Network Engineer

Network Specialist / Engineer
Location: Point Loma

Role Overview
The Network Specialist is responsible for the design, implementation, operation, and troubleshooting of enterprise scale network infrastructures across Tier 1 (Access) through Tier 4+ (Enterprise/WAN/Internet Edge) environments. This role requires deep knowledge of routing and switching, protocol behavior, OSI model layers, and enterprise and backbone networking concepts supporting high availability and mission critical environments.

This position supports complex campus, enterprise, and wide area network environments and escalates issues from access layer troubleshooting through core and WAN level remediation.
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Key Responsibilities
• Provide Tier 1–3 and Tier 4+ network support, escalating from access layer issues to enterprise, backbone, and WAN level troubleshooting.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Layer 2 and Layer 3 network infrastructure, including switches, routers, and backbone connectivity.
• Support enterprise, campus, and wide area networks (WAN) with a focus on availability, performance, and security.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues across multiple OSI layers to isolate and resolve root causes.
• Support routing, switching, VLANs, trunking, and inter VLAN routing in production environments.
• Participate in backbone, routing, and architecture discussions supporting internal and external network connectivity.
• Assist with network segmentation, scalability, redundancy, and fault tolerant design.
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Network Architecture & Tiered Support Experience
• Tier 1 – Access Layer: End user connectivity, switch access ports, VLAN assignment, physical layer issues.
• Tier 2 – Distribution Layer: Aggregation of access switches, policy enforcement, inter VLAN routing.
• Tier 3 – Core Layer: High speed, resilient core routing and switching with minimal latency.
• Tier 4+ – Enterprise / WAN / Internet Edge:
o WAN connectivity
o Internet edge routing
o Backbone routing and enterprise wide traffic flow
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Required Technical Knowledge & Skills
OSI Model (7 Layer) Expertise
Demonstrated, in depth understanding of the OSI model, including protocols and functions at each layer:
• Layer 7 – Application: HTTP, FTP, SMTP
• Layer 6 – Presentation: Encryption, compression, SSL/TLS
• Layer 5 – Session: Session management, NetBIOS sessions
• Layer 4 – Transport: TCP, UDP
• Layer 3 – Network: IP, ICMP, routing
• Layer 2 – Data Link: Ethernet, MAC addressing, ARP
• Layer 1 – Physical: Fiber, copper, physical signaling
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Routing & Protocols
• Strong understanding of OSPF and BGP, including use cases and architectural roles:
o OSPF (Open Shortest Path First):
 Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP)
 Link state protocol with fast convergence
 Metric based routing (cost/bandwidth)
 OSPF backbone architecture (Area 0)
o BGP (Border Gateway Protocol):
 Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP)
 Path vector, policy based routing
 Used for enterprise edge and Internet routing
 Understanding of Autonomous Systems (AS)
• Knowledge of backbone routing concepts for both internal enterprise networks and external connectivity.
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Switching & Network Design Concepts
• VLANs and broadcast domain segmentation
• Trunk ports (802.1Q tagging) vs. access ports
• Router on a Stick and inter VLAN routing
• Multicast fundamentals
• IPv4 and IPv6
• Fiber optic networking fundamentals
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Transport Protocol Knowledge
• Strong understanding of TCP vs. UDP, including:
o TCP 3 way handshake (SYN → SYN ACK → ACK)
o Use cases for reliable vs. low latency traffic
• Practical application examples:
o TCP: Email (SMTP), HTTPS, file transfers
o UDP: Video streaming, VoIP, DNS
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Qualifications
Required
• Strong foundation in enterprise networking fundamentals
• Hands on experience with routed and switched networks
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex issues across multiple OSI layers
• Experience supporting Tier 1 through Tier 4+ network environments
• Experience operating within structured escalation and support models
Preferred
• Experience supporting enterprise or government networks
• Familiarity with WAN, Internet edge, and backbone routing environments
• Networking certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent hands on experience
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Clearance Requirements
• Active U.S. security clearance required
(Specific clearance level to be confirmed during screening)
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless
and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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