Senior Zero Trust Systems Engineer
Markon· enterprise· Government consulting· Oct 2, 2026 · 25d ago
Fort Meade, MD, United States
In office
Full-time
Senior
$121K–$180K est.
15+ years exp
Job description
Markon is seeking a Senior Zero Trust Systems Engineer to support the Fort Meade customer by leading systems engineering and cybersecurity initiatives that strengthen the security and resiliency of large-scale Department of Defense systems. This role applies systems engineering principles and Zero Trust architecture concepts to assess complex enterprise environments, identify vulnerabilities, and enhance Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO). As a technical leader, the Senior Zero Trust Systems Engineer partners with Government stakeholders to develop secure system architectures, validate cybersecurity requirements, mentor engineering teams, and advance mission-critical Zero Trust capabilities.
• Lead systems engineering activities supporting Zero Trust initiatives across large-scale Department of Defense systems.
• Perform cybersecurity assessments using an Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO) mindset to strengthen Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) capabilities.
• Conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments by analyzing system architectures, design documentation, build specifications, interface documentation, and engineering artifacts.
• Perform independent verification and validation (IV&V) of cybersecurity requirements, security controls, and system capabilities.
• Incorporate systems security engineering and resiliency principles into acquisition documentation, including Performance Work Statements (PWS), technical requirements, and engineering plans.
• Evaluate contractor proposals to assess systems resiliency, cybersecurity posture, and technical compliance with Government requirements.
• Develop technical recommendations that improve Zero Trust implementations and strengthen enterprise security.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Systems Engineers by managing workload priorities, fostering professional development, and promoting engineering excellence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Government customers and mission partners to obtain technical information and improve mission outcomes.
• Lead engineering reviews, technical risk assessments, architecture discussions, and system lifecycle activities supporting enterprise modernization.
• Active TS/SCI W/ Poly clearance required with this Customer.
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 15+ years of systems engineering experience. A Bachelor's degree may be credited as 4 years of experience and a Master's degree as an additional 2 years, consistent with customer requirements.
• Minimum 6 years of experience leading systems engineering teams across complex technical organizations.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, or assessing Zero Trust architectures and cybersecurity principles.
• Experience performing cybersecurity assessments of large-scale Department of Defense or Intelligence Community systems.
• Experience conducting enterprise vulnerability assessments using systems engineering methodologies.
• Experience performing Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) of security requirements and system capabilities.
• Experience evaluating technical proposals, system architectures, engineering documentation, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle processes, requirements development, systems integration, risk management, and secure architecture principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, mentor engineers, and collaborate across Government and contractor organizations.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and customer engagement skills.
Desired Qualifications
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• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-160 Systems Security Engineering guidance.
• Knowledge of INCOSE systems engineering lifecycle processes.
• Experience supporting large-scale Department of Defense or Intelligence Community enterprise systems.
• Experience with systems resiliency engineering, enterprise architecture, or secure systems acquisition.
• Experience leading Zero Trust modernization initiatives supporting national security missions.
USD $230,000.00 - USD $240,000.00 /Yr.
The Markon pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Eager to join a team where your skills are valued, your growth is nurtured, and your impact is profound? Look no further than Markon, a premier consulting firm deeply dedicated to advancing our nation's most critical missions.
At Markon, we don't just offer jobs – we offer opportunities for personal and professional transformation. Empowering our employees to lead, innovate, and excel, we foster an environment where new ideas are not just welcomed but celebrated. As a perennial Washington Post Top Workplace, we prioritize the well-being and success of our team members, ensuring they can bring their best selves to work.
Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, Markon has garnered national recognition for our unwavering dedication to excellence in serving the intelligence community, as well as federal civilian and defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents, where our team of dynamic professionals collaborates to deliver unparalleled program and project management services.
Markon values people and the tremendous impact each individual can make – which is why we’re consistently recognized as one of the best places to work in federal government consulting. Here, you can help solve the nation’s most important challenges, surrounded by colleagues who help you grow, advance, and succeed. We are deeply dedicated to what matters – bringing out the best in each other to advance our clients’ missions.
Join us and make a meaningful impact.
Markon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Benefits Offered : Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Training and Tuition Assistance, Paid Time Off, and Holidays
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