Field Engineer

Socket.dev; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Core One seeks a Field Engineer to deploy, configure, and sustain network and systems infrastructure across the United States, often as the sole technical presence on site. You will install and troubleshoot routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and virtualization hosts, ensuring site readiness and customer handoff.

This hands-on role requires an active Top Secret clearance, the ability to travel up to 75% and extended on-site deployments, with strong independence and problem-solving on site.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance required.
• Willingness to travel across the United States, up to 75%.
• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field or 4+ years of relevant experience in lieu of education.

Responsibilities

• Travel to customer and program sites nationwide to perform installations, deployments, and infrastructure build-outs, including site surveys, rack-and-cable work, and customer handoff and acceptance testing
• Configure and troubleshoot routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure to established program baselines, including VPN tunnels, circuit turn-up, and remote access
• Install, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux servers, workstations, and virtualization hosts, including account provisioning, patching, and backup verification
• Support end users on site and remotely, resolving hardware, software, mobile device, and peripheral issues, and deploy imaging and endpoint management tooling
• Apply security baselines and hardening standards to deployed systems, maintain accountability for equipment and sensitive material in transit, and follow established change control procedures
• Produce as-built documentation, site records, network diagrams, and trip reports, and coordinate with Systems Engineers, Network Engineers, and program management to align field execution with technical design

Skills

Field operations

Router/Switch/Firewall troubleshooting

Windows/Linux administration

Independent site work

Travel readiness

Security clearance readiness

Education

Associate's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

CCNA

Security+

Network+

Job description

Sterling, VA (Washington, DC Metro Area) — Frequent travel required, up to 75% during active deployments

Join our team at Core One! Our mission is to be at the forefront of devising analytical, operational and technical solutions to our Nation's most complex national security challenges. In order to achieve our mission, Core One values people first! We are committed to recruiting, nurturing, and retaining top talent! We offer a competitive total compensation package that sets us apart from our competition. Core One is a team-oriented, dynamic, and growing company that values exceptional performance!

This is a hands-on field role for someone comfortable being the only technical presence on site and diagnosing issues independently. The Field Engineer deploys, configures, and sustains network and systems infrastructure at customer and program sites across the United States, pairing systems-engineer-level technical depth with the customer-facing judgment and adaptability needed to work in unfamiliar environments under schedule pressure. The role sits within the Strategic Services Division's Engineering Capabilities Group, reporting to the Deputy Program Manager - Technical.

***This position requires an active Top Secret (TS) clearance***

***This position may require extended on-site assignments of up to 4-6 weeks***

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Travel to customer and program sites nationwide to perform installations, deployments, and infrastructure build-outs, including site surveys, rack-and-cable work, and customer handoff and acceptance testing
• Configure and troubleshoot routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure to established program baselines, including VPN tunnels, circuit turn-up, and remote access
• Install, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux servers, workstations, and virtualization hosts, including account provisioning, patching, and backup verification
• Support end users on site and remotely, resolving hardware, software, mobile device, and peripheral issues, and deploy imaging and endpoint management tooling
• Apply security baselines and hardening standards to deployed systems, maintain accountability for equipment and sensitive material in transit, and follow established change control procedures
• Produce as-built documentation, site records, network diagrams, and trip reports, and coordinate with Systems Engineers, Network Engineers, and program management to align field execution with technical design

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or 4+ additional years of relevant experience in lieu of education
• 3+ years of relevant experience in field operations, IT infrastructure, or systems and network administration
• Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting network hardware, including routers, switches, and firewalls
• Working knowledge of Windows and Linux administration and virtualization platforms
• Demonstrated ability to work independently at remote sites with limited supervision or on-site support
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to field locations throughout the United States, including extended on-site assignments; valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain a passport
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and hold an active Top Secret (TS) clearance

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• Certifications such as CCNA, Security+, or Network+
• Experience with multi-site deployments or distributed infrastructure programs
• Experience with air-gapped, isolated, or closed network environments in secure settings
• Experience supporting secure communications and VTC infrastructure
• Familiarity with structured cabling, power distribution, and rack layout practices

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, work in equipment rooms and confined spaces, use ladders and hand tools, and remain on foot for extended periods during installation activity.

SALARY

Salary Range: $95,000 - $125,000

The pay range reflected above is a general guideline for this position and labor category and is not a guarantee of a specific salary or offer. Final compensation is determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, education, certifications, security clearance level, contract requirements, geographic location, and internal pay equity, and may reflect market data specific to the awarded contract.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Active Top Secret (TS) clearance required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Core One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.