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Senior Windows Systems Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Windows System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a Systems Engineer with strong Windows Server and Citrix administration experience to join a mission-critical program supporting a federal intelligence customer. This position is fully ...

Windows System Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a Systems Engineer with strong Windows Server and Citrix administration experience to join a mission-critical program supporting a federal intelligence customer. This position is fully ...

Company Description USM Business Systems Inc. is a quickly developing worldwide System Integrator ... Engineer must have demonstrated experience in Data Center Windows physical and virtualized server ...

Latitude Inc is seeking a Systems Engineer with strong Windows Server and Citrix administration experience to support a federal intelligence customer. The role involves ensuring the reliability ...

Latitude Inc is seeking a Systems Engineer with strong Windows Server and Citrix administration experience to support a federal intelligence customer. The role involves ensuring the reliability ...

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Senior Windows Systems Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$37

$66

$82

How much do senior windows systems engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior windows systems engineer in Reston, VA is $66.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58.03 and $78.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Windows Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Windows Systems Engineer, you need expert knowledge of Windows Server environments, Active Directory, and strong troubleshooting skills, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in IT or related field. Familiarity with tools like PowerShell, virtualization platforms (VMware/Hyper-V), and certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the capacity to work independently or lead teams distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure reliable system performance, secure infrastructure, and seamless operations within complex enterprise environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Windows Systems Engineers when managing large-scale enterprise environments?

Senior Windows Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring system uptime during maintenance, managing complex Active Directory environments, and troubleshooting issues across multiple Windows servers. Balancing security requirements with user accessibility, keeping up with frequent updates and patches, and coordinating with other IT teams for seamless integration can also be demanding. Effective communication and strong problem-solving skills are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining a stable, secure infrastructure.

What does a Senior Windows Systems Engineer do?

A Senior Windows Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex Windows-based server environments for organizations. They manage system configurations, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure the security and performance of Windows servers. Additionally, they often lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other IT teams to support business operations. Their role is critical in ensuring that the organization's IT infrastructure runs efficiently and securely.

What is the difference between Senior Windows Systems Engineer vs Windows Systems Administrator?

AspectSenior Windows Systems EngineerWindows Systems Administrator
CertificationsMCSE, MCSA, VMwareMCSE, MCSA
Work EnvironmentDesign, implementation, troubleshooting complex systemsDay-to-day maintenance, user support, system monitoring
ResponsibilitiesArchitecting solutions, optimizing performance, leading projectsManaging user accounts, backups, system updates

The Senior Windows Systems Engineer typically focuses on designing and implementing complex Windows infrastructure, while the Windows Systems Administrator handles routine maintenance and support tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in Windows-based environments, but the engineer role involves higher-level planning and problem-solving.

What are the most commonly searched types of Windows Systems Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Windows Systems Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Windows Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Windows Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Windows Systems Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,283 per year, or $66 per hour.
Windows server admin or Windows Systems administrator

Windows server admin or Windows Systems administrator

Unisys

Washington, DC

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Unisys rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 203 rated it services


Job description

Unisys is an Information Technology and Business Consulting firm providing project-based solutions, software solutions, and professional staffing services.

"Those authorized to work in the United States are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor at this time.

Job Description:

Position: Senior Windows Server Systems Administrator

Location: Remote ( Quaterly travel to Washingotn DC)

Duration:- 6+ months contract (Very high possibility for FTE or Extension)

Job Description:

Client has an opening for a Senior Windows Server Systems Administrator to support the ESA V program. ESA V is an IT Services program supporting several customers within the Department of Justice. The program provides a range of IT services, including help desk, deskside support, Windows engineering and maintenance, managed print services, ITSM, Account Management Services, Cybersecurity, Cloud technologies and other IT services.

We need you to participate in fostering a DevOps culture and building strong cross functional collaboration with all areas of development, product, and QA in a dynamic and fast paced environment supporting the development of a data pipeline and machine learning services.

The individual selected for this position will be a member of the ESA V engineering team and the primary work location in Washington, DC and the work will be performed remotely. Some travel may be required based on the program needs and requirements. Excellent hands-on knowledge of Windows enterprise management technologies is required for this position.

You will work closely with the Infrastructure Engineering Manager on the following key tasks:

  • Configure and troubleshoot Windows Server operating system in support of Active Directory, DNS and Certificate Authorities.
  • Demonstrate extensive understanding of Active Directory systems and be able to manage and maintain them
  • Demonstrate extensive understanding of DNS, Certificate Authority, Certificate Management and Authentication Services ADFS, SAML, SSO, OKTA
  • Applying STIG and VPR adjustments as required
  • Manage the certificate environment to ensure certificates are issued on time and installed with no outage
  • Develop scripts to monitor and check health of Active Directory, DNS and Certificate Authorities.
  • Design, develop, and support scalable, redundant infrastructure to include physical, virtualized and cloud environments
  • Install, configure and manage a windows-based certificate authority sever
  • Install, configure and maintain group management policies including role-based management
  • Set up administrator and service accounts, maintain system documentation, tune system performance, install system wide software
  • Apply NIST, DISA security controls, security hardening changes based on best practice
  • Validate and implement critical system patches, and allocate directory storage space
  • Improve existing infrastructure to incorporate latest technology best practices and cross application integrations
  • Day-to-day collaboration with engineering teams and system owners, to influence design, and architect solutions in multi-tiered environments
  • Manage individual project priorities, deliverables, and deadlines
  • Produce clear documentation for delivered solutions

Education and Experience: Typically requires a Bachelor s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, with 8 - 12 years of prior relevant experience; or a Master s degree with 6 - 10 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience and/or relevant certifications will be considered in lieu of degree.

Required Qualifications:

  • BS in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related technical field or equivalent experience with at least 8+ years in systems engineering or administration (6+ years with a MS/MIS Degree)
  • Experience orchestrating workflows to execute at predefined times, including workflows that have data dependencies.
  • Proficiency in DevOps tools; scripting languages including PowerShell
  • 5 years of experience with Directory services (Microsoft Active Directory, Entra ID/Azure AD), Certificate Administration and DNS
  • 4 years experience providing Tier II & III Windows support for Windows OS
  • 3 years of Experience with ADFS, OKTA or other Authentication services
  • Experience managing certificates and certificate authorities like Microsoft, Digicert, Entrust/Sectigo and SSL.com
  • Ability to work well with people from many different disciplines with varying degrees of technical experience
  • Ability to work well without constant supervision
  • Ability to express complex technical concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience establishing large computer clusters- Experience in continuous configuration automation (CCA) methods for providing a flexible, programmatic platform for deploying and managing the configuration of infrastructure and application resources.
  • Experience in cloud-based technologies Entra, AWS. Integrating windows services (AD, ADFS) in a cloud architecture
  • Networking (TCP/UDP, ICMP, and DNS, etc.), infrastructure services, and security experience
  • ComTIA Security+
  • Microsoft Certified Professional
  • 3 years of patching servers, backups, permission management
  • 4 years of experience in an operations role
  • Government contracting experience, particularly with the DOJ
  • DOJ or DOD Clearance

Thank you!!

Poonam Mittal

Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

Direct line is:

Extension number is: 8970

Company number is:

Email:


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