Network IT Hardware Engineer

Company Overview

KMS Solutions, LLC is a technical management / solutions company that specializes in engineering, analysis, and cyber security. Founded in 2005, KMS is a certified small business with nearly two decades of experience supporting the Department of Defense as well as many other departments and programs critical to our Nation’s security and well-being. KMS is a three-time winner of the USA Today Top Workplaces recognizing quality workplace cultures across the United States who put their employees first.

Additionally, KMS has won multiple regional Top Workplaces awards and Culture Excellence Awards for Compensation & Benefits, Innovation, Leadership, Purpose & Values and Work-Life Flexibility.

This position provides on-site technical support at NUWC Division Newport with a focus on hardware installation, network connectivity, mixed-OS system administration, and cybersecurity compliance in secure DoD environments. The role supports day-to-day operational readiness of government systems while maintaining strict adherence to security protocols, asset management procedures, and configuration control requirements. This employee will support the Marine Species Modeling Teams and a Navy Range program.

• Install, configure, test, and maintain computer hardware, network peripherals, switches, and structured cabling within secure NUWC environments.
• Monitor and troubleshoot LAN connectivity, identify network bottlenecks, and coordinate with NUWC personnel for infrastructure impacts or escalations.
• Perform routine hardware lifecycle tasks including inventory updates, configuration documentation, diagnostics, system replacements, and secure equipment handling.
• Administer Windows and Ubuntu Linux systems, including user account management, Group Policy adjustments, SSH key configuration, system hardening, and patching.
• Execute regular vulnerability scans, STIG-driven remediation, port audits, and cybersecurity compliance tasks in accordance with NUWC/DoD guidelines.
• Implement and enforce Least Privilege principles, manage administrative access, and maintain auditable access control records.
• Configure, collect, and review system and security audit logs to identify unauthorized access attempts, configuration drift, or anomalous activity.
• Support SQL database backup jobs (daily, weekly, monthly) and assist with restoration dry-runs as required.
• Develop simple bash scripts and automation tools to streamline monitoring, logging, and system maintenance tasks.
• Maintain cross-platform file sharing and interoperability between Windows and Linux systems across supported NUWC projects.
• Provide direct technical support to the project, ensuring systems, sensors, or analysis workstations remain operational and compliant.
• Prepare technical documentation, update configuration baselines, and support reporting requirements associated with cybersecurity audits and system reviews.
• Interact with NUWC customers, government leads, and internal project managers in a professional and timely manner.
• Perform other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as required to support project and organizational needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline with 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• OR Associate’s degree in a related field with 5–7 years of relevant technical experience.
• Experience supporting hardware, networks, and mixed Windows/Linux environments in a government, defense, or regulated setting.
• Hands‑on experience with Windows and Ubuntu Linux system administration.
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity practices, patching requirements, and configuration management.
• Must meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

• Prior experience supporting NUWC or NAVSEA activities.
• CompTIA A+ certification preferred.
• CompTIA Security+ (or higher, e.g., CySA+, CASP+) preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 10 years of hands‑on experience in the field or a closely related technical discipline.
• Prior military experience in an IT, communications,…