Entry Level Hardware Engineer with Security Clearance

Cornerstone Defense; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A 401(K) plan with a company match

tuition and training assistances

paid vacation/leave

a fitness reimbursement program

college savings plan

commuter benefits

financial advisory services

flex spending accounts

health savings accounts

STD/LTD coverage

life and AD&D insurance

employee assistance programs

life financial planning assistance

legal resources

Job summary

Cornerstone Defense LLC seeks an entry-level Hardware Engineer to join our IT/Hardware Support team in Herndon, VA. Responsibilities include triaging help desk tickets, hardware installs, and first/second-line support for desktops and peripherals.

The ideal candidate has basic Windows or Linux experience, strong troubleshooting skills, and a customer-service mindset. TS/SCI clearance is required for the role and rewards include competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of professional IT support or hardware technician experience.
• Basic familiarity with Windows or Linux operating systems (installation, configuration, troubleshooting).
• Comfortable working with PC hardware components (SATA/SSD/HDD, RAM, power supplies, motherboards).

Responsibilities

• Respond to and resolve help desk tickets in a timely manner (hardware issues, peripherals, connectivity, basic OS problems).
• Install, configure, image, upgrade, and decommission desktops, laptops, monitors, docking stations, printers, and other peripherals.
• Perform hardware diagnostics and basic repairs; escalate complex issues to senior engineering or vendor support.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and asset tagging for hardware lifecycle tracking.
• Apply operating system updates, drivers, and firmware as required.
• Assist with cable management, workstation setup, and office moves or reconfigurations.
• Create and maintain SOPs and documentation for common tasks.
• Provide courteous and professional support to end users; communicate ticket status clearly.

Skills

IT support

Windows OS

Linux OS

PC hardware

Education

Security+ certification

Tools

Jira

Job description

Hardware Engineer/Help Desk Support Herndon, VA Active TS/SCI Salary Range: $80,000 - $140,000 Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense. Job Responsibilities: We are seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer to join our IT/Hardware Support team. This role will focus on triaging help desk tickets, performing hardware installations and removals, and providing first- and second-line technical support for desktop/laptop/workstation systems. The ideal candidate has basic experience with Windows or Linux, strong troubleshooting skills, and a customer-service mindset.

• Respond to and resolve help desk tickets in a timely manner (hardware-related issues, peripheral and connectivity problems, basic OS troubleshooting).
• Install, configure, image, upgrade, and decommission desktops, laptops, monitors, docking stations, printers, and other peripherals.
• Perform hardware diagnostics and basic repairs; elevate complex hardware or firmware issues to senior engineering or vendor support.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and asset tagging for hardware lifecycle tracking.
• Apply operating system updates, drivers, and firmware as required.
• Assist with cable management, workstation setup, and office moves or reconfigurations.
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation for common tasks.
• Provide courteous and professional support to end users; communicate ticket status and resolution steps clearly.
• Follow IT security and compliance policies when handling equipment and data.
• Strong problem-solving skills and an attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; customer-service oriented.
• Ability to lift and move hardware (typically up to 50 lbs.) and work in office or data-center environments.
• Willingness to work occasional extended hours for deployments or hardware refreshes.
• Ability to lift and carry hardware; climb ladders and work in confined spaces if needed.
• Must adhere to safety procedures for handling hardware and batteries. Required Skills:
• 0-2 years of professional experience in IT support, desktop support, or hardware technician roles.
• Basic familiarity with Windows or Linux operating systems (installation, configuration, troubleshooting).
• Comfortable working with PC hardware components (SATA/SSD/HDD, RAM, power supplies, motherboards) and common peripherals.
• Desired Skills:
• Security+ certification required.
• Experience with Jira ticketing systems desired.

Company Benefits:

• A 401(K) plan with a company match
• tuition and training assistances
• paid vacation/leave
• a fitness reimbursement program
• college savings plan
• commuter benefits
• financial advisory services
• flex spending accounts
• health savings accounts
• STD/LTD coverage
• life and AD&D insurance
• employee assistance programs
• life financial planning assistance
• legal resources