Associate IT Systems Engineer

vigilant.engineering | Seattle, WA | part-time contract

• direct-hire only for now, no recruiters please.
  
  

Location: Seattle, WA

Employment Type: Contract

Department: Operations

About Vigilant

Vigilant is building next-generation defense and dual-use technologies that contribute to peace through strength. Our team combines engineering excellence, rapid innovation, and mission-focused execution to deliver advanced capabilities that support national security and commercial applications.

As we continue to grow, we're investing in the systems, infrastructure, and cybersecurity capabilities needed to support a modern engineering organization. We're seeking an Associate IT Systems Engineer who is eager to take ownership of meaningful projects, improve our technical infrastructure, and help build a scalable and secure IT environment for the future.

This role is ideal for an early-mid career IT professional who wants far more than basic end-user support. You'll have direct involvement in cloud administration, cybersecurity, compliance, infrastructure modernization, and strategic technology planning.

Position Summary

The Associate IT Systems Engineer will support and manage Vigilant's internal IT infrastructure while leading several key initiatives focused on endpoint management, cybersecurity readiness, infrastructure assessment, and operational maturity.

Working closely with company leadership, external technology partners, and end users, this individual will help evaluate our current environment, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement solutions that improve security, reliability, and scalability.

This role offers broad exposure to Microsoft cloud technologies, hybrid infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, device management, and defense-industry compliance requirements.

What You'll Do

Infrastructure & Systems Administration

• Administer and support Microsoft 365, Entra ID (Azure AD), Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive.
• Manage endpoint devices through Microsoft Intune.
• Configure and maintain identity, access management, multi-factor authentication, and security controls.
• Support Windows endpoints, mobile devices, printers, and other company technology assets.
• Assist with server administration, network services, and cloud infrastructure management.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and security posture.
  
  

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Support the implementation of cybersecurity best practices across the organization.
• Assist with security assessments, vulnerability management, and remediation activities.
• Maintain documentation of systems, configurations, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in cybersecurity awareness and security improvement initiatives.
• Support compliance efforts related to defense industry requirements and future cybersecurity certifications.
  
  

Project Implementation

• Execute infrastructure improvement projects from planning through deployment.
• Research and recommend technology solutions that improve security and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with vendors, consultants, and service providers as needed.
• Develop technical documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Identify automation opportunities and process improvements.
  
  

Initial Projects & First-Year Focus Areas

The successful candidate will immediately contribute to several high-impact initiatives, including:

Microsoft Intune & Endpoint Management

• Evaluate and improve Vigilant's Microsoft Intune deployment.
• Ensure all company-owned endpoints are properly enrolled, managed, and compliant.
• Verify and document administrative access procedures for all company-owned systems.
• Develop standardized endpoint configuration, security policies, and device lifecycle management processes.
  
  

CMMC Readiness & Cybersecurity Planning

• Conduct a CMMC Level 1 and 2 gap assessment of Vigilant's current environment.
• Identify deficiencies, remediation priorities, and implementation requirements.
• Assist in developing a roadmap for future CMMC Level 2 compliance.
• Support cost estimation, budgeting, and implementation planning for future compliance activities.
• Help establish policies, procedures, and documentation needed to support a mature cybersecurity program.
  
  

Enterprise IT Assessment

• Perform a comprehensive assessment of Vigilant's current IT systems and infrastructure.
• Identify operational, security, scalability, and supportability gaps.
• Develop recommendations for improving reliability, security, and administrative efficiency.
• Assist leadership in establishing a long-term IT roadmap aligned with company growth.
  
  

Hybrid Infrastructure Review

• Evaluate the current hybrid Microsoft environment, including EntraID, Active Directory, synchronization services, and identity management.
• Review on-premises server architecture and associated services.
• Assess local DNS architecture and supporting network services.
• Review UniFi network infrastructure including switching, wireless networking, routing, firewall configurations, and management practices.
• Document findings and recommend improvements to increase reliability, performance, and security.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.
• 1-3 years of experience supporting enterprise IT systems and infrastructure.
• Experience administering Microsoft Windows environments.
• Experience supporting Microsoft 365 services.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Microsoft 365 Administration
• Microsoft EntraID (Azure AD)
• Windows 10/11 Administration
• Microsoft Intune Fundamentals
• Active Directory Fundamentals
• Networking Fundamentals (DNS, DHCP, VPNs, Routing, VLANs)
• Endpoint Security and Device Management
• Technical Documentation
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing or supporting Microsoft Intune deployments.
• Experience with hybrid Active Directory and Azure environments.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST 800-171 or CMMC.
• Experience with UniFi networking equipment.
• Experience supporting small-to-medium business IT environments.
• PowerShell scripting or automation experience.
• CompTIA Security+, Network+, Microsoft Certifications, or equivalent credentials.
• Experience supporting engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, or defense organizations.
  
  

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

• Takes ownership of problems and drives them to resolution.
• Enjoys investigating systems and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Comfortable balancing day-to-day support activities with longer-term strategic projects.
• Able to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical users.
• Curious, self-directed, and eager to learn.
• Thrives in a startup environment where initiative and adaptability are highly valued.
• Understands that strong documentation and repeatable processes are critical to organizational growth.
  
  

Citizenship Requirements

Due to the nature of Vigilant's work, applicants must be either a US Citizen or green card holder / permanent resident. Ability to meet vigilant.engineering, customer and/or government security screening and background check requirements are required for this role. Eligibility to access controlled technical information may be required.

Compensation

Expected Compensation: $50-80/hr

Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated capabilities.