Windows Systems Engineer Lead (Secret)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Windows Systems Engineer Lead with IL6 cloud and DevSecOps expertise to support NIWC PAC in a classified SWAN environment. We are looking for a hands-on senior engineer who thrives in secure cloud environments, understands automation-first infrastructure, and wants to play a visible leadership role on a high-impact DoD mission.

The Windows Systems Engineer will serve as both a technical leader and operational team lead, working directly with the Government customer to ensure mission systems remain secure, resilient, and continuously improving.

This role provides technical leadership and coordination only, it does not include HR, disciplinary, or performance management authority.

Location:

• San Diego, California - NIWC PAC - Onsite

Clearance:

• DoD Secret Minimum

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, engineer, and sustain Windows Server environments within classified IL6 cloud architectures.
• Support and optimize infrastructure in Azure Government Secret, AWS GovCloud Secret, or equivalent IL6 platforms.
• Implement and maintain automation-first infrastructure using scripting and Infrastructure-as-Code principles.
• Harden systems in accordance with DISA STIGs, RMF controls, and DoD cybersecurity policies.
• Support containerized workloads and platform services operating within secure DevSecOps pipelines.
• Integrate Windows systems into CI/CD workflows, GitOps processes, and secure build pipelines.
• Support vulnerability management, patch automation, and security validation processes.
• Ensure high availability, backup integrity, and continuity of mission systems.
• Troubleshoot across compute, storage, identity, network, and cloud layers
• Serve as Team Lead (Operational Leadership)
• Act as the primary day-to-day technical interface with the Government customer.
• Translate mission priorities into actionable engineering tasks.
• Coordinate daily activities across the engineering team.
• Ensure task alignment, delivery tracking, and clear communication.
• Facilitate routine coordination (task assignments, reporting inputs, timecard reminders).
• Identify risks and escalate issues proactively.

Certification Requirements:

• IAT II (one of the following): CySA+, CompTIA Security+ , CCNA - Security, GICSP, GSEC, SSCP

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant experience; senior-level role with exposure to complex tasks.

Skills & Competencies:

• Experience operating within DoD cybersecurity frameworks (RMF, STIG compliance).
• Experience integrating Windows infrastructure into DevOps/DevSecOps workflows.
• Strong scripting ability (PowerShell required; Python or Bash a plus).
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams in customer-facing environments.

Preferred Experience:

• Kubernetes or OpenShift platform exposure.
• Experience in restricted classified environments.
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM, Ansible, etc.).
• Experience with container security and image hardening.
• Microsoft cloud certifications (Azure Government focus).
• Cloud security or advanced cybersecurity certifications.

Compensation:

• Pay range: $180,000 - $200,000 (Based on years of relevant experience)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, federal holidays, and sick leave.

Application Period: Opens on 03/12/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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