We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Lead Hardware/Network Administrator to oversee the management, maintenance, and optimization of our IT infrastructure, including hardware systems and networks. In this leadership role, you will direct a team of administrators and technicians, ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of systems critical to the organization's operations. The ideal candidate is a results-driven professional with deep technical expertise, strong leadership attributes, and a passion for bringing innovative solutions to complex IT challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and Mentor Team Members: Supervise and mentor a team of hardware and network technicians and administrators, promoting growth and collaboration.
• Project Leadership: Take ownership of infrastructure-related projects, including upgrades, migrations, and the implementation of new hardware and networking solutions.
• Resource Allocation: Allocate and manage resources effectively to ensure the timely completion of projects and efficient system support.
• Training and Development: Provide technical training and development opportunities to team members, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and organizational goals.

Hardware Administration

• Supervise the installation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrading of servers, workstations, desktops, and peripherals to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Oversee hardware inventory tracking and procurement, optimizing asset management and cost controls.
• Analyze hardware requirements and lead initiatives to upgrade or replace outdated equipment for improved performance and efficiency.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance and lifecycle management strategies to reduce downtime and extend hardware lifespans.

Network Administration

• Network Design and Optimization: Design, implement, and maintain secure and scalable network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless solutions.
• Network Availability and Operation: Improve network availability, monitor bandwidth utilization, and troubleshoot connectivity and performance bottlenecks.
• Security Management: Implement and maintain network security mechanisms, including firewalls, intrusion prevention/detection systems (IPS/IDS), and access controls.
• Network Monitoring: Manage advanced monitoring and diagnostics tools to ensure high availability and quick resolution of network-related outages.
• Plan and oversee routine testing, backup procedures, and disaster recovery solutions to ensure data integrity and business continuity.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree with 8-10 years' experience, MS with 6-8 years or PhD with 3-5 years in Computer Science, IT, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7+ years in hardware and network administration, with at least 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing enterprise-level IT infrastructure and networks.
• Must Possess and maintain an active TS/SCI Clearance.

• Hardware Expertise

  • Advanced understanding of computer hardware systems, including servers, workstations, peripherals, and storage devices.
  • Expertise in hardware and device lifecycle management, procurement, and vendor coordination.

• Network Expertise

  • In-depth knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, etc.).
  • Experience with networking hardware configuration and troubleshooting (switches, routers, access points, firewalls).
  • Experience managing cloud and hybrid networking solutions (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and SD-WAN technology.

• Leadership & Management Skills

  • Proven ability to lead and manage a team of IT professionals.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for cross-departmental collaboration and vendor interaction.

• Technical Troubleshooting

  • Expert-level problem-solving abilities and the capacity to resolve complex technical problems effectively.
  • Extensive experience using monitoring and diagnostic tools such as SolarWinds, Nagios, or PRTG.

• Security Implementation

  • Strong knowledge of access controls, encryption, firewalls, and monitoring systems.
  • Knowledge of intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS).

• Documentation & Compliance

  • Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and IT security compliance standards, such as ITIL, ISO 27001/9001, GDPR, or NIST.
  • Proficiency in creating detailed system documentation, reports, and technical instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications:
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Professional (CCNP)
  • CompTIA Network+, Security+, or A+
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or MCSE
  • VMWare Certified Professional (VCP)
• Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) and containerization (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker).
• Knowledge of high-availability setups, redundancy planning, and load balancing architectures.

We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.