Level 3 Communications, Inc

Lead, Systems Engineer

Level 3 Communications, Inc$100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 9 years or Graduate degree with 7 years of related Systems/Software Engineering experience, or equivalent experience.
  • Proven track record in systems engineering for complex software-centric systems.
  • Solid software development skills, particularly in Python, Java, and scripting languages.
  • Experience with AWS cloud services, Kubernetes, and API integration.
  • Ability to translate customer needs into system requirements and ensure traceability.
  • Familiarity with networking concepts such as LAN/WAN and cybersecurity best practices.

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical planning and system integration efforts for complex systems.
  • Design and develop scalable, secure software solutions using AWS and Kubernetes.
  • Implement system upgrades and monitor network performance to ensure reliability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to diagnose and resolve technical issues.
  • Develop test procedures and validate applications against requirements.
  • Prepare technical documentation and reports for system performance and project status.
  • Provide technical presentations to diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Flexible work schedule with every other Friday off.
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge cloud technologies and systems integration.
  • Potential for career advancement in a secure and collaborative environment.
  • Support for professional development and obtaining certifications.
  • Engagement with mission-critical projects in a defense-related context.
Full Job Description
Job Title: Lead, Systems Engineering

Job Code: 40818

Job Location:Greenville, TX

Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

The Lead, Systems Engineer (SE) is responsible for technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, and troubleshooting of complex systems and subsystems. This role supports the requirements, design, development, testing, and integration of specialized hardware/software solutions across distributed environments. The ideal candidate brings experience in software engineering, AWS cloud technologies, Kubernetes orchestration, and networked systems, with the ability to support solutions deployed on ground and airborne communications platforms.

Essential Functions:
  • Ability to obtain DoW Security Clearance.
  • This position includes an expectation of 10 to 15% shift, on-call, or weekend work.
  • Support the design of robust, scalable, and secure system solutions aligned with business and mission requirements.
  • Contribute to the development and integration of software-based solutions using AWS, Kubernetes, and API-driven architectures across distributed environments.
  • Assist with implementation of system and selected network changes, upgrades, and enhancements in accordance with project plans and technical requirements.
  • Translate customer needs and operational objectives into system-level requirements and technical solutions.
  • Support the design, development, and integration of cloud-native and containerized applications and services.
  • Collaborate with software, infrastructure, network, and cross-functional engineering teams to support system integration, issue diagnosis, root cause analysis, and resolution.
  • Monitor system, application, service, and network performance to help ensure reliability, availability, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Apply requirements traceability practices to reduce risk and improve development, integration, and test outcomes.
  • Assist in performing systems engineering analyses and trade studies to evaluate design options, technologies, and implementation approaches.
  • Support evaluation of technical trade study results for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with system requirements.
  • Contribute to subsystem, interface, software, and selected network specifications derived from higher-level system requirements.
  • Evaluate alternative technical solutions and help define preliminary system and software designs.
  • Review architecture diagrams, interface definitions, API specifications, and technical documentation to ensure traceability to system requirements.
  • Support troubleshooting of complex system and network issues affecting application availability, connectivity, performance, and stability.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with core networking concepts such as LAN/WAN, IP routing, VPNs, and secure communications environments.
  • Develop and execute test procedures for systems, software, APIs, cloud, containerized, and network-integrated capabilities to verify performance and compliance with requirements.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations that communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines to design cohesive, credible solutions and support integration within standards-based development environments.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed system, software, API, cloud, deployment, and selected network documentation.
  • Generate reports on system performance, technical issues, risks, and project progress.
  • Must have the ability to design, develop, write, and troubleshoot software solutions using Python, Java, and other scripting languages to support automation, system integration, testing, and operational support activities.
  • Working knowledge of Kubernetes, AWS services, software development practices, and API integration is required.
  • Familiarity with networking technologies such as BGP, multicast, and Layer 2/Layer 3 VPNs is preferred.


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 9 years of relevant Systems Engineering and/or Software Engineering experience, or Graduate degree with 7 years of related experience. In lieu of a degree, 13 years of related experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in systems engineering for complex software-centric systems, including design, integration, verification, validation, and troubleshooting.
  • Demonstrated software development skills with the ability to write, debug, and troubleshoot applications, automation tools, and scripts using Python, Java, and other scripting languages.
  • Demonstrated experience with AWS, Kubernetes, containerized environments, and API integration.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing software and system test plans, integration activities, and verification efforts.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into system-level requirements and support requirements traceability.
  • Demonstrated experience with technical documentation, interface definitions, and cross-functional engineering collaboration.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with networking concepts such as LAN/WAN, IP routing, VLANs, VPNs, and BGP/OSPF.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and security frameworks such as NIST.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting secure or government environments, including DoD systems or accreditation activities, is preferred.


Preferred Additional Skills:
  • Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance strongly preferred.
  • Experience with AWS cloud services, cloud architecture, and containerized environments.
  • Experience with Kubernetes deployment, orchestration, and troubleshooting.
  • Proficiency in Python, Java, and other scripting languages for automation, integration, and support.
  • Experience with API development, integration, and troubleshooting in distributed systems.
  • Familiarity with DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software development tools and practices.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and secure system deployments in regulated environments.
  • AWS certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator are preferred.
  • Kubernetes certifications such as Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), or Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) are preferred.
  • Networking certifications or experience such as CCNP, Security+, Network+, JNCIP-SP, ACE-P, or PCNSA are a plus.
  • Experience supporting DoD, classified, or mission-critical environments preferred.


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