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Principal Systems Engineer ( TS/SCI with Poly)
Fort George G Mead Junction, MDApril 5th, 2026
Systems EngineerLocation: Annapolis Junction, MDEmployment Type: Full-TimeIndustry: Advanced Data Systems, Multimedia Processing, Distributed StorageCompensation: $221,000 - $247,000 annually (commensurate with experience)Position OverviewClearance Requirement: TS/SCI with PolygraphWe are seeking a Systems Engineer to design, develop, and integrate large-scale, secure, high-throughput storage and retrieval systems. This role focuses on multimedia and multilingual content processing across globally distributed environments, leveraging modern distributed storage frameworks and integrating Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government-Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) technologies.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in distributed storage architectures, metadata analytics, performance optimization, and secure system integration for mid-to-large scale programs.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and support distributed peer-to-peer storage and retrieval systems operating at scale (500+ nodes)Architect solutions for ingesting, storing, indexing, and retrieving large volumes of multimedia and multilingual contentDevelop and optimize metadata indexing, summarization, data mining, visualization, and analytics capabilitiesDefine and implement system performance, availability, scalability, manageability, and security requirementsDesign and optimize storage, retrieval, backup, and data retention strategies for globally distributed, high-throughput systemsDevelop and deploy storage solutions within clustered and cloud-based environmentsIntegrate and extend COTS and GOTS products from multiple vendors into cohesive system architecturesDesign and implement distributed storage routing and querying algorithmsImplement and manage storage area networks (SANs), data warehouses, and data martsCollaborate with end users and cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)Plan and integrate secure, compliant solutions aligned with legal, policy, and regulatory requirementsLead and contribute to agile and spiral development effortsProduce clear, concise technical documentation for system designs, issues, and training materialsRequired QualificationsExtensive experience working with large-scale multimedia and multilingual content processing systemsStrong background in distributed peer-to-peer storage architectures and large-node environmentsProven experience with metadata-driven systems, analytics, and data visualizationHands-on experience integrating and extending COTS and GOTS technologiesExperience developing and deploying storage solutions in clustered or cloud environmentsDemonstrated ability to work directly with users and within cross-IPT environmentsExperience leading or contributing to agile and/or spiral development models20+ years of experience in relative work and scopeTechnical Expertise (Preferred)Deep knowledge of distributed storage frameworks such as HDFS, Hadoop, HBase, Accumulo, or BigTableExperience with storage routing and querying algorithm developmentExperience implementing and optimizing SANs, data warehouses, and data martsExpertise in system performance tuning, scalability planning, and high-availability architecturesBenefitsCompetitive compensationMedical, Dental, and Vision insurance15% 401(k) contribution30 PTO days with carryover availableAnnual company apparel creditCompensation & Benefits Flexibility:NOTE: Client can also provide no benefits or adjust current benefits to accommodate a higher salary. Adjusted benefits may include reducing the amount contributed to the 401(k), the amount of leave, or other components. Client can also offer a higher salary in lieu of benefits, or adjust the current benefits package to accommodate increased compensation. Adjustments may include modifications to the 401(k) contribution, paid time off, or other benefit components, based on candidate preference.Why Join This OpportunityWork on complex, mission-critical systems at enterprise scaleCompetitive compensation packageOpportunity to influence architecture and design decisions on advanced data platformsCollaborative, engineering-focused environment with high technical impact We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.