Principal Systems Engineer- DevSecOps Full Time NEW

Location: San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-04-28

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes – 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is looking for a Principal System Engineer to serve as the primary DevSecOps engineer on a mission-critical Navy communications program. This is a high-visibility role where you will own the containerization strategy – from architecture and build to hardening and sustainment – for systems that directly support DoD operational readiness.

If you live and breathe containers, love solving hard security and scalability problems, and want your work to matter at a national security level, this role was built for you.

This is an ON-SITE role located in San Diego, CA

Why This Role Stands Out

• You are THE container expert on the program – your knowledge helps shape the architecture
• Work on real-world, mission-critical Navy communication systems
• Collaborative team of engineers, program managers, and government stakeholders
• Fast-paced, innovative environment where technical leadership is recognized and rewarded
• San Diego, CA – one of the best cities in the country to live and work

What You’ll Do

Container Engineering & DevSecOps (Core Focus)

• Design, build, and manage the containerization platform using tools such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Build and maintain custom container images, optimized for security and performance
• Develop and manage CI/CD pipelines that integrate seamlessly with containerized environments
• Lead container hardening efforts, implementing:
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
  • SECCOMP and AppArmor profiles
  • Namespace isolation and least-privilege configurations
• Ensure containers and orchestration platforms meet DoD/RMF compliance and ATO requirements
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize containerized applications for high availability and resilience in production

Security & Compliance

• Apply Risk Management Framework (RMF) principles across the DevSecOps lifecycle
• Implement and maintain compliance with DoD/DoN cybersecurity policies
• Utilize STIGs to harden containers, hosts, and network equipment
• Maintain environment compliance with directives (IAVA/IAVM)

Infrastructure & Networking

• Provide network integration, configuration, and administration support
• Configure and document network systems, including Cisco networking equipment
• Integrate container-specific monitoring and logging tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK/EFK stack)

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a key technical leader, providing direction and mentorship to junior engineers
• Interface regularly with management, customers, and cross-functional teams
• Participate in technical issue resolution during integration, implementation, and testing phases

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.
• Must have an Active Secret Clearance to start.
• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Clearance after start.
• DoD IAT 2 Level II certified eligibility.
• Hands-on container expertise, including:
  • Setup, configuration, and hardening of Docker and Kubernetes environments
  • Building and Managing CI/CD pipelines
  • Container Security tools: RBAC, SECCOMP, AppArmor, namespace isolation
• strong knowledge of container networking, monitoring, and logging (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK/EFK)
• Strong grasp of DevOps/ DevSecOps practices and principles.
• Solid computer and networking skills with working knowledge of applicable military and commercial standards Certifications (One or More required)
• Security + (required)
• MS Windows Server- Certification of course completion accepted
  • MCITP, MCSA, or MCSE may substitute
  • Cisco OS Certifications may substitute for MS certifications

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Experience with STIG implementation for network and container environments
• Working knowledge of Cisco networks and equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience establishing equipment configurations in support of operational requirements

Target salary range: $160,001 – $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.