Network/Systems Engineer (Cyber Security Architect)

Ardent Principles, Inc. • Chantilly, VA

3d • $130,000 - $260,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Ardent Principles is seeking a Network/Systems Engineer (Cyber Security Architect) to support enterprise infrastructure, cloud platforms, and automation frameworks. The role combines networking fundamentals with Infrastructure-as-Code, CI/CD, and Linux administration to deliver resilient, scalable, standardized technical solutions in an Agile environment. The position is full-time and onsite in Chantilly, Virginia, with consultants expected to be available and working onsite during core hours. An active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph is required.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph.
• At least 4 years of experience in network engineering, systems engineering, or infrastructure operations.
• Strong understanding of enterprise networking concepts, including routing, switching, subnets, firewalls, and segmentation.
• Experience developing automation and configuration management solutions using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or Python.
• Experience deploying, managing, and maintaining workloads across cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure and Linux operating systems.
• Experience supporting and integrating CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure monitoring tools.
• Experience troubleshooting complex, multi-tiered systems using network packet captures such as Wireshark or tcpdump and centralized log analysis.
• Ability to interpret strategic architectural designs and translate them into standardized, production-ready implementations with minimal day-to-day oversight.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional Agile teams while enforcing architectural standards, configuration consistency, and documentation baselines.
• Availability to work onsite in Chantilly, Virginia, during core hours.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with container orchestration and microservices architecture, such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Knowledge of Zero-Trust Architecture and defensive cyber operations principles.
• Ability to identify and remediate configuration drift across hybrid cloud and on-premises environments.
• Certifications such as CCNA or CCNP, AWS Solutions Architect, AWS SysOps Administrator, Red Hat Systems Administrator, or HashiCorp Terraform Associate.

Responsibilities

• Develop automation and configuration management solutions using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or Python.
• Deploy, manage, and maintain workloads across cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure and Linux operating systems.
• Support and integrate CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure monitoring tools.
• Troubleshoot complex, multi-tiered systems using network packet captures and centralized log analysis.
• Translate strategic architectural designs into standardized, production-ready technical implementations with minimal day-to-day oversight.
• Collaborate within cross-functional Agile teams while maintaining architectural standards, configuration consistency, and documentation baselines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $130,000–$260,000 per year.
• Comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package designed to support long-term stability and employee well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed