IT Specialist (Contractor)

Shift5 • Arlington, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Shift5 is seeking a versatile Tier 1 IT Support Specialist for a contract-to-hire position in Rosslyn, VA, focused on delivering hands-on technical support and datacenter maintenance with the potential to transition into a permanent role based on performance and fit. This role is the front line of our IT operations, demanding a mix of technical curiosity and a "service-first" mindset. You will be responsible for resolving daily technical issues, assisting with hardware deployments, and performing routine maintenance within our compact datacenter. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, moving seamlessly between desk-side support and hands-on hardware tasks with precision and a high attention to detail.

Requirements

• 100% on-site in Rosslyn, VA to support physical infrastructure and walk-up requests.
• U.S. citizenship required (Eligibility for a U.S. Government Secret clearance is a major plus).
• Solid understanding of Windows/macOS environments, O365/Google Workspace, and basic networking (TCP/IP, DNS, VPN).
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve software glitches, hardware failures, and connectivity issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users clearly and patiently.
• Experience following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining inventory accuracy.
• A "doer" who is eager to learn automation, basic scripting (Bash/Python/PowerShell), and cloud environment management.
• Ability to rack/stack servers and manage cabling within a datacenter environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for all technical inquiries, providing timely resolution for hardware, software, and peripheral issues.
• Execute user lifecycle tasks, including hardware imaging, workstation setup, and managing permissions within identity and access management systems.
• Assist with the physical maintenance of on-premises network equipment and datacenter hardware under the guidance of senior staff.
• Maintain an accurate Knowledge Base and update ticketing logs to ensure all issues and resolutions are clearly documented for the team.
• Implement security configurations on end-user devices to ensure compliance with company and government security standards.
• Monitor system alerts and perform routine health checks on internal office tech (printers, conference rooms, Wi-Fi access points).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed