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Trace Systems

DoD-focused digital transformation and secure communications

Senior Systems Engineer

Full-TimeDeadline 8/28/27
$85k - $110k
Senior
Master's, PhD
Illinois, USA
In Person
IT OperationsSystem Administration
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

About the job

Requirements
  • An active, in-scope U.S. Government-issued Top Secret clearance is required; higher-level eligibility may be required based on assigned access.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Candidates must meet applicable DoD 8140 qualification requirements for the assigned work role: System Administrator (451), Advanced proficiency. Qualifying pathways include a master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or Software Engineering, or completion of relevant military communications or network training.
  • Qualifying certifications include SecurityX/CASP+, CCNA, CCNP Security, CCSP, FITSP-O, GFACT, or other DoD 8140-approved certifications; higher proficiency-level or equivalent approved certifications applicable to the assigned work role may also be accepted.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel.
  • Ability to work in a secure DoD environment and comply with applicable Air Force, installation, and program security requirements.
  • At least five years of systems engineering or administration experience supporting enterprise production environments.
  • One of the following certifications, or ability to obtain one within six months: Microsoft 365 Certified Enterprise Administrator Expert, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), or VMware Certified Professional (VCP).
  • A DoD-approved IA baseline certification commensurate with the position, or ability to obtain it within six months.
  • Experience with server operations, virtualization, patching, troubleshooting, backups, performance analysis, and outage coordination.
Responsibilities
  • Install, support, maintain, and administer servers and other computer systems in production and non-production environments.
  • Plan for and respond to service outages and coordinate scheduled maintenance with the GSOC.
  • Assess whether existing hardware can support application changes and identify required products, hot fixes, and upgrades.
  • Monitor, respond to, and update trouble tickets and provide ad hoc ticket-trend analysis.
  • Analyze production performance metrics and provide recommendations to Government stakeholders.
  • Coordinate system, application, component, and infrastructure problem resolution with relevant organizations and document outcomes.
  • Capture, document, and verify test-environment requirements before mission or test events.
  • Assess new products and releases and provide analysis and fielding recommendations.
  • Administer environments using Government-authorized tools, methods, security controls, and configuration standards.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience supporting Microsoft 365, Red Hat, VMware, classified networks, SIL environments, EACN, or A2G2.
  • Experience with ServiceNow, automation, DISA STIGs, high availability, or disaster recovery.
  • Prior military service or experience supporting Department of Defense or U.S. Air Force customers.
  • Experience supporting mission-essential communications in distributed, multi-site environments.

About the company

Trace Systems provides digital transformation, assured communications, distributed edge architecture, and cloud-based cross-domain solutions for defense and government customers. Its products and services help military and coalition partners operate securely across multiple domains and geographies by enabling rapid, reliable communications, cyber security, networking, and command center support in challenging environments. The company differentiates itself through deep mission-focused experience in austere, down-range operations and fast-response capabilities to support combatant commands and short-notice deployments. Its goal is to help customers achieve trusted, resilient, and connected operations across global theaters.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

McLean, Virginia

Founded

1999

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • USSOCOM's $1.81 billion EAGLE-I contract expands revenue visibility through 2036.
  • Trace won a $64 million Army follow-on on April 24, 2026.
  • LAAFB support and Starlink resale deepen Trace's installed base across Space Force customers.

What critics are saying

  • GAO sustained protest findings against Trace on March 4, 2025 over labor rates.
  • The September 9, 2026 GAO ruling killed Trace-adjacent LAAFB work and forces recompete.
  • Heavy federal concentration leaves Trace exposed to bid protests, bridge-contract gaps, and cancellation.

What makes Trace Systems unique

  • Trace pairs cleared DoD communications, cybersecurity, and satellite integration under one prime.
  • Starlink reseller status on May 23, 2025 broadens edge connectivity offerings for government buyers.
  • EAGLE-I award on May 22, 2026 validates decade-scale C2ISR integration capability.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Flexible Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Wellness Program

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Company News

PR Newswire
May 23rd, 2025
Trace Systems Is Now An Authorized Starlink Reseller

MCLEAN, Va., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trace Systems Inc. is proud to announce its designation as an authorized reseller of Starlink high-speed internet for businesses, enterprises and government use."Working with Starlink represents a transformative step in advancing secure communications capabilities for our customers," said Otto Hoernig III, CEO of Trace Systems. "Integrating Starlink into our service portfolio enhances secure, high-bandwidth connectivity and enables scalable, real-time collaboration across enterprise and edge environments."

PR Newswire
Mar 11th, 2025
Trace Systems Secures Us Air Force 61St Communications Squadron (61 Cs) Base Operations Support (Bos) Contract

MCLEAN, Va., March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trace Systems Inc. (Trace), a leading provider of enterprise IT, communications, and cybersecurity solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD), proudly announces its recent contract award to provide Base Operations Support (BOS) - IT Services to Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB), home to Space Base Delta 3 (SBD 3) and Space Systems Command (SSC) Field Command as well as other locations outside of LAAFB.Under this contract, Trace will deliver mission-critical IT services, ensuring seamless communications and operational efficiency for the U.S. Space Force and other military organizations operating from LAAFB. The company will provide comprehensive IT support, including NIPRNet and SIPRNet operations and administration, incident response, system and network operations and maintenance, configuration and knowledge management, and cybersecurity services, reinforcing the base's digital infrastructure and security posture."Trace is honored to support the 61st Communications Squadron in its mission to maintain superior IT capabilities at Los Angeles Air Force Base," said Stacey McGill, Vice President for Enterprise Solutions at Trace. "This contract award underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance operational readiness and mission success for the U.S. military."The 61 CS BOS - IT Services contract further strengthens Trace's position as a trusted partner to the DoD, supporting mission-critical operations with innovative and reliable IT solutions