Data Center Engineer (Network)

Zachary Piper Solutions; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking an experienced Data Center Engineer to build, support, and maintain secure computing environments for operational missions in RTP, NC. This contract-to-hire role requires Top Secret/SCI clearance with Counter‑Intelligence Polygraph and involves deploying Windows, Linux, and Unix systems, managing VMware vSphere virtualization, and maintaining SSP/POA&M documents.

Responsibilities include securing systems to meet DIACAP/NISPOM guidelines, configuring network

Qualifications

• Experience with secure operating environments and cross-platform integration.
• Knowledge of enterprise networking concepts and security standards.
• Familiarity with DoD 8570‑compliant certifications is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Build, support, and maintain secure computing environments for operations.
• Deploy and administer Windows, Linux, and Unix systems.
• Support virtualization using VMware vSphere in a data center.
• Ensure compliance with NISPOM, ICD, and DIACAP requirements.
• Assist in SSP/POA&M documentation.

Skills

VMware vSphere

Windows

Linux

Networking

Active Directory

DNS

DHCP

Network security

Tools

VMware vSphere

Job description

ZP group is seeking an experienced Data Center Engineer to build, support, and maintain secure computing environments used for operational missions. This role plays a critical part in the design, deployment, and ongoing security of complex systems across data center environments. This is a contract-to-hire position located in RTP, NC. This opportunity requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Counter‑Intelligence Polygraph.

Responsibilities for the Data Center Engineer include:

• Building, supporting, and maintaining secure computing environments used in operational settings.
• Deploying and administering systems spanning multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Unix.
• Supporting virtualization infrastructure using VMWare vSphere within a data center environment.
• Securing systems to meet compliance with NISPOM, ICD, and DIACAP requirements.
• Assisting in the creation, maintenance, and management of System Security Plans (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (PO&AM) documentation.
• Configuring, deploying, and troubleshooting network functions in a classified environment
• Performing routine network administration, including installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of routers, switches, firewalls, and related infrastructure.

Qualifications for the Data Center Engineer include:

• Prior experience supporting contracts requiring DIACAP, NISPOM, and ICD compliance.
• Strong experience configuring, deploying, and troubleshooting secure network environments.
• Experience supporting mixed Windows and Linux environments and understanding how they interact across enterprise networks.
• Hands‑on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and enterprise networking technologies (CCNA‑level knowledge preferred).
• Proficiency with Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, WSUS, Windows Server 2016/2019, and Windows 10.
• Experience administering VMWare vSphere virtualization environments.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a cross‑functional technical team.
• Possession of at least one DoD 8570‑compliant certification, such as CISSP, Security+, CISA, GSEC, CAP, SCNA, SCNP, SSCP, GSLC, or GSE.

Compensation for the Data center Engineer includes:

• Salary range: $165,000 - $185,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO, holidays, and sick leave as required by law.

Keywords: data center engineer, engineer, networking, windows, linux, NISPOM, ICD, DIACAP, ATO, system security plan, SSP, risk management framework, RMF, network administration, secure network environments, routers, switches, firewalls, network troubleshooting, network configuration, LAN/WAN, data center operations, Windows Server 2016, unix, VMware, VMware vSphere, active directory, AD, DNS, DHCP, WSUS, web services, system deployment, system configuration, CISSP, security+, SCNA, SCNP, GSLC, GSE

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This job is open for applications on 9/4/2026 and will remain open for at least 30 days from the posting date.