Systems Engineer (FORECASTED)
Columbia Technology Partners· enterprise· Defense & Space· Sep 23, 2026 · 1mo ago
Annapolis Junction, MD, USA, 20701
In office
Full-time
Mid
$100K–$158K est.
Job description
**This Position is Contingent on Contract Award**
Description:
Columbia Technology Partners is seeking Systems Engineers to support the full system lifecycle, from concept development through retirement. Our Systems Engineers collaborate with customers, program personnel, and government stakeholders to develop innovative solutions, manage technical risks, and ensure the successful delivery of mission-critical capabilities. Opportunities are available for experienced engineers ranging from Level 2 through Level 6, with responsibilities spanning technical execution, project leadership, enterprise engineering, and subject matter expertise.
Key Responsibilities - SE Level 2:
• Apply systems engineering principles across the system lifecycle, including concept, development, production, utilization, support, and retirement.
• Support systems engineering activities within ISO/IEC 15288 Technical, Project, Agreement, and Enterprise Process Areas.
• Perform technical analyses and evaluate engineering alternatives to support project objectives.
• Develop and deliver systems engineering work products and technical documentation.
• Assist with requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, validation, transition, operations, and maintenance activities.
• Communicate technical issues, risks, and recommendations to project stakeholders.
Additional Responsibilities - SE Level 3:
In addition to the responsibilities above, SE 3 candidates will:
• Independently analyze technical solutions and recommend alternatives for project design decisions.
• Develop and deliver engineering products across Technical, Project, and Enterprise Process Areas.
• Support engineering efforts across a broader range of ISO/IEC 15288 processes with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to more complex systems engineering activities and project-level technical planning.
Additional Responsibilities - SE Level 4:
In addition to the responsibilities above, SE 4 candidates will:
• Supervise or coordinate the efforts of engineers and technical staff supporting project objectives.
• Analyze and recommend engineering standards, methodologies, and process improvements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and determine their suitability for implementation.
• Contribute to innovative approaches for solving technical and engineering challenges.
• Provide technical leadership on projects while supporting engineering quality and process compliance.
Additional Responsibilities - SE Level 5:
In addition to the responsibilities above, SE 5 candidates will:
• Lead contractor systems engineering activities across complex programs and projects.
• Supervise engineering teams and coordinate the delivery of multiple engineering work products.
• Brief customers and stakeholders on technical status, risks, and project progress.
• Independently make decisions regarding engineering methodologies and technical approaches.
• Approve engineering deliverables across multiple ISO/IEC 15288 Process Areas.
• Provide strategic direction for systems engineering efforts and project execution.
Additional Responsibilities - SE Level 6:
In addition to the responsibilities above, SE 6 candidates will:
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in one or more ISO/IEC 15288 Process Areas.
• Independently resolve highly complex engineering issues involving advanced technologies.
• Plan and lead engineering initiatives supporting mission-critical and enterprise-level capabilities.
• Guide the development of innovative engineering solutions to complex organizational challenges.
• Approve engineering deliverables across all ISO/IEC 15288 Process Areas.
• Influence enterprise engineering strategies, technical roadmaps, and major architectural decisions.
Qualifications:
•
Bachelor's degree in a qualified engineering field (such as Systems, Software, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Chemical, Biomedical, Environmental, Nuclear Engineering, or Engineering Management) or a related discipline (such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry).
•
Equivalent education substitutions, including additional experience, Master's degrees, or PhDs, may be applied in accordance with labor category requirements.
•
Level 2: Bachelor's degree plus four (4) years of systems engineering experience. A Master's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience and a PhD may substitute for three (3) years. Four (4) years of general systems engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
•
Level 3: Bachelor's degree plus six (6) years of systems engineering experience. Alternatively, a High School Diploma/GED plus ten (10) years of general systems engineering experience, or a Master's/PhD plus four (4) years of systems engineering experience.
•
Level 4: Bachelor's degree plus ten (10) years of systems engineering experience. Alternatively, a High School Diploma/GED plus fourteen (14) years of general systems engineering experience, or a Master's/PhD plus eight (8) years of systems engineering experience.
