Red Alpha
Principal Systems Engineer - Thread Lead (TS/SCI with Polygraph required)
114 National Business Pkwy Ste 200, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-1001
On-site · $190k–$250k (as posted)
First seen by offpeak October 5, 2026
See your drive time Apply on Red Alpha's site
A day in the life:
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will work with a large team of Systems, Security and Software Engineers in support of the TechSIGINT mission. You'll have the opportunity to change the way our customers collect, and analyze SIGINT data.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provide support and related services to the implementation of enterprise data representations in various mission domains.
- Perform end-to-end systems engineering for data flows from the perspective of data format modeling, implementation, and support.
- Performing high-level requirements analysis to support application of data standards across the enterprise.
- Coordinating across teams that leverage multiple development methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Agile (Scrum & Kanban), Spiral, etc.) simultaneously.
What you bring to the table:
- 20+ years of experience as a Systems Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type and complexity
- Demonstrated experience in planning and leading Systems Engineering efforts
- A Bachelor’s degree in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or related discipline from an accredited college or university OR 5 years of additional systems engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree
- An instinctive aptitude to leverage information and knowledge sharing networks and navigate conflict in a way that fosters constructive outcomes.
- Duties require a broad range of knowledge including information technology, requirements, technical architecture analysis (e.g., understanding data flow diagrams, system architecture diagrams, etc.), and an understanding of functional and system analysis.
- An active US Government TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph
The total package:
Our total compensation package was strategically designed with our members in mind with the intention to: reward our members for their hard work and commitment to our customers' missions; allow members to share in Red Alpha's success as we continue to grow and expand our footprint; provide long-term career opportunities through stability and internal mobility; and provide the resources our members need to support themselves and their dependents in the form of a robust benefits package. Our total compensation package includes a competitive base salary and benefits such as health, life/disability, 401k, paid time off, professional development, and generous bonus programs. Please visit our benefits tab for additional information. Salary Range:- Disclosed pay ranges are a general guideline, and are not a guarantee of a final salary or compensation. Our approach in determining final salaries takes into consideration a number of factors such as education, certifications, total years of relevant professional experience, actual level of expertise, and the responsibilities of the role itself.
- Based on the outlined roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for this position is $190,000 - $250,000.
- Retire sooner than planned: Get closer to retirement with up to 10% in 401k contributions, immediately vested.
- Have a career AND a life: Enjoy up to 5 weeks of leave (25 days of personal time off) and 11 paid floating holidays.
- Stay at your best: As a member, we'll pay 100% of your premiums for comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. We'll also pay the majority of the premiums for your family. Let's not forge free access to a fully equipped state of the art gym!
- Keep current on new technologies and technological advancements: $5250 per year towards ongoing education, trainings, certifications, and maintaining professional memberships.
- Dress in style: Spend up to $300 per year on company branded merchandise featuring top quality brands such as Under Armour, Nike, Carhartt, YETI, etc.
- Enjoy the culture: Attend fun company events throughout the year such as our Oktoberfest, summer picnic, and annual holiday party! These are all in additon to your team events which may include happy hours, baseball games, snowboarding, RenFest, and more!