Full-Time
Systems Engineer 1
Circuit/Network/Digital Forensics
Posted on 7/14/2025
Captivation
11-50 employees
Software engineering for mission-focused teams
Compensation Overview
$130k - $270k/yr
No H1B Sponsorship
Annapolis Junction, MD, USA
In Person
US Top Secret Clearance Required
 IT & Security (2) |
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- Must currently hold a Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government security clearance with a favorable Polygraph, therefore all candidates must be a U.S. citizen
- Seven (7) years experience as a Systems Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type and complexity is required
- Bachelor’s degree in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required
- Five (5) years of additional Systems Engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree
- Circuit Switched and Mobile Telephony signaling types, networks and systems, including audio encoding/decoding (5 years)
- Specific communications protocols (e.g. GSM, CDMA, 5G, HTS, etc.) and associated community tools
- Application Development for IPv4 and IPv6 packet switched networks (i.e. Layer 2 and Layer 3), protocols (e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol) and technologies (Virtual Private Networks, encapsulation)
- Digital forensics tools such as Wireshark
- Deep knowledge of the Open Systems Interconnection model network stack and associated protocols across layers 2-7
- All protocol stacks for data transfer, to include but not limited to Routing protocols, Encapsulation, Tunneling and encryption, legacy protocols (i.e. Synchronous Optical Network)
Captivation builds digital software for mission makers by delivering engineering services across a wide range of disciplines. The work is collaborative, with teams that move quickly like a small business and take pride in what they develop. The company emphasizes transparency, a flat organizational structure, and a developer-focused culture, which enables engineers to work directly and iteratively with clients. Compared with larger firms, Captivation differentiates itself through its focus on timely delivery, practical problem solving, and actively pursuing challenging projects for the Intelligence Community, using modern software technologies. The goal is to produce solutions that clients value, on time, while growing the team and empowering its engineers to take ownership of their work.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Columbia, Maryland
Founded
2014
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- DoD cyber defense spending growth expands addressable market for CYBERCOM and DISA.
- Salt Lake City expansion diversifies talent pool beyond Maryland headquarters.
- Custom software developer NAICS certification unlocks targeted federal contracting opportunities.
What critics are saying
- Booz Allen Hamilton and incumbents dominate IC contracts, squeezing $1M-revenue firms.
- Talent exodus to Palantir and scaled competitors threatens 29-person team delivery.
- JADC2 AI/ML mandate requires platform scale Captivation cannot match internally.
What makes Captivation unique
- GSA Schedule 47QRCA25DS201 contract enables direct federal procurement without competitive bidding.
- Developer-oriented culture with flattened structure attracts mission-driven engineering talent.
- Specialized expertise in DSP, ML/AI, and streaming analytics for intelligence missions.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Unlimited Paid Time Off
401(k) Retirement Plan