Network Engineer (Microsoft GCC High)

Hands-on Network/Infrastructure Engineer to help stand up a net-new Microsoft GCC High environment, migrate workloads onto it, and transition it into steady-state operations — on-site in Ashburn, VA for a focused 2–3 month engagement. *About the engagement* Plexlane is delivering a net-new, high-priority build in a Microsoft GCC High (government community cloud, high) environment for a defense and communications-technology client. This hands-on role supports the build, the migration/cutover of workloads onto the new environment, and the handover into ongoing operations, working on-site in Ashburn, VA alongside the client's engineering and operations teams. (Client name shared with shortlisted candidates.) *What you'll do* Engineer and stand up networking and infrastructure across a Microsoft GCC High environment (Azure Government and M365 GCC High). Configure Azure Government networking — VNets, subnets, VPN/ExpressRoute, NSGs, routing, and Azure Firewall. Build and migrate M365 GCC High workloads (Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint/OneDrive) and identity/device management (Entra ID, Intune). Plan and execute migration and cutover onto the new GCC High environment with minimal disruption. Support transition into steady-state operations — runbooks, monitoring, and knowledge transfer. Troubleshoot across the Microsoft stack through build, migration, and early operations, including cutover windows. Document architecture, configurations, addressing, and change records; maintain GCC High compliance posture. Collaborate on-site with client engineering, site, and operations stakeholders. *What you bring (required)* 5–7 years of hands-on network / Microsoft infrastructure engineering. Hands-on experience with Microsoft GCC High (Azure Government and/or M365 GCC High). Strong Microsoft stack: Azure networking (VNets, VPN/ExpressRoute, NSGs, Azure Firewall), Entra ID, Intune, and M365 (Exchange Online / Teams / SharePoint). Demonstrated net-new build, migration, and cutover/transition experience. U.S. Citizen or U.S. Green Card holder; able to pass a background check. Local to the Ashburn, VA / DC-metro area — fully on-site, no travel or relocation expenses provided. Available for a 1099 / Corp-to-Corp (C2C) engagement for the full 2–3 months, including cutover windows. *Nice to have* Windows Server, PowerShell automation, and hybrid AD / Entra ID. Microsoft certifications (AZ-700 Azure Networking, AZ-104, MS-102) or Security+. Prior federal / DoD / regulated experience (CMMC, NIST 800-171, ITAR). Traditional routing & switching / firewall background (Cisco, Palo Alto) as a complement. *Engagement details* Type: 2–3 month contract, 1099 / C2C only Rate: $60/hr Location / model: Ashburn, VA — On-site — local candidates only (no travel or relocation expenses) Work authorization: U.S. Citizen or U.S. Green Card holder; role requires a background check *About Plexlane* Plexlane is an AI-enabled IT, security, and transformation consulting and managed-services firm. We staff and deliver contract engagements for our clients across infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation. Plexlane is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Pay: $60.00 per hour Application Question(s): * Are you a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Green Card holder? (This role requires a background check.) * This is a 1099 / Corp-to-Corp (C2C) engagement only. Does that work for you? * How many years of hands-on experience do you have with the Microsoft stack, and specifically with Microsoft GCC High (Azure Government and/or M365 GCC High)? * This is an on-site engagement in Ashburn, VA for local candidates only (no travel or relocation expenses). Are you local to the Ashburn / DC-metro area and able to be on-site for the full 2–3 months? * Describe your most relevant net-new build, migration, and cutover experience in a Microsoft GCC High / Azure Government / M365 environment. Work Location: In person