Senior Hardware/Software Installation Technician (Survey Team Lead)

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Our By Light team, the premier providers of innovative Information Technology (IT) services and communications support to the Department of Defense and Federal Agencies, is growing. We’re increasing our team to support the US Army Comprehensive Modernization (COMPMOD) program. The program delivers end-to-end EFIS&T services—including survey and design through installation, security, and testing. This work spans NIPR and SIPR networks, Wi-Fi, VoIP, ISP/OSP infrastructure, and voice modernization across all CONUS Army installations.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Hardware / Software Installation Technician to lead technical sites surveys for a critical US Military IT modernization program.  In this role, you will serve as the technical lead on-site, responsible for evaluating infrastructure readiness, documenting requirements for network and system upgrades, and overseeing the installation of hardware and software solutions.

The ideal candidate is a field-proven technician who can expertly navigate military facilities, produce detailed Site Survey Reports (SSRs), and mentor junior technicians while interfacing directly with the Project Manager, Program Management Office (PMO) and Government Points of Contact (POCs).

SITE SURVEY LEADERSHIP & ENGINEERING

• Lead physical site surveys at military installations (CONUS and OCONUS) to validate power, space, cooling (HVAC), and connectivity requirements for new equipment deployments
• Analyze existing network infrastructure (fiber/copper cabling, patch panels, conduit) to determine upgrade requirements
• Develop comprehensive Site Survey Reports (SSRs) and Installation Design Plans (IDPs), including floor plans, rack elevation diagrams, and power calculations.
• Generate accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) to support procurement and logistics for upcoming installations.

HARDWARE & SOFTWARE OPERATIONS

• Perform installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of IT hardware (routers, switches, crypto devices, and UPS units) and associated software/firmware.
• Load and configure operating systems (Windows/Linux) and apply system baselines (e.g., STIGs) in accordance with DoD cybersecurity standards.
• Conduct "burn-in" testing and validation of systems prior to final acceptance
• Troubleshoot complex hardware/software interoperability issues in the field, coordinating with backend engineering teams for resolution.

PROJECT COORDINATION & DOCUMENTATION

• Act as the primary technical liaison between the Program Management Office (PMO) and the site customer (bases, camp, posts, and stations).
• Create and maintain engineering drawings using Microsoft Visio or AutoCAD.
• Ensure all field activities comply with safety regulations and military installation access procedures.
• Provide After Action Reports (AARs) and daily status updates during travel.
• Ensure personnel remain up to date and current on all required training and certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT/Engineering or 6+ years of relevant field experience in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of experience in hardware/software integration and structured cabling
• Proven experience conducting site surveys for DoD or Federal Government environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Visio for creating network diagrams and rack elevations.
• Strong understanding of power requirements (NEMA plugs, UPS sizing, BTU calculations).
• Knowledge of fiber optic and copper cabling standards (single-mode, multi-mode, CAT6)

• US Army Signal Brigade / DISA / DoDIN network installation/modernization experience
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) Information Technology
• BICSI Technician or RCDD certification

• Active Secret Clearance; Top Secret preferred
• Must be able to travel 90% of the time on deployments for both CONUS and potentially OCONUS locations

• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50 lbs; ability to work in confined spaces (server closets, raised floors)