•
Level 5: Bachelor's degree plus fifteen (15) years of systems engineering experience. Alternatively, a High School Diploma/GED plus nineteen (19) years of general systems engineering experience, or a Master's/PhD plus thirteen (13) years of systems engineering experience.
•
Level 6: Bachelor's degree plus twenty (20) years of systems engineering experience. Alternatively, a High School Diploma/GED plus twenty-four (24) years of general systems engineering experience, or a Master's/PhD plus eighteen (18) years of systems engineering experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience applying systems engineering principles across the full system lifecycle.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 15288 processes and systems engineering best practices.
• Experience supporting requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, and validation efforts.
• Experience with risk management, configuration management, and technical planning activities.
• Strong communication skills with experience engaging technical teams, customers, and senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading engineering teams, mentoring junior engineers, or serving in technical leadership roles.
Requirements:
• U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. CTP is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
• Certification Requirements:
• N/A
This position requires an active Security Clearance with appropriate Polygraph.
About us:
Founded in 2007, Columbia Technology Partners is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business with a specialization in technology and management consulting committed to solving intricate and sensitive technology issues facing corporations and federal agencies. Since its inception, CTP has been instrumental in the technical design, engineering development, operational deployment, and support of key systems. With a proven track record in information security, project management, systems/network engineering, security risk management, vulnerability assessments, and mobile security implementation; our employees have the experience, expertise, and innovative thinking our customers need for results that exceed expectations. CTP staff have worked closely with both government engineers and management to gather mission requirements, develop the architecture to deliver the needed functionality and assess tools available to meet or exceed the needs of the mission.
At Columbia Technology Partners (CTP), we are united in being the best that we can be as individuals, but our core belief is that we can be better together. Together we will take on each mission with an execution process that authentically represents who we are. Our success relies on our team values, the foundation we built around them, and the Partners we become along the way.
That's why our pay is competitive, our missions are critical, and our benefits
represent what matters most to CTP: Our People.
Salary Range Transparency
At Columbia Technology Partners we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. We believe in creating a work environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and rewarded for their contributions.
How We Determine Salary Ranges
Our salary ranges are based on the following key factors:
• Job Role and Responsibilities : The specific duties and responsibilities associated with each role form the foundation of our compensation structure.
• Market Research and Industry Benchmarks : We conduct regular analysis of market trends and salaries across our industry, using reliable compensation data to ensure we stay competitive.
• Experience and Qualifications : An individual's experience, education, certifications, and specialized skills all contribute to determining their position within a salary range.
• Location : Salary ranges may be adjusted based on geographic cost of living, in accordance with local and national standards.
• Company Performance : Our compensation practices also take into account overall company performance and financial health, ensuring that we maintain sustainability while rewarding our team.
Really good benefits, for really GREAT people:
From our CTP Family to yours, we know how important these decisions are. Your benefits are about you, not us. Tell us what you need in order to see a future at CTP; let's get where you're going, together .
Medical: CTP offers 3 superior plans, bringing our employees both in-network and out-of-network options.
Vision + Dental: Both free to you + paid in full by CTP.
Retirement: 401k - 6% company contribution
PTO + Leave: A work life balance is extremely important to our team here at CTP, which is why our paid time off plans are so lucrative. Offering customizable leave plans to meet your needs is just one of our many perks! Jury Duty, Bereavement + Military Leave provided.
Career Growth: Up to $10,000 provided for approved career-related learning, training, education, and/or tuition.
Life and AD&D Insurance/Short-Term & Long-Term Disability: More peace of mind, at zero cost to you.
Profit Sharing Bonus: End of year cash gets added to your bottom-line.
Referral Bonus Program: Our tiered program provides an incentive with each stage of the hiring process your referral passes. Our bonuses range from $7,000-$20,000, if your referral joins the team.
Columbia Technology Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. Our EEO policy reflects our commitment to ensure equality and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Our policy applies to all employees, job candidates, contractors, stakeholders, partners, and visitors.
CTP was voted one of the top 25 best places to work in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine!
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Dental
Vision
401k
Pto
Paid Time Off