• Location: Sunnyvale, California
• Type: Contract
• Job #3742

Job Title: Systems Engineer
Job Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Clearance: Secret (Top Secret preferred)
Schedule: 9/80 Onsite
Salary: $95K – $120K
Certification Requirement: Current Security+ (CompTIA)

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.

Overview:
We are seeking an early-career Systems Engineer to join our team supporting secure systems and infrastructure operations in Sunnyvale, CA. This position offers hands-on experience working within a classified environment and is ideal for individuals who have a foundational understanding of systems engineering concepts and are eager to learn and grow under the guidance of experienced professionals. You will support a wide range of technical tasks related to systems, networking, cybersecurity, and mission support infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:
 

• Assist in the maintenance and troubleshooting of Linux and VxWorks systems
• Provide support for VME-based systems and participate in spacecraft telemetry reviews
• Help configure, deploy, and maintain network switches, routers, firewalls, and threat defense systems under supervision
• Assist with setup and maintenance of TACLANE cryptographic devices, including re-keying and deploying hardware
• Learn and apply Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and assist in documenting compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes
• Support basic network architecture changes, update technical documentation, and participate in design discussions
• Configure and troubleshoot Video Teleconferencing (VTC) systems
• Support broader infrastructure projects, including equipment installation/removal, cable routing (fiber/copper), remote deployments, and desktop/user support
• Gain experience with VMware and virtualized environments

Basic Qualifications:
 

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• 0–2+ years of relevant engineering experience (internships, labs, or co-ops may qualify)
• Active DoD Secret clearance (or ability to obtain; TS eligibility preferred)
• Current Security+ Certification (CompTIA) or ability to obtain within 60 days
• Foundational understanding of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles
• Willingness to learn, follow detailed instructions, and take on technical tasks under close or general supervision

Preferred Qualifications:
 

• Exposure to embedded or real-time systems such as VxWorks
• Hands-on experience from labs, internships, or school projects involving Linux, networking, or system configuration
• Familiarity with STIGs, RMF, or other cybersecurity compliance frameworks
• Experience working in secure environments or DoD programs (even in support roles)

Work Conditions:
 

• Full-time, onsite role in Sunnyvale, CA
• Standard day shift; occasional extended hours based on project needs
• Work may include physical tasks such as equipment setup and cable installation

Company Benefits:
Cornerstone Defense offers a comprehensive list of benefits, designed to give employees and their families several options to choose from when selecting benefits that best fit their needs.  These offerings include not only a full suite of the traditional Medical/Dental/Vision insurances, but also a number of other benefits and perks to include, but not limited to:  A 401(K) plan with a company match, tuition and training assistances, paid vacation/leave, a fitness reimbursement program, college savings plan, commuter benefits, financial advisory services, flex spending accounts, health savings accounts, STD/LTD coverage, life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance programs, life financial planning assistance, and legal resources.
Job Title: Systems Engineer
Job Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Clearance: Secret (Top Secret preferred)
Schedule: 9/80 Onsite
Salary: $95K – $120K
Certification Requirement: Current Security+ (CompTIA)

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.

Overview:
We are seeking an early-career Systems Engineer to join our team supporting secure systems and infrastructure operations in Sunnyvale, CA. This position offers hands-on experience working within a classified environment and is ideal for individuals who have a foundational understanding of systems engineering concepts and are eager to learn and grow under the guidance of experienced professionals. You will support a wide range of technical tasks related to systems, networking, cybersecurity, and mission support infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:
 

• Assist in the maintenance and troubleshooting of Linux and VxWorks systems
• Provide support for VME-based systems and participate in spacecraft telemetry reviews
• Help configure, deploy, and maintain network switches, routers, firewalls, and threat defense systems under supervision
• Assist with setup and maintenance of TACLANE cryptographic devices, including re-keying and deploying hardware
• Learn and apply Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and assist in documenting compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes
• Support basic network architecture changes, update technical documentation, and participate in design discussions
• Configure and troubleshoot Video Teleconferencing (VTC) systems
• Support broader infrastructure projects, including equipment installation/removal, cable routing (fiber/copper), remote deployments, and desktop/user support
• Gain experience with VMware and virtualized environments

Basic Qualifications:
 

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• 0–2+ years of relevant engineering experience (internships, labs, or co-ops may qualify)
• Active DoD Secret clearance (or ability to obtain; TS eligibility preferred)
• Current Security+ Certification (CompTIA) or ability to obtain within 60 days
• Foundational understanding of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles
• Willingness to learn, follow detailed instructions, and take on technical tasks under close or general supervision

Preferred Qualifications:
 

• Exposure to embedded or real-time systems such as VxWorks
• Hands-on experience from labs, internships, or school projects involving Linux, networking, or system configuration
• Familiarity with STIGs, RMF, or other cybersecurity compliance frameworks
• Experience working in secure environments or DoD programs (even in support roles)

Work Conditions:
 

• Full-time, onsite role in Sunnyvale, CA
• Standard day shift; occasional extended hours based on project needs
• Work may include physical tasks such as equipment setup and cable installation

Company Benefits:
Cornerstone Defense offers a comprehensive list of benefits, designed to give employees and their families several options to choose from when selecting benefits that best fit their needs.  These offerings include not only a full suite of the traditional Medical/Dental/Vision insurances, but also a number of other benefits and perks to include, but not limited to:  A 401(K) plan with a company match, tuition and training assistances, paid vacation/leave, a fitness reimbursement program, college savings plan, commuter benefits, financial advisory services, flex spending accounts, health savings accounts, STD/LTD coverage, life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance programs, life financial planning assistance, and legal resources.