Data Center Engineer (Network) - 1

Zachary Piper Solutions; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

ZP group is seeking an experienced Data Center Engineer to build, support, and maintain secure computing environments used for operational missions. This contract-to-hire role is based in RTP, NC and requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Counter-Intelligence Polygraph.

You will design, deploy, and secure data center systems across Windows, Linux, and Unix, manage VMware vSphere virtualization, and ensure compliance with NISPOM, ICD, and DIACAP.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting DIACAP, NISPOM and ICD compliance for contracts.
• Strong ability to configure, deploy, and troubleshoot secure networks.
• Experience with mixed Windows and Linux environments and their enterprise interaction.
• Hands-on 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 independently and in cross-functional teams.
• DoD 8570-compliant certification (e.g., CISSP, Security+, CISA, GSEC, CAP, SCNA, SCNP, SSCP, GSLC, GSE).

Responsibilities

• Build, support, and maintain secure computing environments.
• Deploy and administer systems across Windows, Linux, Unix.
• Support virtualization with VMware vSphere.
• Ensure compliance with NISPOM, ICD, and DIACAP.
• Create and maintain SSP and POA&M documentation.
• Configure and troubleshoot networking in classified environment.
• Perform routine network administration of routers, switches, firewalls.

Skills

DIACAP compliance

NISPOM compliance

ICD compliance

Network security

Cross-functional teamwork

DoD 8570 certification

Education

DoD 8570-compliant certification

Tools

VMware vSphere

Active Directory

DNS

DHCP

WSUS

Windows Server 2016/2019

Windows 10

Networking equipment (Routers/Switches/Firewalls)

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 9/18/2026 and will remain open for at least 30 days from the posting date.