Network Engineer Dod Contractor Jobs in Turlock, CA

Job Summary
The Manager of Infrastructure is responsible for the administration, security, and continuous improvement of the company's Microsoft server environment, Active Directory/Entra ID infrastructure, networking devices, and enterprise backup and disaster recovery systems. This role partners closely with the VP of Information Technology to plan and execute the organization's infrastructure roadmap, oversees escalated Level 2 support issues, and serves as the primary IT point of contact across all company facilities. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, hands-on infrastructure professional who thrives in a small, fast-paced team environment and brings a consistent can-do attitude to solving complex technical problems.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Infrastructure Administration
• Administer, configure, and maintain Microsoft Servers, Active Directory (including hybrid AD/Entra ID), and networking devices.
• Perform server administration duties including backups, security management, user account management, email systems, and internet access provisioning.
• Serve as deep-knowledge Operating System (OS) administrator across the environment.
• Apply OS patches on a monthly basis and upgrade administrative tools and utilities as necessary.
• Monitor system performance and capacity, and implement modifications and upgrades as required.
• Maintain data center environmental and monitoring equipment.
• Manages multi-site network hardware, firewalls, routing, switching, and site-to-site VPN connectivity across all corporate facilities
Planning, Support, and Operations
• Work with the VP of Information Technology to plan, implement, and support the network and computing infrastructure roadmap.
• Support voice communications systems.
• Provide network and server support by researching, analyzing, and resolving associated technical problems.
• Perform administrative functions on systems as needed for implementation, support, and maintenance.
• Assist management with IT solutions that ensure business and operational target objectives are met.
• Collaborate with the broader IT team to identify solutions for project and operational needs.
Change, Risk, and Asset Management
• Create and manage the organization's change management process.
• Develop, enforce, and maintain installation and configuration procedures.
• Maintain experience with disaster recovery planning and implementation.
• Perform an Enterprise Backup function, ensuring reliable data protection and recovery capability.
• Own asset inventory within the IT asset management system.
• Ensure company assets and software licensing are maintained, tracked, and used responsibly.
Security
• Perform regular security monitoring to identify potential threats or intrusions.
• Ensure security controls align with company policy and applicable federal contractor and ITAR access requirements.
Continuous Improvement
• Suggest areas for improvement in internal processes along with practical, actionable solutions.
• Initiate and implement improvements across all areas of IT responsibility.
Team Leadership and Escalation Management
• Oversee the support queue, ensuring end-to-end ownership of complex, escalated technical issues that cannot be resolved by Level 2 support.
• Develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Level 2 support team; ensure known issues, workarounds, and mitigation steps are actively maintained in the knowledge base.
• Manage and mentor a team of Level 2 support analysts/engineers, including daily task assignment, prioritization, and technical direction.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between global Corporate Support and local operations, ensuring corporate IT strategies and standards are implemented consistently at the local level.
Company-Wide IT Point of Contact
• Serve as the main point of contact on all IT-related matters for all company facilities.
Safety, Quality, and Conduct
• Perform all duties in accordance with the company's safety and quality standards.
• Maintain a safe and clean work area.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
Qualifications
Eligibility Requirement
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status required. This role requires access to systems and information subject to ITAR and federal contractor security requirements; candidates must be able to satisfy these access-control eligibility criteria as a condition of employment.
• Must speak, read, and write English at a business level. Incumbent must communicate effectively, accurately, and professionally in a corporate environment to include industry-specific vocabulary, formal correspondence, and the ability to negotiate or present ideas.
Education
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field required.
• Master's degree with a concentration in technology preferred (bonus qualification).
Experience
• Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on Windows Server administration experience.
• Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of experience supporting an enterprise network environment.
• Prior experience supporting and a strong hands-on background in:
- Microsoft 365
- Hybrid Active Directory / Entra ID
- Network firewalls (e.g., Cisco, Fortinet)
- Cloud-based systems (AWS/Azure)
• Practical, expert-level experience with Microsoft server products, including Hyper-V, DFS, Active Directory, Exchange/O365, and VMware.
• Prior experience supporting an Enterprise Backup environment.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking and related network services (DNS, SMTP, DHCP, load balancers, etc.).
• Deep knowledge as an OS administrator.
• Well-refined troubleshooting skills, including the ability to determine root cause and identify/resolve systemic problems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while effectively prioritizing critical issues.
Personal Attributes
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and comfortable operating with a high degree of ownership.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to work effectively in a small, close-knit team environment.
• Willingness to learn quickly and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Maintains a consistent, positive, can-do attitude.
Preferred Certifications
• CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+
• Microsoft MCSA (Admin) or MCSE Core
• Cisco certification
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
• Primarily an office/data-center environment with occasional exposure to server room conditions (temperature-controlled, elevated noise levels).
• May require lifting of IT equipment up to 25-50 lbs.
• Occasional travel between company facilities may be required.
Compliance and Equal Opportunity Statement
First Tactical, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, California state (including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act), or local law. As a federal contractor, the Company complies with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action obligations under Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and VEVRAA, and is committed to maintaining a workplace free of discrimination and harassment.
Pay Transparency: In compliance with California Labor Code Section 432.3, the pay range for this position is $90,000 - $95,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on the successful candidate's skills, experience, and internal equity considerations.
ITAR Notice: Due to the nature of the Company's products and their status as a federal contractor manufacturing controlled defense articles, this position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data. Employment is contingent upon verification of U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status and successful completion of any required export-control eligibility screening.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.