Data Center Engineer

Piper Companies is seeking a Datacenter Engineer to join a leading organization within the cybersecurity and critical infrastructure sector for a remote contract-to-hire opportunity based in Reston, VA. The Datacenter Engineer will support highly secure computing environments, assisting with the deployment, administration, and maintenance of mission-critical systems used to protect sensitive government-regulated information and applications., * Configure, deploy, and maintain secure network and server infrastructure across classified and regulated environments.

• Troubleshoot and support routers, switches, firewalls, virtualized platforms, and enterprise systems to ensure operational reliability.

• Assist with system accreditation efforts and support compliance initiatives aligned with government security standards and regulations.

• Perform vulnerability remediation, patch management, and ongoing system health monitoring for Windows and Linux environments.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build, enhance, and sustain secure datacenter operations supporting critical business functions.

• Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance with current Counterintelligence Polygraph required.

• Experience supporting secure environments governed by NISPOM, ICD, DIACAP, or similar federal security frameworks.

• Strong background administering enterprise networking technologies including routers, switches, firewalls, DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, and Windows Server environments.

• Hands-on experience with VMware vSphere virtualization and mixed Windows/Linux infrastructure administration.

• DoD 8570-compliant certification such as Security+, CISSP, SSCP, CAP, CISA, GSEC, GSLC, or equivalent.

• Proven experience with vulnerability management, system patching, and security hardening practices.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and multiple concurrent projects.

• Experience with technologies such as Splunk, McAfee ePO, Jira, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), or encryption technologies is highly preferred.

• Salary Range: $145,000 - $176,000

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and additional benefit offerings based on eligibility.