X8
Computer Systems Engineer - Senior
Columbia, Maryland (on-site)
JOB DESCRIPTION
X8 is seeking a highly experienced Computer Systems Architect/Engineer to lead and support complex infrastructure and automation initiatives at USCYBERCOM. This role requires deep technical expertise across multiple domains and the ability to guide high-impact projects from conception through execution. The ideal candidate will function as a technical authority, mentor junior staff, and drive innovation in secure, automated, and scalable system architectures. The ideal candidate brings over a decade of experience working in network engineering, data management, defensive sensor deployment and the DoD acquisition cycle.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of Infrastructure-as-Code solutions for automated system deployment and lifecycle management. Perform system hardening and ensure compliance with DoD and FIPS security standards. Develop automation scripts for administrative tasks using Python, Ansible, PowerShell, and other modern languages. Manage PXE/UEFI-based system deployments using tools like Anaconda kickstart, cloud-init, and The Foreman. Enforce system configuration and policies using automation tools (e.g., Puppet, Salt, Ansible, AD Group Policies). Administer container orchestration platforms (Docker, Kubernetes, Rancher) and virtualized environments. Support hybrid operating environments including GNU/Linux (RHEL/Debian), Windows Server, and BSD-based systems. Design and maintain dataflows and systems using Apache NiFi, SQL/noSQL databases, REST APIs, LDAP, and S3-compatible object storage. Develop and manage backup systems leveraging S3-compatible storage solutions. WHAT REQUIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING
Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, etc.) or equivalent experience. Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience in systems engineering or architecture. Strong scripting and automation skills in Python, Ruby, Rust, JavaScript, PowerShell, Bash, etc. Experience with Unix system administration (Red Hat, Oracle, Rocky). Familiarity with virtual and cloud environments. Proficiency in CI/CD pipeline configuration and repository management. Experience with proxy server configuration (Nginx, Squid). Ability to document and maintain technical capabilities and system documentation. Understanding of system security, patch management, and basic networking principles. WHAT DESIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING
Previous CNMF, NSA, or DoD experience Exposure to virtualized environments, containerized software and AWS capabilities. MINIMUM CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Current and Active Top Secret SCI CI Poly COMPENSATION
Pay Range: Starting at $175,000+(depending on experience) Up to $5,000 continuing education reimbursement Up to $7,500 employee referral bonus Benefits: 100% medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance Time Off: 24 Days PTO and 13 holidays 401K: up to 10% 401(k) contribution
JOB DESCRIPTION
X8 is seeking a highly experienced Computer Systems Architect/Engineer to lead and support complex infrastructure and automation initiatives at USCYBERCOM. This role requires deep technical expertise across multiple domains and the ability to guide high-impact projects from conception through execution. The ideal candidate will function as a technical authority, mentor junior staff, and drive innovation in secure, automated, and scalable system architectures. The ideal candidate brings over a decade of experience working in network engineering, data management, defensive sensor deployment and the DoD acquisition cycle.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of Infrastructure-as-Code solutions for automated system deployment and lifecycle management. Perform system hardening and ensure compliance with DoD and FIPS security standards. Develop automation scripts for administrative tasks using Python, Ansible, PowerShell, and other modern languages. Manage PXE/UEFI-based system deployments using tools like Anaconda kickstart, cloud-init, and The Foreman. Enforce system configuration and policies using automation tools (e.g., Puppet, Salt, Ansible, AD Group Policies). Administer container orchestration platforms (Docker, Kubernetes, Rancher) and virtualized environments. Support hybrid operating environments including GNU/Linux (RHEL/Debian), Windows Server, and BSD-based systems. Design and maintain dataflows and systems using Apache NiFi, SQL/noSQL databases, REST APIs, LDAP, and S3-compatible object storage. Develop and manage backup systems leveraging S3-compatible storage solutions. WHAT REQUIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING
Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, etc.) or equivalent experience. Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience in systems engineering or architecture. Strong scripting and automation skills in Python, Ruby, Rust, JavaScript, PowerShell, Bash, etc. Experience with Unix system administration (Red Hat, Oracle, Rocky). Familiarity with virtual and cloud environments. Proficiency in CI/CD pipeline configuration and repository management. Experience with proxy server configuration (Nginx, Squid). Ability to document and maintain technical capabilities and system documentation. Understanding of system security, patch management, and basic networking principles. WHAT DESIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING
Previous CNMF, NSA, or DoD experience Exposure to virtualized environments, containerized software and AWS capabilities. MINIMUM CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Current and Active Top Secret SCI CI Poly COMPENSATION
Pay Range: Starting at $175,000+(depending on experience) Up to $5,000 continuing education reimbursement Up to $7,500 employee referral bonus Benefits: 100% medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance Time Off: 24 Days PTO and 13 holidays 401K: up to 10% 401(k) contribution