IT Project Engineer

Job Summary: The IT Project Engineer is a hands-on infrastructure engineering role responsible for assisting with the deployment, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of enterprise IT systems and infrastructure. Working under the guidance of senior staff and IT leadership, this position supports infrastructure projects while developing the technical expertise and project management skills necessary to assume independent project ownership.

The position focuses on virtualization, enterprise storage, high availability, network security, remote access, and cloud identity services. Key technologies include VMware, SAN/NAS storage, failover and clustering solutions, Fortinet FortiGate firewalls, end-user VPN solutions, Microsoft Azure, and Microsoft Entra ID. The engineer will also support Extreme Networks switching and FortiNAC network access control deployments, building proficiency through hands-on implementation, testing, and troubleshooting.

The successful candidate will demonstrate sound technical fundamentals, a willingness to learn, and the ability to deliver reliable infrastructure solutions while following established security, documentation, and change management procedures. Cybersecurity and CMMC awareness are incorporated into daily operations without making compliance the primary focus of the role., 1. Infrastructure, Virtualization, and Storage

• Assist with deploying, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting physical and virtual infrastructure.
• Support VMware environments, including virtual machine provisioning, virtual networking, resource allocation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with SAN/NAS storage configuration, connectivity, capacity monitoring, performance troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
• Support high-availability environments, including failover technologies, clustering, redundancy, and recovery testing.
• Assist with server installations, operating system deployments, firmware updates, patching, migrations, and hardware refreshes.
• Participate in backup validation, disaster recovery exercises, system monitoring, and infrastructure performance reviews.
• Maintain technical documentation covering infrastructure configurations, dependencies, and recovery procedures.

1. Network and Security Infrastructure * Assist with deploying, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Fortinet FortiGate firewalls and related network security technologies. * Support end-user VPN solutions, including remote-access configuration, client connectivity, authentication, and troubleshooting. * Assist with firewall rule implementation, network connectivity testing, routing, and network segmentation in accordance with approved procedures. * Support network infrastructure changes while following established change management and validation procedures. * Assist with configuration backups, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting, and documentation for network security devices.

2. Extreme Networks Switching and FortiNAC * Assist with the deployment, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of Extreme Networks switches. * Support VLAN configuration, trunking, port assignments, Layer 2 connectivity, and network segmentation. * Assist with FortiNAC deployment and configuration, including endpoint identification, device profiling, network access policies, and switch integration. * Participate in testing network access controls and resolving connectivity, authentication, and authorization issues. * Maintain network diagrams, switch configurations, port maps, and deployment documentation. * Develop proficiency with Extreme Networks and FortiNAC through supervised implementations and hands-on troubleshooting. * Prior experience with Extreme Networks or FortiNAC is preferred but not required.

3. Microsoft Azure and Entra ID * Assist with administration and troubleshooting of Microsoft Azure resources and Microsoft Entra ID. * Support identity and access management, including user and group administration, role assignments, authentication, and access troubleshooting. * Assist with Microsoft 365 integration and hybrid identity environments where applicable. * Support multifactor authentication, least-privilege access, and other established identity security controls. * Assist with cloud resource configuration, routine maintenance, documentation, and operational support.

5.Project Implementation and Ownership

• Participate in the planning, design, deployment, configuration, testing, and implementation of IT infrastructure projects.
• Develop implementation procedures, technical documentation, task lists, and project status updates.
• Coordinate technical activities with IT personnel, project managers, vendors, and customer representatives.
• Perform post-implementation validation and support the resolution of issues identified during deployment.
• Identify technical risks, dependencies, and potential schedule impacts and communicate them to project leadership.
• Progressively assume responsibility for defined projects, including planning, execution, testing, documentation, and completion reporting.
• Work toward independently managing infrastructure deployments and upgrades within established technical and operational requirements.

1. Cybersecurity and Operational Security * Follow established company security policies, access controls, configuration standards, and change management procedures. * Apply secure configuration practices and support patching, vulnerability remediation, and system maintenance. * Maintain general awareness of applicable CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, and customer security requirements. * Follow established procedures when working with systems that process, store, or transmit Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). * Maintain accurate technical records to support operational reviews and applicable compliance activities. * Promptly report suspected security incidents, vulnerabilities, and unauthorized configuration changes through established channels. * Cybersecurity and compliance activities will be performed in coordination with designated IT and cybersecurity personnel.

Education: Associate degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: One to three years of experience in IT support, systems administration, infrastructure engineering, or a related technical role., * Foundational knowledge of Windows operating systems, servers, networking, and infrastructure troubleshooting.

• Working knowledge of virtualization, storage, networking, or systems administration.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting methodologies, technical documentation, and change management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating with senior engineers and project stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and develop the skills needed to assume greater technical responsibility.

Ideal Skills and Experience:

• Working knowledge of VMware virtualization technologies.
• Familiarity with SAN/NAS storage, high availability, failover, and clustering.
• Exposure to Fortinet FortiGate firewalls, VPN solutions, and related network security technologies.
• Experience with remote-access VPN configuration and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Azure, Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and hybrid identity environments.
• Exposure to Extreme Networks switching platforms and configuration.
• Exposure to FortiNAC or other network access control solutions.
• Familiarity with VLANs, trunking, network segmentation, routing, DNS, DHCP, and authentication technologies.
• Experience with backup and recovery solutions, PowerShell scripting, automation, or infrastructure monitoring.
• General awareness of CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, and secure system configuration practices.
• Relevant certifications, including CompTIA Network+, Security+, Microsoft Azure, VMware, or applicable vendor certifications.

Successful candidates will enjoy competitive wages and a very rich benefit program, including:

• Medical Benefits: Choice of two medical insurance programs through Blue Cross & Blue Shield.
• Dental Benefits: A best in class Dental Insurance Plan through Delta Dental.
• Vision Benefits: An excellent Vision Benefit providing discounts and allowances for prescription glasses and contact lenses.
• Retirement Benefits: A qualified 401(k) Retirement Savings Account with a generous employer matching contribution up to 8% of your eligible compensation.
• Life Insurance Benefits: Employer paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance equal to your annual salary. Supplemental coverage is available for you and qualified family members as well as Supplemental Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Additional Benefits: Ten (10) Paid Holidays per year (including 2 floating Holidays), a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program; Tuition Reimbursement, and Referral Bonuses.