Hardware Engineer Contract Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Job Title: Hardware Engineer
Location: Sterling, VA
Clearance: TS/SCI Poly **This position is CONTINGENT upon contract award** The Hardware Engineer (HWE) collaboratively works closely with the Sponsor, OM, and PO Teams to identify, understand, and anticipate Mission Partner and system requirements. The HWE analyzes network, compute, and storage processing hardware characteristics and recommends equipment procurement, removals, and modifications. The HWE reviews system inventory, in-bound shipments, and ongoing demand to ensure that proper hardware stock and sparing levels are maintained to support build and repair activities. The HWE works with the ITAM/Lab Manager to optimize the flow of parts through their lifecycle; tracking inventory location, movement, age, and turns. The HWE performs daily system data center rounds to monitor the data center infrastructure, coordinate response to operational incidents, and partner with other providers to rapidly resolve issues that impact service availability. The HWE supports system infrastructure build-outs (cage builds, overhead installations, rack and stack), cable termination and testing, maintenance work, monitoring and responding to mechanical, electrical, fire protection, telecom, and security systems. Daily tasks include, but are not limited to: * Conduct sites surveys; assesses and documents current site network configuration and user requirements.
* Analyze existing requirements and prepare specifications for hardware acquisitions.
* Review system compute, storage, and networking systems in terms mission capability, end of life, and redundancy
* Prepares reports and studies concerning hardware that provide to cost savings, technical efficiencies, and system reliability recommendations.
* Prepares functional requirements and specifications for hardware acquisitions.
* Produces Test Plans by preparing engineering plans and site installation Technical Design Packages.
* Manage or assist in Infrastructure projects (Internal/Sponsor) to include Cage and Cabinet Build-Outs, Overhead Installations, Rack and Stack
* Develops and prepares site and hardware installation schedules, supplying subsequent test reports.
* Prepares drawings documenting configuration changes.
* Assist in asset and consumable inventory management
Required Skills: * Essential skills include experience in configuring, deploying, and managing hardware infrastructure, along with expert knowledge of hardware itself.
* Experience with workflow orchestration/automation tools, virtualizing platforms, and configuration/infrastructure management tools are also necessary.
* Experience in data center environments, engineering hardware and network designs for large-scale applications, automating issue detection, and operating cloud-based platforms are key requirements.
* Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, the ability to troubleshoot complex issues, and collaboration skills are also important.
* Understanding hardware, lifecycle management and optimization is also required. Desired Skills: * Experience with specific hardware and cloud vendors (e.g., HP/Dell, AWS, Azure, GCP).
* Experience with server visualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Red Hat Virtualization, Oracle VM), performance analysis tools, managing budgets, and collaborating with hardware manufacturers are also beneficial. Desired Certs: * CompTIA Hardware Certification (e.g., A+, Network+, Server+).
* Cisco Certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCDP).
* Microsoft Certifications (e.g., MCSA, MCSE).
* Specialized certifications related to specific hardware technologies (e.g., embedded systems, networking). Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards. Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances. Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.