Senior Hardware/Software Installation Technician, Survey Team Lead

About By Light Professional IT Services

By Light Professional IT Services LLC empowers warfighters and federal agencies with advanced technology and systems designed to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for future challenges. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light provides comprehensive IT support to defense, civilian, and commercial clients globally.

Our dedicated By Light team, recognized as a premier provider of innovative Information Technology (IT) services and communications support to the Department of Defense and Federal Agencies, is expanding. We are growing our team to support the US Army Comprehensive Modernization (COMPMOD) program, which delivers end-to-end EFIS&T services—from survey and design to installation, security, and testing. This critical work encompasses NIPR and SIPR networks, Wi-Fi, VoIP, ISP/OSP infrastructure, and voice modernization across all CONUS Army installations.

The Role: Senior Hardware/Software Installation Technician, Survey Team Lead

We are actively seeking an experienced Senior Hardware/Software Installation Technician, Survey Team Lead to spearhead technical site surveys for a vital US Military IT modernization program. In this leadership role, you will be the primary technical authority on-site, tasked with assessing infrastructure readiness, precisely documenting requirements for essential network and system upgrades, and overseeing the successful installation of various hardware and software solutions.

The ideal candidate is a field-proven technician demonstrating expert navigation of military facilities, capable of producing highly detailed Site Survey Reports (SSRs), and committed to mentoring junior technicians. This role requires direct interaction with the Project Manager, Program Management Office (PMO), and Government Points of Contact (POCs).

Site Survey Leadership & Engineering

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

Hardware & Software Operations

• Execute the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of various IT hardware, including routers, switches, crypto devices, and UPS units, along with their associated software/firmware.
• Load and precisely configure operating systems (Windows/Linux) and apply critical system baselines (e.g., STIGs) in strict adherence to DoD cybersecurity standards.
• Conduct rigorous "burn-in" testing and comprehensive validation of systems prior to final acceptance and deployment.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware/software interoperability issues effectively in the field, coordinating closely with backend engineering teams for efficient resolution.

Project Coordination & Documentation

• Serve as the primary technical liaison, fostering effective communication between the Program Management Office (PMO) and site customers (bases, camps, posts, and stations).
• Create and meticulously maintain engineering drawings utilizing industry-standard tools like Microsoft Visio or AutoCAD.
• Ensure all field activities strictly comply with safety regulations and established military installation access procedures.
• Provide detailed After Action Reports (AARs) and consistent daily status updates during periods of travel.
• Ensure all personnel maintain up-to-date and current status on all required training and certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT/Engineering or 6+ years of directly relevant field experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 5+ years of proven experience in hardware/software integration and structured cabling.
• Demonstrated experience conducting site surveys within DoD or Federal Government environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Visio for creating detailed network diagrams and rack elevations.
• Strong foundational understanding of power requirements, including NEMA plugs, UPS sizing, and BTU calculations.
• Expert knowledge of fiber optic and copper cabling standards (single-mode, multi-mode, CAT6).
• Prior experience with US Army Signal Brigade / DISA / DoDIN network installation/modernization.
• Familiarity with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Information Technology.
• BICSI Technician or RCDD certification is highly desired.
• Active Secret Clearance is mandatory; Top Secret preferred.
• Ability to travel 90% of the time for deployments to both CONUS and potentially OCONUS locations.
• Physical capability to lift and carry equipment up to 50 lbs; ability to work in confined spaces (e.g., server closets, raised floors).

Key skills/competency

• Site Survey Leadership
• Hardware Installation
• Software Configuration
• Network Infrastructure
• DoD Cybersecurity (STIGs)
• Microsoft Visio/AutoCAD
• Structured Cabling
• Technical Liaison
• Project Coordination
• Active Secret Clearance