Network Engineer (Cyber Security)

We are seeking an experienced Infrastructure Systems Administrator to support and evolve a dedicated Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity lab environment. This role focuses on maintaining and improving physical and virtual infrastructure to accommodate increasing usage and team growth. This is a 100% onsite role due to the secure nature of the environment. The position follows a Monday–Friday, 40-hour workweek, with no overtime or weekend work required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain physical and virtual infrastructure supporting cybersecurity operations.
• Plan and implement infrastructure upgrades to support increased demand and headcount.
• Perform OS and application patching within scheduled maintenance windows.
• Design and implement redundancy improvements across systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network and system availability issues.
• Complete lifecycle management of physical infrastructure, from installation, cabling, and configuration to retirement, removal, and disposal.
• Monitor network performance during cybersecurity testing activities.
• Support additional tasks as directed by cybersecurity team members and lab leadership.

• Minimum 5–7 years of recent, hands-on experience in Infrastructure & Systems Administration.
• Full-stack network and server administration in a non-cloud (on-premises) environment.
• Windows Server (2019, 2022, 2025) installation, configuration, and maintenance.
• Linux systems administration (Ubuntu and Kali Linux preferred).
• Active Directory user account lifecycle management and access control using least privilege principles and Group Policy.
• DNS and DHCP configuration and management.
• System integration (adding/removing servers and endpoints).
• Experience with VMware technologies (ESXi, vSphere, vCenter preferred).
• Backup and recovery systems experience (Backup Exec and/or Commvault preferred).
• Network-attached storage experience (Dell Unity preferred).
• OT network infrastructure configuration and troubleshooting experience.
• Collaboration with enterprise networking team in support of cyber lab network hardware.
• Experience supporting both managed and unmanaged network devices.
• Server and laptop hardware experience (Dell, Cisco UCS preferred).
• OS imaging and deployment, including creation of standardized “gold images”.
• Physical rack installation, cabling, and hardware lifecycle management.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication skills (technical and non-technical).
• Process improvement mindset with ability to implement approved changes.

• Familiarity with cybersecurity tools and concepts such as Security Onion.
• Knowledge of NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 3 for Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• Experience using AI tools in a professional setting.
• Scripting experience (PowerShell, Bash, Python, etc.) for automation.
• Experience with Microsoft Power Apps for administrative workflow automation.
• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred in IT or related field.
• Current CompTIA Network and A certifications preferred.
• Relevant certifications from Microsoft, VMware, Dell, Cisco, or related vendors are a plus.
• Equivalent hands-on experience may be considered in lieu of certifications.

This is a 100% onsite role with no remote access permitted. The work location is in Shoreview, MN, with a standard Monday to Friday schedule, 40 hours per week. There are no overtime or weekend requirements. The role involves office-based work with flexibility in hours, regular interaction with cross-functional teams, and hands-on engagement with lab hardware and software systems. Potential role evolution includes transitioning into a full-time position split between lab responsibilities and IT support, leading long-term hardware replacement planning and infrastructure upgrades, and expanding responsibilities as the lab grows.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Shoreview, MN.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $63.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Shoreview,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $50 - $63