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Help Desk Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Tier 1 Help Desk Analyst Location: On-site in Arlington, VA Department: Program Support Reports To ... Interact with network services, software systems engineering, and/or applications development to ...

Tier 1 Help Desk Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$23.50 - $32.25/hr

Tier 1 Help Desk Analyst Location: On-site in Arlington, VA Department: Program Support Reports To ... Interact with network services, software systems engineering, and/or applications development to ...

Help Desk Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

Help Desk Technician Core Competencies: * Provide technical support to client end-user desktops ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Sciences, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Information ...

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Showing results 1-20

Help Desk Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$24.8K

$65.4K

$98.3K

How much do help desk engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for help desk engineer in Reston, VA is $65,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,800.00 and $76,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Help Desk Engineers face when supporting remote users, and how can they effectively address them?

Help Desk Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting connectivity issues, guiding users through technical steps without direct access to their devices, and managing a high volume of requests from remote employees. To address these, engineers rely on clear communication, remote desktop tools, and detailed documentation to resolve issues efficiently. Building patience and adaptability is key, as is staying updated on the latest support technologies to ensure users receive prompt and effective assistance, regardless of their location.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most Help Desk Engineers earn significantly less, some senior or specialized IT professionals with extensive experience, certifications, and advanced skills in areas like cybersecurity or network architecture can reach or exceed this salary level, often in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Such compensation typically involves leadership responsibilities, specialized expertise, or working in high-cost regions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Help Desk Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Help Desk Engineer, you need a solid understanding of computer systems, troubleshooting techniques, and customer support principles, often supported by a degree in IT or relevant certifications like CompTIA A+. Familiarity with ticketing systems, remote desktop tools, and knowledge bases is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving abilities help build rapport with users and efficiently resolve issues. These skills and qualities are essential to provide timely technical support, ensure user satisfaction, and maintain smooth IT operations.

Is AI replacing IT's help desk?

Help Desk Engineers play a crucial role in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, and while AI tools can assist with routine tasks and initial support, they do not fully replace the need for human expertise. AI can improve efficiency and automate simple queries, but complex problems still require human judgment and problem-solving skills. Therefore, Help Desk Engineers are likely to adapt by working alongside AI rather than being replaced entirely.

Are help desk jobs still in demand?

Help Desk Engineer positions remain in demand as organizations continue to rely on IT support for troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues. These roles often require technical skills, certifications, and customer service abilities, and employment is expected to grow with increased reliance on technology in various industries.

What does a helpdesk engineer do?

A help desk engineer provides technical support to users by troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues. They assist with system setup, maintenance, and user training, often using remote tools and ticketing systems to resolve problems efficiently.

What are Help Desk Engineers?

Help Desk Engineers are IT professionals who provide technical support and troubleshooting services to end users experiencing issues with computer systems, software, or hardware. They serve as the first point of contact for clients or employees seeking assistance with IT problems, responding to inquiries via phone, email, or chat. Help Desk Engineers diagnose issues, guide users through solutions, escalate complex problems to higher-level technicians, and help maintain the smooth operation of an organization’s technology infrastructure.

What is the difference between Help Desk Engineer vs Technical Support Specialist?

AspectHelp Desk EngineerTechnical Support Specialist
CertificationsCompTIA A+, Network+; Microsoft certificationsCompTIA A+, Microsoft certifications
Work EnvironmentHelp desk, IT support teams, remote and on-siteCustomer support centers, remote support, on-site
Employer & IndustryIT departments, tech companies, managed service providersIT service providers, software companies, corporate IT

Help Desk Engineers and Technical Support Specialists share similar certifications and work environments, often supporting users remotely or on-site. However, Help Desk Engineers typically handle more complex technical issues and may be involved in troubleshooting network or hardware problems, while Technical Support Specialists focus on software and application support. Both roles are essential in IT support teams, with overlapping skills but different areas of focus.

Infographic showing various Help Desk Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,410 per year, or $31.4 per hour.
Help Desk Specialist

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Planned Systems International, Inc (PSI) is seeking a Help Desk Specialist to support our Government customer in Washington, DC for our DoS PHIMS contract.

Location: Washington, DC

Clearance: Active T3 investigation, with the ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances as required for access to classified information.


  • Manage user accounts, applications, Service Now ticketing system, and asset tracking; ensure customer service is timely and accurate; conduct component level diagnostics.
  • Assist in the use of a variety of clinical business software and operating systems.
  • Provide support to in office and remote users using Service Now ticketing system, while escalating tickets as necessary to the appropriate support teams.

  • Support program-level Service Desk functions to include evaluating, processing/resolving, and tracking of all Tier levels I/II/III Trouble Tickets.
  • Reviews Trouble Ticket to ensure that the documented information is complete, accurate, and sufficient to facilitate analysis of the issue; coordinate with the ticket originator to confirm or obtain additional information as needed.

  • Analyze verified Trouble Tickets and assign a classification and priority to facilitate timely and appropriate processing of the issue.
  • Communicate and collaborate with multiple external organizations regarding the resolution of issues.

  • Reproduction, analysis and reporting of valid problem defects; processing Trouble Ticket for resolution based upon the classification.
  • Provide detailed trend analysis and reporting of triaged and resolution activities.
  • Responsible for User Account provision processing and troubleshooting.
  • Handle routine tasks with no assistance, general instructions on new assignments.

  • Work on assignments that are moderately complex in nature where judgement is resolving problems and making routine recommendations.
  • Follow standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained.

  • Maintains documentation for health IT procedures and processes, as well as maintenance logs and equipment databases.


  • Bachelor's Degree, Computer Science, Electronics Engineering or other engineering or technical discipline is preferred.
  • Minimum of 4 years of previous Help Desk experience.
  • Duty hours: Sun – Thurs 7:00AM – 3:30PM, with flexibility to shift to 5:00AM – 1:30PM on occasion for coverage, where needed.
  • Training for the first 3 weeks and reporting onsite from 8:00AM – 4:30PM (M-F)
  • Experience with ServiceNow ticketing system.
  • Possess knowledge of workstation administration and imaging.
  • Basic network support experience to include account administration in Active Directory environment
  • Ability to work in high stress environment in individual and group settings
  • Possess exceptional interpersonal skills and superior oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to go above and beyond, and work in team environment with minimum supervision and direction
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent planning and time management skills
  • Flexibility in hours of operation
  • Proficient in computer technology and Microsoft Office applications
  • Strong ability to convey complex information in way that users understand

Clearance: Active T3 investigation, with the ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances as required for access to classified information.


PSI offers full-time, benefits eligible employees a competitive total compensation package that includes paid leave, and options for employer sponsored group medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft, and accident insurance. Flexible spending account and health saving account options offer pre-tax savings for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. The company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan has an employer contribution match that is immediately vested. We invest in the professional growth of our employees through professional courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.


It is company policy to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination, are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities will be provided. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources by emailing HRDepartment@plan-sys.com, or by dialing 703-575-8400.