Network Engineer - TS/SCI with CI Poly - McLean, VA

Network Engineer

Location: McLean, VA
Clearance: Active TS/SCI with CI Poly

Position Overview:
We are seeking a skilled and dynamic Network Engineer to support the program’s Network Architect in designing, implementing, and maintaining the network infrastructure for critical IT systems. This role is essential to ensuring the program’s network operations are secure, scalable, resilient, and optimized for performance. You will collaborate with a cross-functional team to monitor, troubleshoot, and enhance the network, while adhering to strict security standards required for Authority to Operate (ATO) approval. As the system evolves, you will have the opportunity to contribute to network design decisions and shape the future of our infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Network Architect to design, configure, deploy, and maintain the program’s network infrastructure, focusing primarily on LAN systems for production and management/support.
• Optimize network performance by analyzing and recommending improvements for network hardware, software, and configurations.
• Monitor and troubleshoot network systems to proactively identify and resolve potential issues, ensuring network uptime and efficiency.
• Support security compliance by implementing network security measures, working closely with security engineers to harden the infrastructure and meet program security standards.
• Conduct network reviews and security testing to ensure the integrity and resilience of the customer’s networks.
• Develop technical documentation, including configuration manuals, network diagrams, and troubleshooting guides, ensuring thoroughness and clarity.
• Manage network monitoring activities, and generate regular reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual) on network performance and health.
• Perform inventory audits of network equipment in support of broader property management and tracking needs.
• Support incident and problem management by identifying root causes of issues and resolving them in a timely manner.
• Stay current with networking trends and best practices in network management and security to continuously improve network operations.

Desired Skills & Certifications:

• Industry certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or equivalent.
• Experience with Sonic and/or Cumulus networking operating systems.
• Familiarity with Dell switches and/or NVIDIA Spectrum-X switches.
• Basic knowledge of Kubernetes, Ansible, or other automation/scripting tools.
• Experience using automated tools for network management and configuration.

Personal Traits:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to balance multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Clear communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Capable of developing, documenting, and executing complex plans and network strategies.
• Risk-aware, with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to network stability and security.

Requirements

Education & Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related fields. Relevant work experience may be considered as an equivalent.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in a network support or similar technical role, with a focus on network design, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Spine-Leaf architecture using EVPN-VXLAN frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of routing protocols, including BGP and OSPF.
• Experience with policy-based routing, QoS, and ACLs.
• Hands-on experience with VLANs, VLAN Trunking, Port Channels, and Spanning Tree Protocol.
• Experience in network device configuration and maintenance, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Familiarity with netw