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Junior It Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

IT Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We need a hands-on IT Engineer who can keep the team productive day to day and build the secure ... Improve internal IT processes, tooling, and automation, and mentor junior IT staff. Key ...

Jr. IT Project Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$78K - $164K/yr

We are currently seeking a Jr. IT Project Manager to join our team in Arlington, Virginia (US-VA), United States (US). Job Summary: The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the planning ...

Jr. IT Project Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$78K - $164K/yr

We are currently seeking a Jr. IT Project Manager to join our team in Arlington, Virginia (US-VA), United States (US). Job Summary: The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the planning ...

Jr. IT Project Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$78K - $164K/yr

We are currently seeking a Jr. IT Project Manager to join our team in Arlington, Virginia (US-VA), United States (US). Job Summary: The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the planning ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior It Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$33.2K

$71.2K

$108.6K

How much do junior it engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior it engineer in Virginia is $71,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Junior IT Engineer?

A Junior IT Engineer is an entry-level professional who assists with the maintenance, troubleshooting, and support of computer systems and networks within an organization. They typically work under the supervision of senior IT staff, helping to resolve technical issues, install hardware and software, and ensure that IT systems run smoothly. This role is ideal for individuals starting their careers in information technology and often involves learning on the job and developing skills in various IT domains.

What are some typical challenges a Junior IT Engineer might face during their first year on the job?

As a Junior IT Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as managing multiple support requests simultaneously, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and troubleshooting unfamiliar systems. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the breadth of knowledge required, but most teams provide mentorship and training to help you learn on the job. Building strong communication skills and proactively seeking feedback from senior engineers will help you overcome these initial hurdles and grow in your role.

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

To thrive as a Junior IT Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of networking, operating systems, hardware troubleshooting, and a relevant degree or IT certification such as CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals. Familiarity with helpdesk ticketing systems, basic scripting languages, and remote support tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set standout candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for efficiently resolving technical issues and supporting seamless IT operations within an organization.

What is the difference between Junior IT Engineer vs IT Support Specialist?

AspectJunior IT EngineerIT Support Specialist
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+)Certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ often preferred
Work EnvironmentInvolved in system setup, troubleshooting, and basic network tasksProvides technical support, troubleshooting, and user assistance
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, tech companies, and organizations with internal IT teamsHelp desks, service providers, and corporate IT support teams

Junior IT Engineers and IT Support Specialists often share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on troubleshooting and technical support. However, Junior IT Engineers typically engage more in system setup and network configuration, while IT Support Specialists focus on user assistance and issue resolution. Both roles are essential in maintaining IT infrastructure and customer satisfaction.

What are the easiest entry-level IT jobs?

Entry-level IT jobs suitable for beginners include help desk technician, IT support specialist, and computer support technician. These roles typically require basic knowledge of hardware, software, and troubleshooting skills, often supported by certifications like CompTIA A+.

What job categories do people searching Junior It Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior It Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Junior It Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,184 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Us
At Quartermaster AI, we believe the ocean should be a safe and sustainably managed resource for all. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and robotics, we unlock capabilities that were only recently impossible. Our distributed open-ocean systems enable every vessel to sense, compute, and communicate, enhancing maritime domain awareness for those who need it most.
Our distributed systems only work if the networks and IT backbone behind them are rock-solid - including the classified environments where moving data safely from the low side to the high side is mission-critical. We need a hands-on IT Engineer who can keep the team productive day to day and build the secure network infrastructure our work depends on.
The Role
As our IT Engineer, you will be a key member of the team supporting how Quartermaster AI works. As a key member of our IT team, you will assist in maintaining IT support and the networking infrastructure that keeps our team and systems connected and secure. You'll handle everything from help desk requests to senior-level escalations, assist in designing and standing up networks across our sites, and play a supporting role in maintaining the cross-domain environments that let us move data securely between classification levels.
This is a hands-on senior role for someone equally comfortable troubleshooting an endpoint, configuring a firewall, and assisting with the setup of a new enclave. You'll work across IT and security, supporting infrastructure end to end as a member of the IT team, and bring the discipline that classified and defense environments demand. Experience assisting with networks to move data from the low side to the high side and an active clearance will let you make an impact from day one.
Key Responsibilities - IT Operations & Endpoint Support
  • Provide comprehensive technical assistance for all levels of issues-from daily help desk tickets to complex, senior-level escalations-collaborating with the IT team to maintain support across hardware, software, operating systems, and connectivity for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
  • Manage the endpoint fleet and identity - device provisioning, MDM, and access control through identity providers (e.g., Google Workspace, JumpCloud).
  • Own onboarding and offboarding, ensuring timely and secure provisioning and deprovisioning of accounts, devices, and access.
  • Administer and support SaaS and collaboration platforms, and maintain accurate IT asset inventory and documentation, including runbooks, SOPs, and diagrams.
  • Implement and enforce IT security policies - device management, encryption standards, and acceptable use - in partnership with the security team.
  • Improve internal IT processes, tooling, and automation, and mentor junior IT staff.

