Company Overview:
At ValidaTek, we modernize and optimize IT services to solve some of the most critical challenges facing federal civilian and defense agencies. From customers to partners to top-talent employees, ValidaTek puts people first, empowering them to exceed expectations and transform government organizations. Our success starts and ends with our people, so we built a company where great people can do great things, with the resources and autonomy to make decisions that transform organizations. We operate as one team of diverse people, united by a passion for continuous growth and optimization. Our commitment to quality and performance optimization is the reason why our IT Service Projects and New Development Projects have been appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5, positioning us as one of a handful of elite companies to receive the highest form of third-party validation. www.validatek.com

Summary:

ValidaTek is seeking a highly qualified Senior Windows Engineer with DevOps experience to support the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Queue Management (CAQM) lobby line management and customer experience program. The CAQM program provides software, hardware and capabilities that improve the customer waiting and service fulfillment experience at the bureaus domestic Passport Agencies and Overseas Posts. These locations provide Passport, Visa and Overseas Citizen services for U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.

The Senior Windows Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of the Windows infrastructure. This role requires an in-depth understanding of Windows operating systems, Active Directory, Group Policy, SQL Server, and other related technologies. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of managing complex Windows environments and will work closely with other IT professionals to ensure the stability, security, and scalability of our systems. Responsibilities will include provide engineering, deployment, application, operations and maintenance support for a customized version of the Windows based Q-Flow lobby line management software system as well as the associated software, hardware and infrastructure components that support the functionality of the system (Windows IIS web servers, Windows workstations, Windows MS SQL Database servers, load balancers, self-service kiosks, manager dashboards, over-the-counter media player displays, lobby media player displays, CAT5e cabling, HDMI extenders, USB extenders, scanners, printers, etc).

• Deploy, support, and maintain Windows Server 2016 through 2020.
• Deploy, support, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server 2016 through 2019.
• Manage and support Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and other core Windows services.
• Develop and maintain scripts for automation of system tasks using PowerShell or other scripting languages.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize the environment for efficiency and stability.
• Implement security best practices and ensure systems are compliant with relevant standards and policies.
• Plan and execute system upgrades, migrations, and other maintenance activities with minimal downtime.
• Collaborate with other IT teams to integrate Windows systems with other platforms and technologies.
• Maintain documentation for systems, procedures, and processes.
• Work trouble tickets from Passport agencies and overseas posts on Infrastructure issues.
• Document infrastructure changes.
• Create and modify SOP's.
• Test new infrastructure changes and deploy them to development, testing and production environments.
• Assist with tasks to ensure operating environments are secure and compliant.
• Serve as a technical bridge between operations and application support/deployment.

BA/BS or equivalent years of experience working in a technical position.
At least 5+ years of experience in Windows system administration and engineering.
Active Secret Clearance
Extensive experience with Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022) and Windows 10/11.
Extensive experience with SQL Server 2016 through 2019
Strong knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and other Windows services.
Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and other automation tools.
Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware or Hyper-V.
Familiarity with cloud platforms like Azure or AWS is a plus.
Security hardening of Windows and Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Always On Availability and general Windows Cluster
Software development and deployment lifecycles
Demonstrated ability to learn new software systems and perform customized configuration tasks via software GUI.
Self-initiator with independence to acquire and maintain technical skills for professional develop-ment.
Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple customers.
Strong software and system troubleshooting abilities.
Able to work occasional non-standard hours to support overseas clients.
Able to find creative solutions to problems presented by clients.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities at a given time within a high volume, fast-paced environ-ment.
Experience working in agile delivery models.