Data Center Lead Engineer - TS/SCI with CI Poly

PGTEK; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO health insurance

Vision plan

Dental insurance

401(k) matching

Education Assistance Program

Job summary

PGTEK is seeking a Data Center Lead Engineer with strong Dell hardware expertise and a leadership mindset to support and expand operations in a secure enterprise environment. On-site presence is required, with minimal travel and an active TS/SCI with CI Poly clearance.

You will own on-site operations, mentor the team, troubleshoot across servers, storage, and networking, and collaborate with stakeholders to drive growth opportunities while maintaining documentation and compliance.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly is required.
• 3–5 years of relevant technical experience (or 5–7 years without a degree).
• Strong hands-on experience with server hardware, storage, and networking.
• Experience in a data center operations environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support for data center infrastructure including servers, storage, and networking.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, OS, and infrastructure issues across multiple platforms.
• Perform break/fix support, including component replacement and system diagnostics.
• Execute high-volume, low-impact tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Support installation, configuration, and upgrades of data center equipment.
• Manage and resolve escalations, removing blockers to maintain operational flow.
• Maintain accurate documentation of activities and system changes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across all levels.

Skills

Dell hardware expertise

Data center operations

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Dell PowerEdge

Dell PowerStore

Dell Networking

Brocade / Cisco networking

Juniper networking

NetApp Storage

Spectra Logic Tape Systems

Job description

Data Center Lead Engineer (Dell Infrastructure Focus)

Location: Onsite (majority of the week)

Travel: Minimal

Clearance: Active DoD Top Secret / SCI with CI Poly required

Overview

We are seeking a Data Center Lead Engineer with strong Dell hardware expertise and a leadership mindset to support and help expand operations within a secure enterprise environment. You MUST have an active TS/SCI with CI Poly, or higher. This role offers a unique opportunity to take on-site ownership, build relationships with the existing team, and grow into a broader leadership and operational influence position.

The ideal candidate is both technically strong and adaptablea hands-on athlete who can quickly learn and support technologies beyond their core expertise while helping guide team direction and customer engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support for data center infrastructure including servers, storage, and networking
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, OS, and infrastructure issues across multiple platforms
• Perform break/fix support, including component replacement and system diagnostics
• Execute high-volume, low-impact tasks efficiently and accurately
• Support installation, configuration, and upgrades of data center equipment
• Manage and resolve escalations, removing blockers to maintain operational flow
• Maintain accurate documentation of activities and system changes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across all levels
• Develop familiarity with new technologies and expand beyond core Dell expertise
• Contribute to on-site leadership presence, helping strengthen customer relationships and identify growth opportunities

Technical Environment

Primary Technologies

• Dell PowerEdge Servers (R-series, blade systems)
• Dell PowerStore Storage
• Dell Networking (Switches)

Additional / Supporting Technologies

• Brocade Switches (or equivalent Cisco networking knowledge)
• HPE and SGI Servers
• Juniper Switches
• NetApp Storage
• Spectra Logic Tape Systems

Requirements

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI access and CI Polygraph
• 3-5 years of relevant technical experience (or 5-7 years without a degree)
• Bachelors degree in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Strong hands-on experience with server hardware, storage, and networking
• Ability to troubleshoot across multiple infrastructure domains
• Experience in a data center operations environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Valid drivers license with a clean driving record

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Linux, Windows Server, virtualization, and storage experience
• Familiarity with federal or defense IT environments
• Experience working with data center tools and lifting equipment
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and operate hand/power tools

Certifications (Preferred)

• CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, or CASP
• Cisco CCNA or Security certifications
• ITIL v3 (or newer)

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package for full-time salaried employees is effective immediately upon the start date. Benefits include comprehensive PPO medical coverage with access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) option, a vision plan, and dental insurance with the base dental plan option paid for by PGTEK. Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term disability, and Critical Illness insurance have premiums covered. Additionally, PGTEK offers a matching 401(k) plan and a discount on pet insurance through ASPCA Pet Insurance. An Employee Assistance Program is available at no cost to all employees. PGTEK offers a generous amount of PTO and Holidays, and an Education Assistance Program is available after 12 months of employment.

Salary: 120-150K (based based experience)

About Pgtek

PGTEK is a true consulting organization dedicated to helping clients achieve their business and technology objectives utilizing our decades of experience and business relationships. PGTEK invests in the educational advancements of our staff by providing the necessary resources to complete Professional and Business Certifications. Our company is our people, and we treat them like family.

EOE, including disability/veterans