Demo

Systems Engineer (Cyber)

Cornerstone Defense
Arlington, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/16/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/17/2026
  • Location: Arlington, Virginia
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #4037

Title: Systems Engineer (Cyber)
Location: Arlington & Alexandria, VA
Compensation Range: $150 -$180K
*Clearance: *Active TS/SCI needed to apply *

Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense.

Benefits Overview:
Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *

Position Description:
The Systems Engineer (Cyber) provides technical analysis, capability integration support, and program coordination for senior cyber leadership across ASW Cyber, the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor (DPCA), and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). In this role, you will evaluate emerging technologies, support cyber capability development and acquisition activities, engage directly with industry and academia, and help align new solutions with Department-level cyber requirements. Operating between the Pentagon and the Mark Center, you will serve as a trusted technical advisor shaping future cyber capabilities and strengthening collaboration across government and industry.

Core Tasks:
  • Provide technical and analytical support to USCYBERCOM capability development and acquisition processes, including the Capabilities Integration and Development System (CCIDS) and the Command Acquisition Executive (CAE).
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, conduct capability analyses, and map potential solutions to Principal Cyber Advisor (PCA) and Department requirements to support senior decision-making.
  • Assess capability documentation such as Initial Capability Documents (ICDs), Capability Needs Statements (CNS), and related artifacts to support acquisition planning and investment prioritization.
  • Support development, staffing, coordination, and approval of industry engagement activities advancing ASW Cyber and USCYBERCOM capability development initiatives.
  • Engage with industry, academia, FFRDCs, and other organizations to identify emerging technologies supporting Department cyber mission needs.
  • Plan, coordinate, and support logistics for quarterly Industry Days, technology exchanges, workshops, and other events fostering public-private collaboration and cybersecurity innovation.
  • Prepare executive correspondence, read-aheads, briefing materials, meeting requests, and summary reports supporting senior leader engagements and decision forums.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge management tools, tracking mechanisms, and collaboration resources to monitor capability development, industry engagements, and emerging technology partnerships.
  • Monitor conferences, technology forums, trade shows, and industry events; recommend participation and partnership opportunities aligned with Department cyber priorities.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional mission partners to integrate capability development activities, support acquisition planning, and provide technical advice enabling informed decisions regarding future cyber capabilities.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 12 years of experience, or Master's degree in STEM with 10 years of professional experience.
  • 5 years of experience as a U.S. Government civilian or military member.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience engaging government and private-sector stakeholders to identify, evaluate, and advance emerging technology solutions supporting warfighter and cyber capability needs.
  • Experience supporting or building USG-industry coalitions for collaboration, information sharing, and emerging technology development.
  • Demonstrated experience maintaining partnerships among government organizations, industry, academia, and external stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with DoW-private sector partnership models supporting emerging technology and cyber capability advancement.
  • Experience supporting cyber capability development, technology assessments, acquisition initiatives, or emerging technology integration.
  • Ability to interface effectively with senior government, military, and industry leaders.
  • Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide technical support, strategic advice, and analytical guidance to senior leadership.

Salary : $150,000 - $180,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Systems Engineer (Cyber)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Systems Engineer (Cyber) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$115,390 - $147,559
Income Estimation: 
$136,671 - $177,110
Income Estimation: 
$128,093 - $158,900
Income Estimation: 
$115,390 - $147,559
Income Estimation: 
$136,671 - $177,110
Income Estimation: 
$128,093 - $158,900
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Cornerstone Defense

  • Cornerstone Defense Columbia, MD
  • Location: Columbia, Maryland Type: Contract Job #3995 Position: Systems Administrator Location: Annapolis Junction, MD Clearance: TS/SCI w/ Full Scope Poly... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Cornerstone Defense Annapolis, MD
  • Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland Type: Contract Job #4006 Title: Senior Software Engineer (Kubernetes Platform Engineering) Location: Annapolis Junct... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Cornerstone Defense Annapolis, MD
  • Location: Annapolis Jct, Maryland Type: Contract Job #4041 Title: Senior Software Engineer/Systems Engineer Location: Annapolis Junction Compensation Range... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Cornerstone Defense Herndon, VA
  • Location: Herndon, Virginia Type: Contract Job #4009 Title: Data Engineer Location: Herndon, Virginia *Clearance: *Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to app... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Systems Engineer (Cyber) jobs in the Arlington, VA area that may be a better fit.

  • SHINE Systems Bethesda, MD
  • SHINE Systems is looking for a Systems Engineer to join our team. Key Responsibilities 25% local travel between Bethesda and Manassas Required Qualificatio... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Mlt Systems Stafford, VA
  • PLEASE NOTE: Applicant resumes may be shared with a partner for consideration. Applicants must complete the application questions and Release of Informatio... more
  • 2 Months Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!