Principal System Engineer - Springfield, VA; Must have an active

Principal System Engineer- TS/SCI Required

Springfield, VA
Full-Time | On-site | Immediate Start

Principal Systems Engineer

(IT/CSWF: Network Operations Specialist (441))

Clearance Requirement:
Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph (in-scope within the past 7 years)
Position Description:

The Principal Systems Engineer (Network Focus) serves as the senior technical expert and lead engineer responsible for the design, implementation, and sustainment of complex, enterprise-grade network architectures supporting mission-critical Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) operations.

The Principal Systems Engineer provides technical direction to a team of Network Engineers and System Administrators, ensuring network systems meet performance, security, and interoperability requirements in accordance with U.S. Government standards. The position involves leading enterprise modernization initiatives, guiding the integration of secure and resilient network solutions, and maintaining compliance with DoD Information Assurance (IA) and cybersecurity directives.

This role requires advanced hands-on expertise in Cisco enterprise network technologies, including routing, switching, data center architectures, and encrypted network solutions. The Principal Systems Engineer also performs system lifecycle management, configuration oversight, and performance analysis for multi-domain, classified, and unclassified IT environments.

The engineer works closely with the Chief Enterprise Architect, Cybersecurity team, and Operations leadership to evaluate system risk, improve availability, and identify performance optimization opportunities across complex network infrastructures.

Limited travel (up to 15%) may be required for implementation, site support, and system validation activities.
Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, engineering, and lifecycle management of enterprise network systems and services.
• Design, implement, and maintain secure, encrypted network solutions compliant with DISA SRGs/STIGs and DoD cybersecurity standards.
• Manage Cisco-based routing, switching, and data center technologies, ensuring high availability and scalability.
• Develop and maintain as-built documentation, configuration baselines, and engineering diagrams.
• Conduct network capacity planning, performance monitoring, and fault isolation.
• Integrate and sustain Next-Generation Firewalls, VPNs, and secure boundary devices.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and systems engineering teams to ensure network compliance and security posture.
• Serve as a senior advisor on system modernization, performance tuning, and network optimization strategies.
• Support testing and evaluation activities, including design verification and operational readiness assessments.

Position Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience designing, implementing, and managing enterprise-level Cisco network systems and technologies (e.g., IOS, NX-OS, ACI).
• 5+ years in network engineering for secure DoD or IC environments, including adherence to DISA STIGs, SRGs, and IA controls.
• Strong experience with encrypted networking devices (e.g., TACLANEs, Border Guards) and secure data transport solutions.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Cisco routing and switching technologies, including BGP, OSPF, VRF, EIGRP, QoS, and LACP.
• Proven expertise with Next-Generation Firewalls, network access control lists (ACLs), and network-based security.
• Advanced ability to perform root-cause analysis and implement effective, sustainable network solutions.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining and optimizing multi-domain network performance across enterprise environments.
• Must meet Cyber IT/Cybersecurity Workforce (CSWF) requirements for Network Operations Specialist (441) per SECNAV M-5239.2.

Education / Training / Certification Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline; or equivalent experience.
• Certifications (Required):
  
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching or Data Center
• Certifications (Highly Desired):
  
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing & Switching or Data Center
  • Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
  • CompTIA Security+ or equivalent IA baseline certification per DoD 8570.01-M
• Continuous Learning: Minimum of 20 hours of DoD-approved Continuing Education annually.
• Operating System / Computing Environment Certificate: As directed by the Command Cyber IT/CSWF Program Manager.
• Privileged Access Statement: Completion of SAAR and Privileged Access agreement required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), TMS, and VCS environments.
• Working knowledge of Cisco DCNM, ACI, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architectures.
• Familiarity with SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) or similar network monitoring tools.
• Advanced experience managing Cisco ASA or Firepower firewall configurations and VPN solutions.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams and mentor junior network engineers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation, coordination, and reporting.
• Experience supporting classified and unclassified network environments in compliance with DoD and IC standards.

Why Join Synertex:

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 Paid Federal Holidays
• 401(k) with 6% Company Match
• Comprehensive Health Care Options
• Work supporting national security, defense, and advanced technology innovation

Join Synertex's mission-driven engineering team and help architect and secure the networks that power national defense and critical operations.