Network Engineer

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Labor Category: Network Engineer

Clearance Level: TS/SCI w/ FS Poly required

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Network Engineer to design, implement, manage, and optimize our network infrastructure. This role requires deep technical expertise in network architecture, security, and performance optimization. The ideal candidate has extensive hands-on experience with enterprise-class networking hardware and software and possesses a strong understanding of cloud networking and security best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Network Design & Architecture:

    • Develop and implement secure, scalable, and high-performance network solutions for enterprise environments.

  • Infrastructure Management:

    • Oversee the configuration, deployment, and maintenance of routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and load balancers.

    • Maintain, install, rearrange, and remove technology/telecommunication equipment and associated wiring.

  • Security & Compliance:

    • Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001) and implement best practices for network security, including zero-trust architecture and next-generation firewalls.

  • Cloud & Hybrid Networking:

    • Design and manage cloud-based and hybrid network solutions in AWS, Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

  • Troubleshooting & Performance Optimization:

    • Lead complex network troubleshooting efforts, analyze performance metrics, and optimize network efficiency.

    • Review, test, and implement new software tool revisions, feature sets, and patch evaluations.

  • Automation & Scripting:

    • Develop network automation scripts using Python, Ansible, Terraform, or other automation tools.

  • Collaboration & Leadership:

    • Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams on IT projects.

    • Ability to interface with individuals at all levels of the organization both verbally and in writing.

  • Disaster Recovery & Redundancy:

    • Design and implement redundancy strategies, failover solutions, and disaster recovery plans.

  • Documentation & Training:

    • Create and maintain detailed network documentation, standard operating procedures, and training materials for IT staff.

Required Skills and Demonstrated Experience:

  • U.S. Citizenship required.

  • Active TS/SCI with FS Polygraph (required, no exceptions).

  • Educational Background:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).

  • Technical Skills:

    • Expertise in routing and switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS).

    • Hands-on experience with enterprise networking hardware (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto, Fortinet).

    • Strong understanding of firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and network access control (NAC).

    • Experience with cloud networking (AWS VPCs, Azure VNets, GCP VPCs, Direct Connect, ExpressRoute).

    • Proficiency in network automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform, or equivalent).

    • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for resolving complex network issues.

    • Understand and interpret network diagrams, cabling run lists, and basic power requirements.

    • Competent in reading and interpreting network diagrams, cabling run lists, and electrical schematics.

    • Experience with Cisco command line and GUI configurations.

    • Knowledge of component and transmission medium compatibility and interconnection.

    • Ability to work with schematic capture tools and/or AutoCAD.

  • Soft Skills:

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

    • Ability to interface with individuals at all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications & Certifications:

  • Educational Background:

    • Master’s degree in a related field.

  • Industry Experience:

    • Experience working in government, defense, or highly regulated industries.

    • Familiarity with ITIL framework and change management processes.

  • Technical Skills:

    • Knowledge of SDN (Software-Defined Networking) and SD-WAN technologies.

    • Experience with network monitoring and performance analysis tools (SolarWinds, Nagios, Wireshark, NetFlow).

  • Certifications (Preferred but Not Required):

    • Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) (Highly Preferred)

    • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

    • Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE)

    • Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

    • AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty

    • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (for security-focused roles)

    • ITIL v4 Foundation Certification

Experience Levels:

  • Full Performance: 3+ years of experience plus a bachelor’s degree.

  • Senior: 6+ years of experience plus a bachelor’s degree.

  • Expert: 11+ years of experience plus a bachelor’s degree.

  • Subject Matter Expert: 16+ years of experience plus a bachelor’s degree.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

IT Availability LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.