Key Responsibilities - Networking & Cross-Domain Infrastructure
  • Design, deploy, and maintain LAN/WAN, wireless, and VPN infrastructure across multiple sites, ensuring highly available network operations.
  • Install, configure, and support network hardware - routers, layer 2/3 switches, next-generation firewalls, and access points - using protocols such as VLAN, VRF, OSPF/BGP, QoS, and DNS.
  • Build and maintain classified and air-gapped networks (e.g., NIPR/SIPR/JWICS-style enclaves), including multi-enclave and zero-trust architectures.
  • Set up and operate cross-domain solutions (CDS) to move data securely between low-side and high-side networks, preserving data integrity and required security controls.
  • Configure and manage COMSEC and Type-1 / HAIPE in-line network encryptors and associated key material in accordance with policy.
  • Harden network infrastructure to DISA STIGs and support Risk Management Framework (RMF) / ATO activities, audits, and documentation (topology, IP allocation, cabling, and configurations).
  • Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize network performance; manage firmware and scheduled upgrades; and provide on-call support for critical infrastructure.

Required Qualifications
  • 6-9 years in IT engineering, systems administration, and/or network engineering, including senior-level (L2/L3) support and hands-on network build-out.
  • Strong networking expertise: routing and switching, VLANs, firewalls, VPNs, wireless, and protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and QoS.
  • Hands-on experience installing and configuring enterprise network hardware (routers, layer 2/3 switches, next-gen firewalls, access points) and troubleshooting complex issues.
  • Experience administering endpoints and identity across macOS, Windows, and Linux, including MDM and identity providers (e.g., Google Workspace, JumpCloud).
  • Experience standing up and supporting secure or classified networks, including air-gapped or multi-enclave environments.
  • Familiarity with cross-domain data transfer - moving data from the low side to the high side across NIPR/SIPR/JWICS-style domains - and the security controls it requires.
  • Working knowledge of DISA STIGs, system hardening, and the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) / ATO process.
  • Proficiency scripting and automating with Python, Bash, or PowerShell, with strong documentation habits.
  • Excellent troubleshooting and communication skills, with the ability to support both technical and non-technical team members.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance - strongly preferred, especially for cross-domain and high-side work.
  • Direct experience with cross-domain solutions (CDS) and moving data between low-side and high-side networks.
  • Experience with COMSEC and Type-1 / HAIPE in-line network encryptors (e.g., General Dynamics TACLANE).
  • Networking certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP, or PCNSA, and/or Security+ / IAT-IAM Level II-III.
  • Hands-on experience with the Palo Alto Networks ecosystem (firewalls, GlobalProtect, Panorama) or comparable NGFW platforms.
  • Experience with network automation and infrastructure-as-code (Ansible, Terraform, Nornir).
  • Familiarity with defense compliance frameworks (NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, CMMC).
  • Experience supporting deployed, edge, or field environments and remote-site installs.
  • Prior experience in a startup, defense, intelligence, or critical-infrastructure environment.

Why Join Quartermaster AI?
  • Build and secure the IT and network backbone for a company defending critical maritime and national-security infrastructure.
  • Work hands-on with cutting-edge AI and robotics systems - and the classified environments that support them.
  • Significant ownership across IT operations, networking, and cross-domain infrastructure as the company scales.
  • Competitive salary with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Hybrid work across our DC, Boston, and San Francisco hubs with a mission-driven, fast-moving team.
  • Career growth in a rapidly scaling defense-tech company at the forefront of maritime AI.