Network/Systems Engineer (Cyber Security Architect)

Ardent Principles, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Ardent Principles, Inc. is seeking a Network/Systems Engineer (Cyber Security Architect) in Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on enterprise networking, automation, and cloud integration, delivering scalable, secure infrastructure.

Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph is required; onsite in Chantilly, VA. Strong collaboration in Agile teams and adherence to architectural standards are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in network or systems engineering with enterprise networking focus.
• Experience building automation and configuration management using Terraform, Ansible, or Python.
• Deploying workloads on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and Linux operating systems; supporting CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Be integral to delivering standardized, scalable technical solutions in an Agile environment.
• Translate high-level architectural designs into production-ready implementations with minimal oversight.
• Collaborate within cross-functional Agile teams to enforce architecture standards and documentation baselines.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

Agile collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelors or higher in related field

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Python

AWS

Azure

Linux

Wireshark

tcpdump

Job description

Network/Systems Engineer (Cyber Security Architect)

Department: Data Analysis and Technology Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chantilly, VA

Compensation: $130,000 - $260,000 / year

Description

REQUIRED: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph

LOCATION: Full-time onsite in Chantilly, VA

We are looking for a Network/Systems Engineer with hands‑on experience supporting enterprise infrastructure, cloud platforms, and automation frameworks. The ideal candidate combines strong networking fundamentals with modern Infrastructure-as-Code, CI/CD, and Linux administration expertise to deliver resilient, scalable, and standardized technical solutions in an Agile environment.

Who We Are: We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.

Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence Ardent Principles offers a competitive salary range and a comprehensive, industry‑leading benefits package designed to support long‑term stability and employee well‑being. We provide more than a position—we offer a workplace committed to excellence, integrity, and mission‑focused impact. Our mission is to act as a bridge between satisfied clients and fulfilled employees, ensuring that your job and well‑being are our top priorities because your satisfaction leads to the success of our clients.

Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high‑impact solutions.

Key Responsibilities

In this challenging yet rewarding role, you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life. You must have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience in and/or with:

• 4+ years’ experience in network engineering, systems engineering, or infrastructure operations, with a strong emphasis on enterprise networking concepts (routing, switching, subnets, firewalls, and segmentation)
• Developing automation and configuration management solutions using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or Python.
• Deploying, managing, and maintaining workloads across cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and Linux operating systems.
• Supporting and integrating CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure monitoring tools.
• Performing deep‑drive troubleshooting across complex, multi‑tiered systems using network packet captures (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump) and centralized log analysis.
• Ability to interpret high‑level, strategic architectural designs and translate them into standardized, production‑ready technical implementations with minimal day‑to‑day oversight.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross‑functional Agile teams while enforcing architectural standards, configuration consistency, and documentation baselines.

Highly Desired Qualifications

Other skills and demonstrated experiences that are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work, include:

• Container orchestration and microservices architecture (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of Zero‑Trust Architecture (ZTA) and defensive cyber operations principles.
• Ability to identify and remediate configuration drift across hybrid cloud and on‑premises footprints.
• Industry certifications such as:
  • CCNA/CCNP
  • AWS Solutions Architect
  • AWS SysOps Administrator
  • Red Hat Systems Administrator
  • HashiCorp Terraform Associate

What We Offer You

SCHEDULE:

This is a full‑time position with consultants expected to be available and working onsite in Chantilly, VA during core hours.