iQuasar Helped A Federal Contractor Successfully Recruit Cleared Network Engineers For DISA, Filling Roles That Demanded Top Secret Clearances, Specialized Certifications, And Critical Technical Skills. Our Solution Ensured Rapid Placements While Overcoming Market And Relocation Challenges.
The Client
The Client is an 8(a) WOSB founded in 2004 as an IT services and solutions company with over 20 years of award-winning and highly rated nationwide DoD and federal civilian agency contract performance.
Their Core Specializations include:
- Automated infrastructure solutions
- Resilient cybersecurity frameworks
- Actionable data analytics
- Enterprise software development
The company’s systems overcome integration, security, interoperability, and reliability challenges while supporting dispersed user groups and agency strategic initiatives.
The Problem/Opportunity
The recruitment effort faced several hurdles, including technical skill requirements, security clearance mandates, and external competition for top talent. Key challenges included:
The client faced a critical need to hire Network Engineers at 4 different locations across the United States, to support several high-priority modernization programs. The roles required expertise in:
- Enterprise networking.
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Zero Trust Architecture
- Cloud Networking (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government)
- DoD 8570 compliance (Both IAT Level I and II)
- Active Secret to Top Secret/SCI clearances
Additional challenges included:
- Previous program employees were ineligible for re-hire
- The majority of the candidates were working on the same contract
- High competition from federal integrators and private tech firms
- Positions were available at all levels, including mid, senior, and intermediate. The roles were recurring, and candidates frequently needed to be hired within one month
- There is a significant nationwide shortage of cleared, high-level network engineers, making talent acquisition highly competitive and time sensitive
The iQuasar Solution
iQuasar implemented a multi-pronged hiring strategy tailored to the Client’s complex requirements, ensuring fast, secure, and high-quality recruitment of cleared network professionals.
1. Precision Talent Mapping & Clearance-First Targeting
- Built a real-time talent map of cleared network engineers across:
- Defence contractors
- Transitioning military professionals
- NSA and intelligence community alumni
- Filtered for DoD 8570-compliant certifications (Security+, CCNA, CCNP, etc.)
- Engaged candidates with active Secret or TS/SCI clearances
- Offered pre-cleared conditional offers to expedite onboarding
2. Mission-Aligned Outreach & Employer Branding
- Created Client-focused messaging to highlight:
- National defense impact
- Access to next-gen technologies
- Career stability and federal benefits
- Used targeted platforms
- Engaged veterans through different veteran-oriented programs and military tech transition initiatives
3. Agile Recruitment Workflow
- Implemented a 48-hour resume review process with the Client’s hiring managers
- Scheduled rolling virtual technical panels to reduce lag time
- Used real-world technical assessments covering:
- Routing & switching diagnostics
- Cloud integration scenarios
- Zero Trust implementation challenges
4. Strategic Offer Structuring & Retention Planning
- Collaborated with the Client on:
- Competitive compensation packages
- Relocation and housing support
- Retention bonuses and certification incentives
- Created career progression maps to encourage long-term retention
How Our Solution Created Value for the Client
iQuasar deployed a tailored, clearance-centric hiring strategy that enabled the Client to successfully meet urgent demands for high-caliber Network Engineers supporting mission-critical national defence programs. Leveraging deep expertise in the intelligence and defense hiring landscape, iQuasar delivered rapid, compliant, and mission-aligned talent solutions. As a result, 20 cleared Network Engineers were successfully placed, ensuring timely and reliable staffing to support the Client’s global IT and cybersecurity objectives.
