Network Engineer- SME

Network Engineer- SME
Location- Herndon, Va
Clearance- TS/SCI w/ FSP
Salary- 200k-215k/yr
The above salary range represents the range expected for the position; however, final salary offers are based on a number of factors such as the position's responsibilities; the candidate's experience, education, and skills; location; travel required; and current market conditions.

This program requires US Citizenship
Position Overview

We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Level Network Engineer with deep expertise in Network Access Control (NAC) and CISCO network appliances to support a cutting-edge, mission-driven government program. This individual will lead the design, optimization, and security of complex NAC architectures, ensuring endpoint validation, system resilience, and enterprise protection at scale.

The ideal candidate has over 16 years of experience and thrives in fast-paced, security-first environments.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage enterprise-grade NAC solutions using CISCO devices, load balancers, and Linux servers
  
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot NAC policies, profiles, and operational baselines
  
• Monitor network traffic to detect and address security vulnerabilities proactively
  
• Collaborate with engineering and security teams to align NAC protocols with business objectives
  
• Provide senior-level technical guidance and support to both internal and external stakeholders
  
• Research, assess, and recommend emerging NAC technologies and vendor solutions
  
• Stay up to date on advancements in network access security and endpoint validation technologies

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 16 years of experience in network engineering (14 years with a Master's degree)
  
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (preferred)
  
• Demonstrated SME-level experience with CISCO network appliances and security architecture
  
• Strong proficiency in NAC platforms and principles
  
• Expertise in TCP/IP, OSI model, and firewall technologies including Cisco FTD
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate technical information clearly
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments

Preferred Skills & Certifications

• Hands-on experience with Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine)
  
• Industry certifications such as:
  
  • CCNA Security, CCNP Security
    
  • REDHAT Certified Architect (RHCA)
• Experience with Linux OS and scripting languages like Python
  
• Understanding of network architectures, profiling, and solution design across platforms
  
• Familiarity with cloud networking and hybrid environments (AWS, Azure, Oracle, Google Cloud)
  
• Broad technical knowledge of network security, SDN, and systems engineering best practices

ABBTECH is an EOE/Minorities/Women/Disabled Individuals/Veterans