IT Hardware Engineer

CACI; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International Inc. is seeking an IT Hardware Engineer in Chantilly, VA to lead hardware design for the DIA CIS program.

You will create infrastructure designs, validate configurations in lab environments, and guide transitions to Operations through testing and fielding. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure capacity, performance, and reliability while supporting VDI components and ongoing CSI initiatives.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current Top Secret SCI clearance with ability to obtain poly prior to start.
• DOD 8140 Certification applicable to role (minimum Security+).
• Experience across multiple seniority levels with 12+ years for BS/BA track or comparable.
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on IT hardware and software solution design and integration.
• Willingness to learn new skills and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirements and architectures to create infrastructure designs aligned with program goals.
• Architect systems with capacity, performance, and service-level metrics for optimal UX.
• Collaborate with Operations and Government stakeholders to meet availability and resiliency targets.
• Lead or guide small cross-functional teams to produce design artifacts and CONOPS.
• Develop test cases and scripts for unit and system validation in Lab environments.
• Transfer engineered solutions to Operations during acceptance testing and early production.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and optimization for VDI components.
• Develop long-term strategies for procurement, governance, and compliance deployments.

Skills

Hardware design

System architecture

Lab testing

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

HS + 16+ years experience

AA + 14+ years experience

BS/BA + 12+ years experience

MS/MA + 10+ years experience

PhD + 8+ years experience

Tools

VDI

Job description

Job Title: IT Hardware EngineerJob Category: EngineeringTime Type: Full timeMinimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCIEmployee Type: RegularPercentage of Travel Required: Up to 75%Type of Travel: LocalAnticipated Posting End: 12/31/2026

The Opportunity:

The CIS program supports our intelligence customer deliver IT services to conduct its globally distributed operations. We are driving an exciting technological transformation of customer IT services by leading the design, development, implementation, and operation of cutting-edge solutions. This includes continuous service improvement through the modernization of IT system infrastructure.

CACI is looking for an experienced, innovative, and motivated IT Hardware Engineer to support the mission objectives and needs of the customer, the Defense Intelligence Agency. In this role on our engineering team, you will be the technical authority for hardware design. You will lead the production of critical engineering and design artifacts, CONOPS, and training materials that define high-performance infrastructure optimized for capacity and user experience. Leveraging these architectural foundations, you will utilize lab facilities to rigorously experiment, execute custom test scripts, and validate hardware configurations to ensure flawless performance prior to deployment. Furthermore, you will champion the seamless transition of these engineered solutions to Operations teams through acceptance testing and early production fielding, while providing advanced troubleshooting and optimization support for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) components.

The position is contingent upon award of the DIA SITE III CIO Infrastructure Services (CIS) contract.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze requirements, concepts of operations, and system architectures to create detailed infrastructure designs in line with program vision and objectives.

• Architect systems that seamlessly incorporate capacity, performance, and service-level metrics to ensure an optimal user experience and efficient infrastructure utilization.

• Collaborate with Operations teams and Government stakeholders to refine requirements and ensure availability, reliability, resiliency, and operability objectives are well understood and achievable.

• Research optimal design characteristics and conduct Analyses of Alternatives (AoAs) to facilitate objective, informed decision-making on technology options, feasibility studies, and proofs of concepts.

• Lead or guide small, cross-functional engineering teams to produce critical design artifacts, test cases, training materials, and supporting documentation (including CONOPS).

• Research emerging technologies, articulate integration benefits to stakeholders, and drive objective tradeoff decisions as a key member of Continual Service Improvement (CSI) initiatives.

• Direct physical and virtual Lab facilities to promote rigorous experimentation, feasibility studies, and technology investigations.

• Develop and execute comprehensive test cases and scripts for unit and system-level validation within Lab environments to guarantee flawless deployments.

• Manage and support the lifecycle transfer of engineered solutions to Operations teams during acceptance testing, Blue/Green fielding, and early production phases.

• Provide advanced troubleshooting, repair, and optimization services to Operations teams to maximize Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) performance.

• Develop long-term strategies for system assessment, vendor evaluation, procurement, governance, risk management, and phased compliance deployments.

• Champion the end-to-end transition of engineering services from initial development through to daily operations.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Must hold a current Top Secret SCI clearance with ability to obtain poly prior to start

• DOD 8140 Certification applicable to role (minimum Security+)

• HS and 16+ years of experience, an AA and 14+ years of experience, BS/BA and 12+ years of experience, MS/MA and 10+ years of experience, or PhD and 8+ years of experience

• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience designing, integrating, validating, and implementing IT hardware and software solutions

• Willingness to learn new skills and new technologies

Desired:

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics

• Familiarity with IC ITE services and classified environments

• ITIL 4 Foundation Certification (or higher)

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

Since this position can be worked in more than one location, the range shown is the national average for the position.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$90,300-$189,600

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.