Senior Network Engineer

Description

The Network Technologies Business Unit currently has an opening for a Senior Network Engineer to support a Department of State (DoS) Bureau of Diplomatic Technology (DT) program. This position is for engineering and design of foreign post networks integrations with the DoS Core and other network integrations comprising a large and complex network infrastructure. It requires hands-on expertise, leadership of engineers, and engagement with senior customer leadership.

This program provides transparent, interconnected systems and security supporting the DoS in successfully carrying out its U.S. foreign policy mission. DT provides enterprise architecture design, engineering, operations and maintenance support services for desktops, servers, networks, firewalls, and enterprise applications across the Department. Program is named "Vanguard 2025" and is an IT consolidation consisting of the Department's servers, mainframes, network devices, network perimeter, anti-virus engineering, public key infrastructure (PKI)/biometrics/encryption, monitoring tools, telephony, mobile computing platform, virtual environment, and enclave design/security engineering.

This role offers a hybrid schedule at the discretion of the customer.

Description of Duties:

• Evaluates, designs, documents, and performs problem isolation and resolution, monitors, tunes, sets standards and maintains a range of network and voice components and systems.
• Provides client consulting and training on the design and use of the network systems and architectures.
• Uses monitoring, performance analysis, network management, software and hardware equipment to troubleshoot and isolate problems; gauge performance and activity.
• Work with Architects to design and engineer solutions to operational problems within the capacity and operational limitations of installed equipment.
• May develop contingency plans for network related hardware failures including isolated and major outages.
• Provides internal consulting, technical guidance, information and support to application developers, computer operations, management, and departmental clients.
• Plan, research, evaluate and recommend new network equipment and related technologies - hardware and software.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a network engineering/computer engineering related discipline and 10+ years IT network engineering and architecture experience (Tier III and above, network infrastructure design and implementation) with large, complex networks; may accept additional experience in lieu of degree.
• Expertise in designing scalable, secure, and high-performance enterprise network architectures, including LAN, WAN, SDWAN, and cloud-based solutions.
• Cisco CCNA and/or CCNP and/or CCIE.
• Strong/Deep knowledge of Layer2/Layer3, routing and switching, tunneling, and networking protocols: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, static, L2TP, IPSEC, VPN, DMVPN, GRE Spanning tree, etherchannel, vlan trunking, 802.1q, HSRP, VRRP, GLBP, VPC, MPLS, and VLANs, as well as experience with enterprise-grade routers and switches.
• Deep knowledge of Cisco switching and routing product lines.
• Proficiency in implementing security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and zero-trust architectures.
• Strong experience in design/support/troubleshoot large/complex networks end-to-end.

Required Clearance:

• US Citizenship.
• Active Top Secret Clearance.

Preferred Experience, Skills & Attributes:

• Low Earth Orbit Satellite design including Starshield design and implementations.
• Firsthand experience in developing and providing quality assurance review of engineering change orders relating to the replacement or enhancement of perimeter security hardware and software.
• Experienced with performing root cause analysis, risk identification, and risk mitigation.
• Expert Knowledge of cabling standards, fiber optic and copper cable termination.
• Understanding of cutting-edge technologies such as SDN (Software-Defined Networking), IoT (Internet of Things), and 5G.
• Expert experience in one or more of the following: Unclassified Voice Systems, Secure Voice Systems to include red switch, TDM Switching, Voice Over IP (VOIP).
• Experience supporting the government customers in secure environments, familiarity of NIPRNET and SIPRNET operating standards and applicable guidelines.
• DNS / Infoblox experience.
• Industry-recognized certifications such as CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), CCDP , JDCI, CCVP, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
• Familiarity with automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible) to streamline network operations and reduce manual tasks.
• Expertise in network performance monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, NetFlow) and advanced troubleshooting techniques.
• Familiarity with DoS environment (data and voice networks, IT security systems, policies and procedures), Foreign Affairs Handbooks (FAHs), Foreign Affairs Manuals (FAMs).
• Interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate effectively, self-awareness, and excellent presentation skills.