MetroStar Systems

Sr. Systems Engineer II - Observability (6693)

MetroStar Systems$115K — $151K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in systems engineering and network troubleshooting.
  • Proficiency with diagnostic tools like Wireshark, tcpdump, and packet analysis.
  • Strong Linux admin skills, including scripting and log analysis.
  • Hands-on DevOps experience with Docker and CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions.
  • Experience with on-premises and air-gapped network environments.
  • Understanding of observability and security best practices.
  • Active Secret Clearance required.

Responsibilities

  • Deploy and maintain the monitoring stack across environments.
  • Lead troubleshooting for network connectivity and performance issues.
  • Operate and manage Linux servers and related services.
  • Manage containerized workloads with Docker and Docker Compose.
  • Diagnose data-flow issues involving networking components.
  • Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure as code.
  • Monitor system health and lead incident response efforts.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Parental Leave and dependent care
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs
Full Job Description
As a Sr. Systems Engineer II, you'll deploy, operate, and support our observability platform - a containerized monitoring stack (TimescaleDB, OpenSearch, Telegraf, Promethus) running on Linux hosts in an on-premises, air-gapped environment - and to serve as a strong network troubleshooter for the broader environment. You'll keep data flowing end-to-end: from network telemetry collection, through ingestion and storage, to the dashboards stakeholders rely on. A significant part of this role is diagnosing and resolving network problems independently, including unfamiliar issues across systems you didn't build or deploy. This is a role for someone equally comfortable reading a packet capture, debugging a systemd unit, and writing a CI pipeline. with the goal to make an impact across the federal government.

What you'll do:
  • Deploy, configure, and maintain the monitoring stack across development and on-prem production environments.
  • Lead network troubleshooting across the environment - isolate and resolve connectivity, latency, routing, and performance issues, often on systems and
  • topologies you have no prior context for.
  • Operate and troubleshoot Linux servers - services, storage, performance, logs, and security hardening.
  • Manage containerized workloads with Docker / Docker Compose; build and maintain images and service definitions.
  • Manage software delivery into an air-gapped network: offline package/image mirroring, artifact transfer, and controlled update procedures.
  • Diagnose data-flow issues across the network: DNS, routing, firewalls, TLS, load balancing, and switching/routing fabric.
  • Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code for repeatable, automated deployments.
  • Write and maintain automation scripts (Bash, Python) for provisioning, monitoring, and routine operations.
  • Manage time-series and search data stores (TimescaleDB/PostgreSQL, OpenSearch): backups, retention, indexing, and query performance.
  • Monitor system health, set up alerting, respond to incidents, and lead root-cause analysis.
  • Maintain runbooks and documentation; participate in an on-call rotation as needed.

What you'll need to succeed:
  • 8 years of experience
  • Proficiency with network and system diagnostic tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump, dig, curl, traceroute, mtr, ss/netstat, and packet-level analysis.
  • Strong Linux administration experience (Ubuntu/Debian and RHEL), including shell scripting, systemd, package management, permissions, log analysis, and Bash automation.
  • Hands-on DevOps experience with Docker, CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, etc.), Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible), and Git-based workflows.
  • Experience designing, deploying, and supporting on-premises, segmented, air-gapped, and disconnected environments, including local registries and package mirrors.
  • Skills in observability, automation, and security best practices, with experience using Grafana, Prometheus, OpenTelemetry, Python, SQL/PostgreSQL, secrets management, and SSH administration at scale.
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, TLS, routing, switching, subnetting, VLANs, and firewall configuration.
  • An ability to diagnose and resolve complex network and infrastructure issues under pressure using a methodical troubleshooting approach, even in unfamiliar environments
  • An active Secret Clearance

SALARY RANGE: $115,000 - $151,800

The salary range for this position is determined based on qualifications, skills, and relevant experience. The final salary offered will be determined based on several factors including:
  • The candidate's professional background and relevant work experience
  • The specific responsibilities of the role and organizational needs
  • Internal equity and alignment with current team compensation
  • This role is also eligible for additional compensation, subject to the terms and policies of MetroStar, which may include:
    • Performance-based bonuses
    • Company-paid training and/or certifications
    • Referral bonuses


To apply for this position, please submit your resume via the form below or through our careers page: https://www.metrostar.com/jobs/

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible for full consideration.

Additional Compensation: This role may also be eligible for bonuses and/or additional incentives based on individual and company performance.

Benefits: All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefits programs:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Parental Leave and dependent care
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs

Like we said, we are big fans of our people. That's why we offer a generous benefits package, professional growth, and valuable time to recharge. Learn more about our company culture code and benefits. Plus, check out our accolades.

Not ready to apply now?

Sign up to join our newsletter here.

About MetroStar Systems

MetroStar Systems is a technology services provider specializing in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and customer experience. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Washington, DC. MetroStar Systems has worked with clients in the public and private sectors, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The company has received numerous awards for its work, including being named a Top Workplace by The Washington Post.
Learn more about MetroStar Systems
Size
400 employees
Industry
Net Income
$2 million
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+20%
Revenue
$50 million

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at MetroStar Systems

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Sr. Systems Engineer II - Observability (6693) jobs: