Senior System Engineer

As a Senior System Engineer at SDS, you'll take on major responsibilities such as leading all phases of the system development lifecycle, with a focus on planning, evaluation, integration, and testing. Your task will also involve applying advanced technical principles to deliver automated solutions and ensuring high-quality service delivery for assigned tasks. Additionally, you’ll engage in documentation, prepare reports, and potentially lead team meetings or briefings as required by the Task Order.

To qualify for the Senior System Engineer position at DFAS, you must have an active Secret Clearance, a Bachelor's degree with 6 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree with 8 years of experience. Proficiency in Java development and scripting is a must, along with familiarity with tools such as Struts, HTML, XML, Oracle DBA, and AGILE methodologies. Having strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams will also be essential.

The salary range for the Senior System Engineer position at SDS is up to $140K, depending on your experience level. This competitive pay reflects the value placed on expertise and proficiency in areas critical to supporting the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS).

As a Senior System Engineer at DFAS, you'll be involved in critical projects like the DISA Automated Time Attendance and Production System (DATAAPS), Headquarters Accounting Reporting System (HQARS), and the Wounded in Action System (WIA). These projects require innovative solutions and enhancements to existing systems, collaborating with teams to ensure that the systems are robust, efficient, and meet the evolving needs of the organization.

For the Senior System Engineer role at SDS, emphasis is placed on advanced technical skills, particularly in Java development and scripting. Knowledge in various computer languages and tools, alongside experience with Capability Maturity Model (CMMI) and WebLogic application servers, is also important. Moreover, strong project management abilities and adept communication skills are crucial for working with teams and presenting findings effectively.

In responding to this question, it's beneficial to outline your specific roles throughout the different phases of the system development lifecycle. Highlight how you've contributed to each phase—planning, evaluation, integration, and testing—giving concrete examples of projects where your input was critical, demonstrating strong understanding and experience in the field.

When answering this, clearly list languages you're proficient in, particularly focusing on Java and any others listed in the job description. Mention specific projects where you've applied them, detailing your contributions, the challenges faced, and the successful outcomes achieved, showcasing your technical skill set relevant for the Senior System Engineer position.

Describe your approach to teamwork and communication. Discuss experiences where you've effectively collaborated with different departments or teams, emphasizing specific methods or tools you used to facilitate communication and ensure project alignment across various stakeholders, which is essential for the Senior System Engineer role.

Employ a structured approach while answering, perhaps discussing methodologies like root-cause analysis or Agile methodologies. Share specific instances where you’ve implemented these strategies to resolve complex issues, highlighting your critical thinking and analytical abilities attractive for the Senior System Engineer position.

Use this question to showcase resilience and expertise. Share a challenge you faced that required innovative thinking and collaboration. Detail how you approached the problem, the solutions you implemented, and the successful outcomes that followed, painting a picture of your hands-on experience and capability.

Articulate your proficiency with Java development and any relevant projects in which you applied your skills. Discuss specific functionalities or applications you built or enhanced, and explain your role in those projects, ensuring to align your experience with the requirements for the Senior System Engineer position.

Show your commitment to continuous learning by discussing the resources you utilize—professional networks, online courses, webinars, or tech conferences. Highlight how staying informed has positively influenced your work performance and innovation in previous roles, emphasizing its importance for the dynamic field of system engineering.

In your answer, give a brief overview of AGILE principles such as iterative development and collaboration. Explain how you've applied AGILE in past projects, focusing on the flexibility it provides in responding to changes and feedback, and why this approach is vital for the Senior System Engineer role's success.

Discuss the importance of thorough documentation in ensuring clarity and continuity in projects. Share the types of documents you typically prepare—technical reports, system overviews, and user manuals—emphasizing how effective documentation contributes to the overall success of system projects and aligns with your role as a Senior System Engineer.

Discuss your methods for testing and validation, such as using established protocols for IV&V (Independent Verification and Validation) and DT&E (Development Testing & Evaluation). Share specific experiences where your testing strategies led to improved system performance or mitigated risks, reinforcing your fit for the Senior System Engineer position.