Systems & Network Administrator

Position Title: Systems & Network EngineerLocation: Washington, DCAssignment Type: 6 months contract to hirePay Rate: $55.00 - $65 / HourlyWork Schedule: Onsite, Monday - Friday in DCBenefits: This position may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).SUMMARY: The Network and Systems Administrator plays a mission-critical role in architecting, deploying, and securing enterprise-grade network and cloud infrastructure. This role requires deep technical expertise in hybrid cloud environments, with strong capabilities in system automation, zero-trust security implementation, and performance optimization. The administrator will lead innovation initiatives across network and cloud platforms and is responsible for maintaining high availability, scalability, and security standards. The position mandates current, industry-recognized certifications to ensure best-in-class practices and continuous alignment with modern IT standards. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Information Systems and Technology, this position serves as a key technical expert, collaborating with IT support specialists and cross-functional teams to deliver robust IT solutions.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Lead the execution of strategic cloud adoption initiatives aligned with organizational objectivesDesign, implement, and maintain hybrid network infrastructure including routers, switches, virtual firewalls, VLANs, and wireless systemsDeploy, secure, and monitor Microsoft Azure services (e.g., Azure AD, Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, NSGs, Conditional Access) and integrate with on-prem AD and M365 ecosystemsStrong expertise in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including administration and configuration of Microsoft 365 Admin Center, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Intune, and Windows AutopilotProven ability to design and manage device compliance policies, Conditional Access, endpoint security configurations, and identity-driven access controlsBuild and maintain automation workflows using PowerShell and infrastructure-as-code tools to optimize system operationsAutomate service desk processes to track SLAs, improve response times, and drive user satisfactionConfigure and troubleshoot network segmentation and protocols including TCP/IP, BGP, DNS, DHCP, and VPNsDirectly assist staff in resolving Tier 2 and Tier 3 incidents, while managing Tier 1 incidents and providing support as neededDevelop and enforce security policies, controls, and procedures to mitigate cybersecurity risks and ensure complianceManage and document incident response activities, root cause analysis, and corrective actionsConduct regular network audits, risk assessments and remediations based on NIST or CIS standardsImplement centralized logging (e.g., Azure Log Analytics, ELK Stack) and incident alerting to maintain system observabilityEnsure consistent and verified data backup operations, including disaster recovery planning and testing to ensure RTO/RPO targets are metStay current with advancements in network engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud platformsOversee and mentor IT Support Specialists, ensuring quality service delivery and continuous developmentProvide hands-on training to all staff and mentoring in advanced technologies to junior staffQUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field required; Master's degree preferredMinimum of 8 years of progressive experience in enterprise network design, cloud platforms, and systems administrationExpertise in:Network design, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), and advanced VLAN configurationIdentity and access management (IAM) including Azure AD and M365Virtualization and containerization platforms (e.g., Hyper-V, VMware, Docker)Infrastructure and network monitoring tools such as Aruba Central, SolarWinds, Azure Monitor, or PRTGStrong scripting and automation experience using PowerShell (Bash or Python a plus)Proven ability to write technical documentation, runbooks, and architectural diagramsRequired Certifications (must be current and active):Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Solutions Architect ExpertCisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)CompTIA Network+ or Security+ITIL v4 Foundation or higherAdditional Requirements:Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skillsAvailability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays during critical periods or deploymentsAbility to work onsite 5 days/week and travel as needed (less than 10%)Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferredCOMPETENCIES:Problem SolvingTechnical LeadershipCustomer ServiceTeamworkProfessionalismAdaptabilityAttendance/PunctualityAddison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.IND 005-009