IT Systems Engineer (Mid-Level) – 6-Month Contract
Location: Hybrid remote. Candidates in the Winchester, VA area or the DC / Maryland / Beltway area are welcome. Expect to be in the Winchester, VA office about one day per week Travel: Weekly Winchester office visits, plus occasional travel to client sites in Ashburn and Middleburg, VA (up to 20%) Employment Type: 1099 Independent Contractor, 6-month engagement (this is not a W2 position) Schedule: 40 hours per week Rate: $65 – $80 per hour (1099), depending on experience Industry: IT Services / Cybersecurity Start Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is available
About This Opportunity
Purple Squirrel Enterprises has been supporting startups and global firms through growth, change, and expansion for 19+ years. We provide flexible HR and recruiting solutions that allow leaders to focus on strategy while we handle people operations - and this search is no exception.
We are exclusively engaged by an IT services and cybersecurity firm to help them identify an experienced IT Systems Engineer for a six-month contract supporting one of their clients. We are embedded directly with their leadership team, know what this engagement requires, and will be your dedicated recruiting partner from first conversation through placement.
This is not a blind submission. When you apply, you are working with a team that knows this opportunity inside and out and will advocate for you every step of the way.
💜 If this opportunity resonates with you, we encourage you to apply. We will be in touch promptly. Applications submitted directly to our client will be redirected back to Purple Squirrel Enterprises. To be considered for this role, all candidates must apply through this posting.
About the Role
Our client is seeking a hands-on, mid-level IT Systems Engineer for a six-month contract supporting a client organization's Microsoft-based infrastructure. You will administer, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve on-premises and hybrid systems, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, and Active Directory.
You will work alongside the client's existing IT staff and take ownership of defined infrastructure tasks and projects. This is an infrastructure-focused individual contributor role. It is not a help desk or service desk position, and it is not an enterprise architecture leadership role.
Most of the work can be performed remotely. You should expect to come into the client's office in Winchester, VA about one day per week, and occasionally travel to the client's other sites in Ashburn and Middleburg, VA, up to 20% of the time. Candidates based in the Winchester area or the DC / Maryland / Beltway area are welcome to apply.
What You'll Do
- Administer and troubleshoot Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, file services, and related infrastructure services
- Manage and support Microsoft Azure and hybrid environments, including virtual machines, networking, storage, backup, monitoring, and Microsoft Entra ID
- Maintain virtualized server environments (e.g., VMware or Hyper-V) and assist with provisioning, configuration, upgrades, and lifecycle management
- Monitor infrastructure health, availability, capacity, and performance; investigate system failures and implement practical corrective actions
- Perform server patching, configuration hardening, backup checks, recovery testing, and routine maintenance following documented change controls
- Troubleshoot connectivity and infrastructure issues involving TCP/IP, routing, DNS, VPNs, firewalls, and switches in coordination with network and security specialists
- Use PowerShell to automate repeatable administration tasks and improve operational consistency
- Maintain clear diagrams, configuration records, runbooks, change logs, and troubleshooting documentation
- Contribute to infrastructure improvement and application deployment projects, coordinating with internal IT staff, vendors, and other technical stakeholders
What We're Looking For
Required
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in systems administration, systems engineering, or infrastructure operations
- Hands-on Microsoft Azure administration experience (for example, virtual machines, virtual networks, storage, backup, monitoring, and role-based access control)
- Demonstrated experience administering and troubleshooting Windows Server in a business environment, including Active Directory, Group Policy, and DNS
- Working knowledge of virtualization, system patching, backups, and network troubleshooting
- Working knowledge of PowerShell. You don't need to be an expert scripter; using AI tools to help build and refine scripts is welcome
- Ability to independently diagnose infrastructure problems, manage assigned priorities, and communicate technical findings clearly
- A disciplined approach to documentation, change management, and security practices
- U.S. citizenship (required)
- Ability to pass a standard background check
- Based in the Winchester, VA area or the DC / Maryland / Beltway area, and able to work 40 hours per week for the full six-month engagement
- Ability to come into the Winchester, VA office about one day per week
- Ability to travel to client sites in Ashburn and Middleburg, VA up to 20% of the time
- Ability to work as a 1099 independent contractor
Nice to Have
- Experience with hybrid identity, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, or Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
- Experience with enterprise backup and recovery tools, infrastructure monitoring, and server security hardening
- Microsoft certifications (e.g., AZ-104 or Windows Server-related credentials) or comparable practical experience
Engagement Details
- Six-month, 1099 independent contractor engagement. This is not a W2 position.
- $65 – $80 per hour, depending on experience
- 40 hours per week, primarily remote, with about one day per week in the Winchester, VA office
- Up to 20% travel to client sites in Ashburn and Middleburg, VA
- U.S. citizenship and a standard background check are required
- As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes, and benefits are not provided
Working With Purple Squirrel Enterprises
We are exclusively engaged by this client - meaning we are not one of many agencies submitting resumes. We are their dedicated recruiting partner, embedded in their process, and we know this role inside and out.
Here's what that means for you as a candidate:
- A dedicated PSE point of contact throughout the entire process
- Advocacy with the hiring team to make sure the engagement is mutually beneficial
- Preparation for each interview stage so you can put your best foot forward
- Honest, timely feedback at every step
- Support through the offer stage to ensure the outcome is right for you and the client
Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. They welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.