Systems Engineer Security Clearance

Systems Engineer – SME (TS/SCI with FSP required)

Location:

Reston

Salary Range: $232k-$251k

RCT is seeking a detail‑oriented Systems Engineer specializing in the lifecycle management of Digital Access Control Policies. I offer deep expertise in translating legal and security mandates into actionable technical workflows within IAM ecosystems. From streamlining attribute‑based access controls (ABAC) and dynamic policy engines, to auditing certified data repositories, your focus is helping to support a "least‑privileged" environment that satisfies rigorous internal audits and external regulatory frameworks.

As a critical thinker, you will synthesize process and work to help implement innovative ways to strengthen compliance while optimizing access control policy use.

• Translate existing digital policies and governance actions into operational processes and aligned to existing technical solutions – providing recommendations with clear guidance internally and externally to the program.
• Collaborate with Mission Partners, Data Stewards, Steward Representatives across the community; interpreting digital policy requests and needs, into high‑level implementable requirements using existing tools and platforms.
• Guide service teams in digital policy oversight, helping oversee the "Keys to the Kingdom" by implementing Just‑In‑Time (JIT) access policies that grant the proper access only when a specific, pre‑approved condition is met.
• Apply techniques that include the use of AI for Data and Policy components, aiding in getting current solutions and workflows operational (e.g., anomaly detection, policy application and more).
• Help create and maintain metrics, dashboards and reporting to track governance’s and overall policy performance and compliance.

• Critical Thinker – Challenges assumptions and approaches data issues with structured reasoning.
• Policy Minded Innovator – Finds ways to apply data science in service of governance, compliance and stewardship.
• Collaborator – Builds strong partnerships with Data Stewards, mission partners and governance stakeholders.
• Change Agent – Brings creativity and technical skill to drive efficiencies in how we manage and govern data.

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
• BS degree in STEM or related field and 12+ years of prior relevant experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM) Knowledge including IdAM / ICAM delivery systems, authentication, authorizations, attribute architectures.
• Familiarity with data and governance principles, compliance and/or metadata management.
• Strong critical thinking ability – able to balance technical solutions with policy and compliance needs.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical insights to policy and mission partners alike.

• Experience with governance and metadata platforms (Collibra, Informatica, Alation, etc.).
• Awareness of Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) policy – contributing to update and sharing Zero‑Trust security policies.
• Hands‑on experience in automation pipelines or AI‑enabled data governance tools.
• Background working in policy, governance and/or compliance environments.
• Familiarity with Sponsor ICAM services.