Senior System Engineer

Core One; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Core One is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer in Sterling, VA, to own and sustain the network and systems infrastructure across on‑premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. The role requires hands-on work with routers, switches, firewalls, hypervisors, and security controls in sensitive operating environments.

The position emphasizes scripting for automation (Python/PowerShell/Ansible), collaboration with software engineers and IT staff, and delivering robust documentation and SOPs. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field, or 5+ additional years of relevant experience in lieu of education
• 5+ years of relevant systems and network engineering experience
• Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting enterprise routing, switching, and firewall platforms
• Experience administering Windows and Linux server environments and virtualization platforms
• Working knowledge of cloud networking and hybrid connectivity in AWS or Azure, and proficiency with scripting and shell environments for automation and administration

Responsibilities

• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments
• Administer physical, virtual, and cloud/server environments, including hypervisor management, OS patching, storage configuration, and connectivity between cloud and on-premises resources
• Implement and maintain firewall rules, access control lists, and network segmentation; harden systems and network devices against established security baselines; and support the Security Operations Center in investigating security events
• Develop scripts and automation using tools such as Python, PowerShell, or Ansible to reduce repetitive configuration and administration tasks, and configure monitoring and alerting for network and system health, availability, and performance
• Develop and maintain SOPs, network and system diagrams, configuration baselines, and troubleshooting guides
• Collaborate with Software Engineers, Field IT staff, and other technical teams, and provide technical guidance and cross-training to Technical Associates and junior staff

Skills

Network engineering

Windows administration

Linux administration

Cloud networking

Scripting/Automation

Security clearance TS

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience in lieu of degree

Tools

AWS

Azure

VMware

PowerShell

Python

Ansible

Job description

Sterling, VA (Washington, DC Metro Area) — Minimal travel required to support client engagements

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 generalist role for someone comfortable owning a problem from diagnosis through implementation and documentation. The Senior Systems Engineer builds, secures, and sustains the network and systems infrastructure supporting program and customer operations across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments — spanning network configuration and troubleshooting, server and virtualization administration, and the security controls that protect both. The role sits within the Strategic Services Division's Engineering Capabilities Group, reporting to the Deputy Program Manager - Technical, and works closely with Software Engineers and Field IT staff in sensitive operating environments.

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

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPN connectivity across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments
• Administer physical, virtual, and cloud/hybrid server environments, including hypervisor management, OS patching, storage configuration, and connectivity between cloud and on-premises resources
• Implement and maintain firewall rules, access control lists, and network segmentation; harden systems and network devices against established security baselines; and support the Security Operations Center in investigating security events
• Develop scripts and automation using tools such as Python, PowerShell, or Ansible to reduce repetitive configuration and administration tasks, and configure monitoring and alerting for network and system health, availability, and performance
• Develop and maintain SOPs, network and system diagrams, configuration baselines, and troubleshooting guides
• Collaborate with Software Engineers, Field IT staff, and other technical teams, and provide technical guidance and cross-training to Technical Associates and junior staff

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field, or 5+ additional years of relevant experience in lieu of education
• 5+ years of relevant systems and network engineering experience
• Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting enterprise routing, switching, and firewall platforms
• Experience administering Windows and Linux server environments and virtualization platforms
• Working knowledge of cloud networking and hybrid connectivity in AWS or Azure, and proficiency with scripting and shell environments for automation and administration
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and hold an active Top Secret (TS) clearance

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, Security+, or AWS Solutions Architect – Associate
• Experience with air-gapped, isolated, or closed network environments in secure settings
• Experience supporting secure communications and VTC infrastructure
• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code and configuration management practices
• Experience supporting multi-site or distributed infrastructure

SALARY

Salary Range: $125,000 - $165,000

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.