1

Desktop Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Desktop Engineer - Tier 1 Location: Washington, DC Assignment Type: 3 months contract to hire Pay Rate: $30.00 / Hour Work Schedule: Onsite, Monday - Friday Benefits: This position is eligible for ...

AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop) Engineer

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$113K - $237K/yr

AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop) Engineer Job Category: Information Technology Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: None ...

Showing results 21-40

Desktop Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$11

$51

$92

How much do desktop engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for desktop engineer in Washington is $51.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.59 and $65.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a desktop engineer?

A desktop engineer is responsible for troubleshooting problems with computer software and hardware. In this job, you may work as a desktop support engineer for a technical support firm that services multiple clients or for a company, school, or government agency in their IT department. Your job duties include responding to telephone and email inquiries, monitoring computer systems, installing software or hardware, and performing maintenance on computer systems. You need strong customer service and problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of computers to succeed in a career as a desktop engineer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a desktop engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Desktop Engineer, you need expertise in operating systems (Windows, macOS), hardware troubleshooting, and a background in computer science or relevant certifications like CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate. Familiarity with remote desktop tools, imaging software, Active Directory, and ticketing systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and customer service orientation help Desktop Engineers stand out. These skills ensure efficient issue resolution, minimize downtime, and deliver a positive technology experience to end users.

What are some common challenges faced by desktop engineers and how are they typically addressed?

Desktop Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing diverse hardware and software configurations, troubleshooting unexpected technical issues, and supporting users with varying levels of technical expertise. Staying current with new technologies and security threats is also essential. These challenges are usually addressed through ongoing training, standardized deployment practices, and strong collaboration with IT support teams to ensure smooth operations and minimal downtime for end-users.

What is the difference between Desktop Engineer vs Network Technician?

AspectDesktop EngineerNetwork Technician
CertificationsCompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentOffice, help desk, on-site supportData centers, network rooms, on-site troubleshooting
Primary ResponsibilitiesMaintaining and troubleshooting desktops, hardware, softwareInstalling, configuring, and repairing network hardware and infrastructure
Industry UsageIT support, corporate environmentsTelecommunications, enterprise networks

While both roles support IT infrastructure, Desktop Engineers focus on end-user devices like desktops and laptops, whereas Network Technicians specialize in network hardware and connectivity. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and certifications for each role.

How much do desktop engineers make?

Desktop engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the environment they support. Salaries can vary based on the industry and geographic location, with higher wages often found in urban areas and for those with specialized skills in troubleshooting, hardware, and software management.

Is desktop engineering a good career?

Desktop engineering is a viable IT career that involves maintaining and troubleshooting computer systems, often requiring knowledge of operating systems, hardware, and networking. It offers opportunities for certification, such as CompTIA A+ or Microsoft certifications, and can lead to roles in IT support, system administration, or network management. The job typically involves regular hours and problem-solving skills, making it suitable for those interested in technology and customer service.

What skills do desktop engineers need?

Desktop engineers need strong technical skills in operating systems, hardware troubleshooting, and software installation. They should be familiar with networking, security protocols, and common IT tools, often holding certifications like CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician. Good problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills are also essential for effective support and maintenance.

What are popular job titles related to Desktop Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Desktop Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Desktop Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Desktop Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Desktop Engineer jobs in WA?

For Desktop Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Desktop Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,486 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

NIH Desktop Engineer (Level I)

Key Concepts Knowledgebase LLC

Bethesda, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Key Concepts Knowledgebase, LLC., is seeking a Desktop Engineer (Level I) for a project at a large NIH CIT support organization. The successful candidate will work with our IT managers, engineers, technicians, and the client to ensure the expectations of both parties are fulfilled in a timely, cost-effective manner. The Desktop Engineer (Level I) responsibilities are as follows: Provide polite, friendly, professional, and courteous customer service at all times Work through various types of technical and customer service issues and ensure customer satisfaction Performs installations, upgrades, configuration, and troubleshooting of customer-specific hardware and software, and mobile devices Provide instructions to customers and support staff in the use of equipment and software Posses the ability to complete multiple simultaneous tasks/projects in a timely manner Interface with other teams when needed to help resolve customer issues Document incident status and solutions using ticket tracking system Accepts warm transfers from other technicians to continue customer support Efficiently escalate issues to higher tiers when needed Ensure SLA compliance Configure and install various IT hardware and application systems such as desktops, routers, servers, switches, Wi-Fi antennas, Network security devices, Access control system any other application once given the necessary procedures and authorization

Develop installation schedules, prepare and create installation packages. Prepare documentation for configuration changes at each site and supporting test reports. Coordinate post installation operations and maintenance support.

Keep track of all hardware inventory and provide weekly reports on status of all Hardware inventory stock. Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must be detail-oriented, organized, and can work under tight deadlines. Must have a comprehensive knowledge of generic IT hardware devices.

Must have the ability to read and understand installation guides, wiring drawings, system requirements and site-specific installation policies/procedures. Must have excellent analytical skills in troubleshooting IT hardware installation, application setup, and maintenance, testing capabilities, problem identification, and/or resolution. Must understand how to configure IT hardware, and/or be able to communicate with engineering for directives on newer systems configuration.

Must have competencies in testing/verifying proper operation of all hardware installations with direction from the engineering staff or IT administration.


Key Concepts Knowledgebase logo

About Key Concepts Knowledgebase

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Key Concepts Knowledgebase, LLC is a Small DBE Business, and solutions-driven enterprise based in the DC area. The company is founded on the provision of quality services, creative business and IT solutions, and responsible business processes. Mission Statement: With a focus on transferring knowledge on key concepts in the process, we seek to provide our customers with the best of breed services and solutions, to solve their business problems and be part of initiatives that drive sustainable, green IT solutions.

Industry

Network security

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Fairfax, VA, US

Social media