Systems Security Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Systems Security Engineer jobs in District of Columbia are concentrated in and around Washington DC, where federal agencies, defense contractors, and cybersecurity firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and SAIC maintain large and active workforces. Demand is strongest in cloud security architecture, threat intelligence, and zero-trust implementation, with openings at every level from associate to principal engineer. Washington DC ranks among the most active markets in the country for this specialty, driven by the density of cleared-facility work and federal compliance requirements. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 29+ Systems Security Engineer jobs
- Responds to all service calls within their assigned area within guaranteed response times and with objective of restoring system(s) to full functionality.
- Properly installs systems according to Tech Systems Installation Standards.
- Possesses the ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
- Ensures that all tasks are handled properly in accordance with Tech Systems’ policies and procedures.
- Identifies manufacturer revisions, upgrades, and installs independently.
- Communicates with Customer Service Representative regarding status, progress, and resolution of all assigned tasks. Updates tickets in service and project tracking system.
- Must accurately account for company inventory and resources in their possession.
- Performs system Preventive Maintenance inspections according to policy and procedures.
- Assists with other technical support issues, as needed.
- Attends to other matters and duties necessitated as assigned by the Regional Manager or executive staff of Tech Systems.
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- At least two (2) years prior work experience in commercial security systems installation or service.
- Must have networking skills and 1-year experience programming access and video systems.
- Possess minimum factory and/or internal security system certifications to work independently.
- Must have basic computer skills, including, but not limited to, working knowledge of Microsoft based products (such as MS Word, Excel, and Outlook), Smartsheet and IT skillset with understanding of best practices when it comes to IP systems.
- Excellent customer service skills, including a sense of urgency when attending to customer needs.
- Strong ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
- Strong critical thinking and problem resolution skills.
- Must be detail-oriented and have excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to work accurately, efficiently, and independently; showing proficiency in all systems installed in service area, demonstrating little need for guidance and support.
- Observance of all safety regulations, rules, and ability to work in a safe and cautious manner.
- Excellent communication skills, including, but not limited to, the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Strong time management skills, including ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including, but not limited to, the ability to manage and interact effectively and in a supportive manner with Tech Systems’ staff, vendors, and customers and ability to work with and build teams of employees.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Must have a clean driving record, satisfactory to Tech Systems’ automobile insurance carrier.
- Responds to all service calls within their assigned area within guaranteed response times and with objective of restoring system(s) to full functionality.
- Properly installs systems according to Tech Systems Installation Standards.
- Possesses the ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
- Ensures that all tasks are handled properly in accordance with Tech Systems’ policies and procedures.
- Identifies manufacturer revisions, upgrades, and installs independently.
- Communicates with Customer Service Representative regarding status, progress, and resolution of all assigned tasks. Updates tickets in service and project tracking system.
- Must accurately account for company inventory and resources in their possession.
- Performs system Preventive Maintenance inspections according to policy and procedures.
- Assists with other technical support issues, as needed.
- Attends to other matters and duties necessitated as assigned by the Regional Manager or executive staff of Tech Systems.
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- At least two (2) years prior work experience in commercial security systems installation or service.
- Must have networking skills and 1-year experience programming access and video systems.
- Possess minimum factory and/or internal security system certifications to work independently.
- Must have basic computer skills, including, but not limited to, working knowledge of Microsoft based products (such as MS Word, Excel, and Outlook), Smartsheet and IT skillset with understanding of best practices when it comes to IP systems.
- Excellent customer service skills, including a sense of urgency when attending to customer needs.
- Strong ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
- Strong critical thinking and problem resolution skills.
- Must be detail-oriented and have excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to work accurately, efficiently, and independently; showing proficiency in all systems installed in service area, demonstrating little need for guidance and support.
- Observance of all safety regulations, rules, and ability to work in a safe and cautious manner.
- Excellent communication skills, including, but not limited to, the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Strong time management skills, including ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including, but not limited to, the ability to manage and interact effectively and in a supportive manner with Tech Systems’ staff, vendors, and customers and ability to work with and build teams of employees.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Must have a clean driving record, satisfactory to Tech Systems’ automobile insurance carrier.
See All 29 Systems Security Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSystems Security Engineer Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Systems Security Engineer Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- MTSI4
- SMX3
- Johns Hopkins University3
- Everforth ECS2E
- Gray Analytics2G
Top Industries Hiring
- Education3
- Telecommunications1
- Aerospace & Defense1
- Technology & Software1
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in systems security engineer jobs across District of Columbia.
- Active Department of Defense security clearance, typically Secret or Top Secret with SCI eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or a closely related technical field
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional or CompTIA Security+ certification required or strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience with NIST Risk Management Framework and federal security authorization processes
- Hands-on proficiency with SIEM platforms, endpoint detection tools, and intrusion detection systems
- Experience supporting Authority to Operate processes under FISMA or similar federal compliance mandates
Systems Security Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a systems security engineer in District of Columbia?
Systems security engineers in District of Columbia do not require a state-issued license, but the local market is heavily shaped by federal requirements. Most roles require a relevant bachelor's degree, an industry certification such as CISSP or Security+, and the ability to obtain a federal security clearance. Because so much DC-area hiring is tied to government contracts, candidates who pursue clearance eligibility and gain familiarity with NIST and FISMA frameworks are positioned most competitively.
How much do systems security engineers make in District of Columbia?
Systems security engineers in District of Columbia earn a median of about $156,590 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $87,400 for the lowest 10% to over $207,700 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire systems security engineers in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia systems security engineer roles are posted by MTSI, SMX, and Johns Hopkins University and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The DC area's concentration of federal agencies and prime defense contractors means a large share of openings come from firms supporting government clients under long-term contracts.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most systems security engineer jobs?
Washington and Bolling AFB account for the most systems security engineer openings in District of Columbia. Washington DC anchors the market because of its federal agency density, while nearby areas like Arlington and McLean in Virginia are counted in metro job searches due to the large defense and intelligence contractor campuses concentrated there, making the broader National Capital Region the dominant employment zone.
Are there remote systems security engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, though clearance-dependent roles limit how many are fully remote. About 0% of systems security engineer openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with hybrid arrangements more common than fully remote. The work most likely to be done remotely involves cloud security architecture, security engineering analysis, and compliance documentation rather than roles requiring physical access to classified facilities.
How can I get hired as a systems security engineer in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in DC is through a junior analyst or associate security engineer role at a mid-tier government contractor, where clearance sponsorship for new hires is more common than at prime contractors. Candidates who start in IT support, network administration, or help desk roles with federal agencies or contractors build the access history that supports clearance applications. Earning Security+ certification before applying strengthens candidacy significantly, as many DC-area contract vehicles require it as a baseline credential.
Where can I find and apply to systems security engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to systems security engineer jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in the area. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and clearance level, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 29 Systems Security Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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