Systems Engineer

Type of Requisition: Regular Clearance Level Must Currently Possess: Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret/SCI Public Trust/Other Required: None Job Family: IT Infrastructure and Operations Job Qualifications: Skills: Hardware Installations, Patch Management, Security Patch Management, Software Test Planning Certifications: None Experience: 3 + years of related experience US Citizenship Required: Yes Job Description: GDIT has an immediate opening for an early-career Systems Engineer supporting the CITS contract for USCENTCOM. This position is based on-site in Tampa, Florida, with direct focus on enterprise lab infrastructure, integration, patching, and testing. Position Overview The Systems Engineer serves as a core technical contributor responsible for executing software and hardware testing, baseline integration, systematic vulnerability patching, and functional validation within the USCENTCOM enterprise laboratory. Working under the guidance of senior engineering staff, this role provides technical support across physical and virtual environments to ensure lab systems remain secure, properly baselined, and fully validated prior to operational or exercise deployment. The engineer will assemble hardware, deploy operating systems, execute structured test plans, apply security baselines, and assist in maintaining laboratory readiness in a fast-paced defense environment. HOW A Junior Systems Engineer WILL MAKE AN IMPACT Duties and Responsibilities Perform physical installation, racking, stacking, cabling, and baseline configuration of servers, workstations, storage devices, and lab network appliances. Execute standardized software and hardware test plans, procedures, and validation scripts to verify system functionality and interoperability. Identify, document, and track hardware defects, software bugs, and performance bottlenecks, reporting findings to senior engineering leads. Apply scheduled security patches, operating system updates, application hotfixes, and hardware firmware upgrades across Windows and Linux environments. Validate post-patching system stability, performance, and application dependencies to ensure zero degradation of lab baselines. Support virtualization environments, including creating, configuring, and maintaining virtual machines in VMware vSphere/ESXi and Hyper-V. Assist in the implementation of DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and support vulnerability remediation efforts. Maintain laboratory configuration documentation, hardware/software asset inventories, test execution records, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Provide Tier I/II troubleshooting support for hardware faults, operating system anomalies, and network connectivity issues within the test environment. WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED: Education, Clearance & Certifications Security Clearance: Active SECRET clearance required with the ability to upgrade to TS/SCI. Certifications: Current DoW 8140 / DoW 8570 IAT Level II baseline certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, CySA+, or equivalent). Required qualifications: Foundational technical knowledge of Windows Server (2019/2022), Windows 10/11, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), and virtualization environments using VMware ESXi or vCenter. Education: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent operational experience/military training). Experience : 3+ years of related experience in systems engineering, hardware staging, systems administration, or laboratory test environments. Required and Desired Qualifications Required qualifications include foundational technical knowledge of Windows Server (2019/2022), Windows 10/11, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), and virtualization environments using VMware ESXi or vCenter. Candidates must have practical experience with physical server racking, stacking, cabling, and hardware component replacement, alongside a clear understanding of patch management lifecycles and basic networking concepts including TCP/IP, VLANs, and routing. Desired qualifications include hands-on exposure to vulnerability scanning tools such as ACAS (Tenable Nessus) and automated configuration management frameworks. Experience with basic automation and scripting using PowerShell or Bash, along with prior experience operating within DoW test labs, military command environments, or USCENTCOM networks, is highly advantageous. Travel and Shift Requirements Position may require up to 10% travel in support of USCENTCOM mission requirements. Work hours and shift schedules are determined by lab operational requirements and support needs. Company Overview: GDIT is a leading technology integrator solving our nation's most complex modernization and readiness challenges. We provide innovative technology solutions and services across Defense, Intelligence, Homeland Security, Federal Civilian, and Health markets. Join GDIT and be part of the team of men and women who solve some of the world’s most complex technical challenges. GDIT IS YOUR PLACE At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do. Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay and paid time off Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace #gditpriority #armajobs The likely salary range for this position is $93,500 - $126,500. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40