Lead Systems Engineer/Architect

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Job Description:

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Lead Systems Engineering Architect to join our team in Norfolk, VA! In this role, you will serve as a senior technical leader and Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering & Architecture for the Systems Engineering Team, ensuring engineering process compliance and standards across the project team. This involves ensuring complex software system requirements from multiple sources are documented, tracked, deconflicted, and verified; configuration management processes are followed; engineering documentation is complete and accurate; and engineering deliverables meet quality standards. You will bridge the gap between complex system architectures and modern, heterogeneous software environments. You will leverage Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to design, analyze, and validate complex system boundaries. You will work side by side with Software and System engineers supporting a high visibility Navy Program. 

What You'll Be Doing: 

• Develop, maintain, and execute MBSE behavioral, structural, and parametric models using SysML to establish a single source of engineering truth.  

• Design and execute integration strategies for complex systems, orchestrating seamless data flows and interface controls between disparate Windows and Linux ecosystems. 

• Implement and optimize hybrid infrastructure, configuring Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to run enterprise Ubuntu and RHEL workloads side-by-side with host Windows operating systems. 

• Architect, deploy, and manage localized and cluster-wide container configurations using Docker CE and Kubernetes to scale mission-critical system components.  

• Map high-level system requirements down to concrete model parameters, automating trace linkages to software implementation and validation matrices. 

• Provide direct technical counsel to the Lead Government Engineer and program business partners, ensuring alignment with mission objectives 

• Oversee system architecture, including design documentation, technical specifications, and architectural diagrams to support long-term program objectives 

• Analyze user needs to define technical paths and refining conceptual designs into detailed specifications 

• Participate in PI planning and retrospectives, recommending workflow automations and process improvements 

• Develop and execute the System Engineering Management Plan 

• Represent the program at technical reviews, stakeholder engagements, and industry events 

• Collaborating within the SAFe framework to groom and prioritize product backlogs and user stories 

Required Clearance: 

• Must be a US Citizen 

• Must have an ACTIVE SECRET clearance

What Required Skills You'll Bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree

• 8 years of experience in software/systems engineering or technical architecture, with demonstrated experience leading the systems engineering effort for complex systems  

• The ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and concisely for both technical and non-technical audiences 

• Deep administrative knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Ubuntu, and Windows environments, with proven experience utilizing WSL for enterprise cross-compilation or execution. 

• Direct experience containerizing software packages with Docker CE and managing deployment layouts across Kubernetes production environments or local clusters (e.g., K3s, Minikube). 

• Robust understanding of Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system boundaries, network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP), and API integration. 

What Desired Skills You'll Bring: 

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer/Systems Engineering, or a related field 

• Experience with Kafka federation 

• Active industry certifications in Systems Engineering (e.g., INCOSE ASEP/CSEP) or SysML modeling proficiency. 

• Experience implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) or scripting automation using Bash, PowerShell, or Python. 

• Prior exposure to DevSecOps pipeline automation tools (e.g., GitLab CI, Jenkins, GitHub Actions). 

• Experience supporting Navy programs, NAVWAR, NIWC Pacific, NIWC Atlantic 

Security Clearance Requirement:

An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.​This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $196,400.00Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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