Network Automations Engineer

Overview

GovCIO is currently hiring for a Network Automation Engineer to determine and support Kubernetes platform service requirements for Platform as a Service architecture . This position will be located in Fort Bragg, NC , and will be an on-site position.

Responsibilities

The Network Automation Engineer serves as a hybrid Network & Systems Engineer and Tactical Communications SME, responsible for designing, building, automating, testing, and sustaining mission-critical network infrastructure in support of deployed and enterprise operations. This role integrates hands-on engineering, automation development, and operational support to deliver secure, scalable, and rapidly deployable network solutions

Key Responsibilites

• Network & Systems Engineer / Tactical Communications SME / Testing & Development
  
  • Maintains expert-level awareness of current and emerging technologies through continuous research of technical manuals, vendor documentation, security advisories, and open-source resources.
  • Evaluates and recommends hardware and software versions by validating:
  • Minimum installation requirements
  • Known defects and bugs
  • Security bulletins and patches
  • Compatibility with legacy systems
  • Power constraints (including PoE considerations)
  • Environmental and thermal limitations
  • End‑user interoperability (notably SFP module compatibility)
  • Collaborates with the JEDI team to enable bare‑metal provisioning of RHEL servers, leveraging Kickstart-based automation for PXE‑style rapid deployments
  • Builds secure, mission‑ready network nodes from bare metal, including firmware/software upgrades, secure configuration baselines, tunnel establishment, and performance optimization.
  • Conducts in-depth network connectivity testing, end‑user behavior analysis, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal throughput and reliability.
  • Coordinates with multiple J6 functional areas when deploying new sites.
  • Works directly with customers to ensure installations are plug‑and‑play, enabling rapid deployment within constrained logistical timelines.
  • Developed the initial MFS Medium v2 configuration and influenced the MFS Heavy baseline.
  • Rapidly identifies and resolves network configuration errors; provides validated solutions to the network automation team for integration and code deployment.
  • Possesses deep operational knowledge of network architectures, protocols, and failure modes, allowing for expedited fault isolation and resolution.
  
  Encryption Subject Matter Expert (SME)
  
  • Holds strong working knowledge of encryptor configuration, firmware management, operational requirements, version enforcement, best practices, and troubleshooting.
  • Diagnoses encryption issues based on customer‑reported symptoms and operational context.
  • Identified and resolved a critical encryption key failure affecting a forward‑deployed Tier tactical node after multiple unsuccessful remediation attempts.
  • Proficient with GemOne and Chimera management platforms.
  
  Additional Operational Support
  
  • Performs off‑site communications checks and equipment upgrades, including installation and airflow optimization to prevent overheating and equipment degradation
  • Delivers expedited remote support to traveling customers, providing Cisco CLI commands to rapidly restore communications for senior leadership
  • Detects and communicates probable hardware failures at distant ends during outage scenarios
  • Assists with baselining and testing MFS kits under tight timelines or suspected hardware/software issues
  • Collaborates with customers, ECS, and Tier units to troubleshoot connectivity issues and deliver targeted technical training
  • Daily operational use of:
    • Nautobot (IPAM and device management)
    • AWX (administration and automation)
    • Active Directory
    • Forward Networks (topology and fault analysis)
    • Splunk (detailed network/server logging)
    • ServiceNow (ticketing and technical order tracking)
  • Provides on‑site support for emergent taskings, including after‑hours operations

Qualifications

High School with 9+ years (or commensurate experience)

Required Skills and Experience

• Clearance Required: TS/SCI
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Experience with Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure
• Experience with Containerization technologies
• Experience with microservice network architecture
• Experience with troubleshooting and resolving technical problems with both on-site and remote administrators
• Ability to communicate technical ideas and deliver briefings with cross-functional teams, work in a high-demand environment, and provide technical expertise on all phases of system engineering activities
• Active and current U.S. Driver's License

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Supporting U.S. Special Operations organizations
• Cisco DevNet Associate
• Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Network Automation
• Aviatrix Certified Engineer Multicloud Network Automation Specialty
• Linux Essentials LPI
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator
• Certified Kubernetes Application Developer
• Experience with Terraform
• Experience with Cloud Native networking technologies and concepts
• Experience with Amazon Web Services
• Experience with developing tactical, expeditionary cross-domain solutions to deliver FMV across different environments, enclaves, and networks
• Experience with designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting expeditionary, global, regional, and disconnected networks, including internal LAN traffic, WAN, Satellite communications, commercial leased lines, long haul circuits, distributed packet processing, data compression, encryption, and various data transport systems
• Experience with evaluating projected network usage and reviewing utilization reports
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and working with Agile teams using collaboration tools such as Gitlab.
• Experience with working with CM tools, including Gitlab, Git-centric, and CI/CD workflows
• Knowledge of network engineering in cloud and disconnected edge environments
• Knowledge of Python scripting, writing Ansible playbooks, rudimentary APIs, or automation scripts
• Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code

#ar

#nss

#tm

Company Overview

GovCIO is a team of transformers--people who are passionate about transforming government IT. Every day, we make a positive impact by delivering innovative IT services and solutions that improve how government agencies operate and serve our citizens.

But we can't do it alone. We need great people to help us do great things - for our customers, our culture, and our ability to attract other great people. We are changing the face of government IT and building a workforce that fuels this mission. Are you ready to be a transformer?

What You Can Expect

Interview & Hiring Process

If you are selected to move forward through the process, here's what you can expect:

• During the Interview Process
• Virtual video interview conducted via video with the hiring manager and/or team
• Camera must be on
• A valid photo ID must be presented during each interview

• During the Hiring Process
• Enhanced Biometrics ID verification screening
• Background check, to include:
• Criminal history (past 7 years)
• Verification of your highest level of education
• Verification of your employment history (past 7 years), based on information provided in your application

Employee Perks

At GovCIO, we consistently hear that meaningful work and a collaborative team environment are two of the top reasons our employees enjoy working here. In addition, our employees have access to a range of perks and benefits to support their personal and professional well-being, beyond the standard company offered health benefits, including:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Corporate Discounts
• Learning & Development platform, to include certification preparation content
• Training, Education and Certification Assistance*
• Referral Bonus Program
• Internal Mobility Program
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Work Environment

*Available to full-time employees

Our employees' unique talents and contributions are the driving force behind our success in supporting our customers, which ultimately fuels the success of our company. Join us and be a part of a culture that invests in its people and prioritizes continuous enhancement of the employee experience.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EOE, including disability/vets.

Posted Pay Range

The posted pay range, if referenced, reflects the range expected for this position at the commencement of employment, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and internal equity. The total compensation package for this position may also include other compensation elements, to be discussed during the hiring process. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the GovCIO reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, GovCIO or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Posted Salary Range

USD $110,000.00 - USD $135,000.00 /Yr.