Systems Engineer - Enterprise Middleware

Who We’re Looking For (Position Overview):
Spry Methods seeks a Systems Engineer to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Contracting & Procurement (OCP) and its enterprise acquisition and financial systems.

This role focuses on enterprise Java middleware and system integration, supporting applications such as PRISM, Oracle-based platforms, and IBM middleware services within USDA’s hybrid infrastructure. The Systems Engineer will provide hands-on support for IBM WebSphere Application Server, IBM MQ, and Linux-based platforms, while assisting with modernization and migration efforts.

While direct IAS or PRISM experience is beneficial, it is not required. The core needs are enterprise systems engineering fundamentals, middleware administration experience, Linux platform support, and exposure to cloud-hosted environments. The role contributes to USDA’s ongoing modernization, including efforts to transition systems from AIX-based, on-prem platforms to Azure-hosted Linux environments..

What Your Day-To-Day Looks Like (Position Responsibilities)::
• A. USDA Procurement System Engineering
• Provide engineering support for enterprise procurement and financial applications (e.g., PRISM, Oracle-based systems).
• Assist with system sustainment activities including configuration, patching, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
• Support application workflows, interfaces, and integrations with USDA financial systems.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, diagrams, and operational procedures.
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• B. IBM WebSphere / IBM MQ Enterprise Middleware
• Administer and support IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) and IBM MQ in enterprise environments.
• Deploy, configure, and maintain WebSphere and MQ workloads on Linux-based platforms, including Azure-hosted virtual machines.
• Support clustering, failover configurations, performance tuning, and secure messaging.
• Assist with middleware automation using scripting and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform, shell scripting).
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• C. PRISM 7.6.2 (AIX → Azure Linux Migration)
• Support PRISM and similar enterprise systems across AIX and Linux environments.
• Perform system tuning, patching, remediation, and environment troubleshooting.
• Participate in efforts supporting the migration of PRISM and related middleware from AIX to Linux-based Azure environments.
• Assist with migration planning, runbooks, testing, and post-migration stabilization activities.
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• D. Oracle Application and Database Support
• Support Oracle-based enterprise applications and databases integrated with middleware platforms.
• Assist with PL/SQL development, database automation, and operational support.
• Support Oracle APEX-based components, dashboards, and APIs as needed.
• Coordinate with database and functional teams to support integrations with Oracle Financial systems.
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• E. Cloud, Integration, and DevSecOps Support
• Support deployment and operation of enterprise applications and middleware in Azure-hosted environments.
• Assist with hybrid hosting strategies across USDA data centers and commercial cloud platforms.
• Support CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure automation, and configuration management activities.
• Contribute to containerization or modernization efforts under senior engineer guidance.
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• F. Security, Compliance & Governance
• Support compliance with FedRAMP, FISMA, NIST 800-53, and USDA OCIO security requirements.
• Assist with ATO processes, security assessments, remediation activities, and audits.
• Implement and support secure integration patterns (TLS, certificates, LDAP/SSO, RBAC).
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• G. Stakeholder Support & Documentation
• Collaborate with OCP, OCIO, developers, architects, security teams, and operations staff.
• Provide engineering inputs, documentation, SOPs, and onboarding materials.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, and change control processes.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Requirements)::
• Public Trust clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of experience supporting enterprise applications or systems environments.
• Hands-on experience administering or supporting IBM WebSphere Application Server and IBM MQ.
• Experience supporting enterprise Java (Java EE / Jakarta EE) applications.
• Experience supporting systems on AIX and/or Linux platforms.
• Linux administration experience (RHEL, Ubuntu, or SUSE).
• Exposure to Azure or cloud-hosted environments supporting enterprise systems.
• Scripting experience (e.g., Bash, Python, PowerShell).
• Working knowledge of Oracle databases, PL/SQL, and enterprise system integrations.
• Understanding of enterprise security principles and federal compliance requirements.

Ideally, You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications)::
• Experience supporting PRISM, IAS, or other federal procurement or financial systems.
• Exposure to platform modernization or migration efforts (e.g., AIX to Linux, on-prem to cloud).
• Experience with Azure DevOps, Terraform, Ansible, or CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with Docker and Kubernetes in enterprise or middleware contexts.
• Knowledge of Oracle Financials processes and integrations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

#CJ