and execute cybersecurity compliance projects across critical U.S. Navy and Coast Guard (USCG) network infrastructures. This role requires a unique blend of project management discipline, deep knowledge of network architecture, and expert-level application of DoD security mandates (STIGs, RMF). The TPL will be responsible for leading technical teams to deliver fully compliant network baselines, ensuring systems achieve and maintain a valid Authority to Operate (ATO).

• Execution Oversight: Lead the planning, scheduling, and execution of technical projects focused on network hardening, major system upgrades, and security tool deployments across Navy and USCG enclaves.
• Schedule & Budget Control: Develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for project tasks, manage resource allocation, and report project status and risks directly to the Program Manager and Government stakeholders.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate technical risks and dependencies, focusing on potential impacts to security compliance and mission readiness.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary liaison between the engineering team, Cybersecurity/RMF team, and customer leadership, translating technical requirements and risks into actionable management reports.
• Technical Team Guidance: Provide daily leadership and direction to a cross-functional team of Network Engineers, System Administrators, and Security Analysts.

• Security Baseline Delivery: Manage the project effort for applying, configuring, and verifying DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to network devices (Cisco, Juniper, etc.), ensuring all network baselines are compliant.
• Patch Management: Oversee the project lifecycle for critical patches and software updates, coordinating deployment schedules with operations teams to minimize downtime while addressing high-priority vulnerabilities.
• Vulnerability Remediation (SCANS): Direct and prioritize the analysis of vulnerability scans (e.g., ACAS/Nessus) and lead the technical effort to develop and implement remediation plans, ensuring all efforts are correctly documented.
• RMF Artifacts: Ensure the timely generation, collection, and quality control of all technical evidence and artifacts required for the Risk Management Framework (RMF) package.
• POA&M Management: Own the technical management of the Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), tracking progress on mitigation actions and working with the Information System Security Manager (ISSM) to address residual risk.

• Architecture Review: Review and approve network design documents, ensuring new or modified architectures integrate security-by-design principles and adhere to DoD and Navy standards for secure network segmentation.
• Configuration Control: Manage the network configuration control board (CCB) process, ensuring all changes to hardware, operating systems, and security settings are formally documented, reviewed, and approved prior to implementation.
• Systems Integration: Ensure security tools (e.g., IDS/IPS, Firewalls, access control systems) are properly configured and integrated into the overall network architecture as mandated by the security controls.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in IT, with at least 3 years managing technical projects or leading engineering teams in a DoD or Federal environment.
• Clearance: Must possess an Active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Certification (DoD 8570/8140): Must hold or be able to quickly obtain IAT Level II certification (CASP+, Sec+ or similar).
• Technical Leadership: Proven, hands-on experience managing projects involving network architecture, Cisco/Juniper configuration, DISA STIG implementation, and vulnerability remediation.
• Management Skills: Demonstrated experience in project scheduling (MS Project or similar), resource loading, and formal status reporting.

Preferred Requirements

• Direct prior experience supporting U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard networks.
• Experience working within the eMASS system.
• Expertise with large-scale patching and configuration management tools.