Senior Systems Admin

ZealHire Inc.; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

ZealHire Inc. is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, or Cybersecurity Engineer to lead IV&V for our network infrastructure projects in Herndon, VA. You will assess findings, validate evidence, and guide remediation with engineering teams to manage risk and ensure compliance.

The role requires hands-on IV&V, vulnerability assessment, and expertise in security frameworks. Collaborate across engineering and operations to deliver secure, high-performance network solutions on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 7+ years as Systems Administrator/Network Engineer, with 2+ in IV&V lead roles.
• Strong knowledge of network components, security frameworks (NIST, ISO, CIS).
• Proficiency with vulnerability assessment tools and network monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead IV&V activities for network infrastructure projects.
• Develop IV&V processes, checklists, and documentation.
• Review architectures, configurations, and deployments for compliance.
• Conduct assessments, audits, and testing of network components.

Skills

IV&V leadership

Vulnerability assessment

NIST RMF

Network security

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT

Tools

Nessus

Wireshark

Firewall tools

Job description

ZealHire. Herndon, Virginia, United States Contract Deadline: Oct 29, 2026

USC onlyNeed LinkedIn, DL100% onsite in Herndon.IV&V requiredLocals

We are looking for a Senior Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, or Cybersecurity Engineer with hands-on experience performing vulnerability assessments, validating Nessus findings, remediating security vulnerabilities, and supporting NIST RMF compliance. Must be capable of independently assessing technical implementations, validating evidence, and advising engineering teams on security risks and corrective actions.

Someone who can prove whether a finding is real, determine the risk, and either fix it or guide the team toward the proper mitigation, rather than someone whose experience is primarily maintaining compliance documentation.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Systems Administrator to lead Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) efforts for our network systems infrastructure projects. In this critical role, you will be responsible for ensuring that all network systems meet rigorous operational, security, and performance standards. You will collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and project management teams to verify that all deliverables align with project requirements and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of IV&V activities for network infrastructure projects.
• Develop and maintain IV&V processes, checklists, and documentation to ensure comprehensive coverage and traceability.
• Review system architectures, configurations, and deployments to verify compliance with requirements and standards.
• Conduct detailed assessments, audits, and testing of network components (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.) to validate functionality, security, and performance.
• Identify gaps, risks, and non-conformities, and provide actionable recommendations for remediation.
• Prepare and present clear, comprehensive IV&V reports to stakeholders, highlighting findings, risks, and suggested improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely resolution of identified issues.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, industry standards, and best practices in network infrastructure and IV&V.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience as a Systems Administrator, Network Systems Engineer, or similar role, with at least 2 years in a lead or IV&V-focused capacity.
• Deep understanding of network infrastructure components (e.g., routers, switches, servers, firewalls, VPNs, wireless).
• Proven experience conducting IV&V, audits, or independent assessments of IT systems.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., NIST, ISO, CIS).
• Proficiency with network monitoring, analysis, and automation tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CRISC, CSQA or similar are highly desirable.

$000,000 – $000,000 Salary range is not shown on the candidate portal