Network Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Network Engineer to join a federal cybersecurity and infrastructure operations program supporting the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). This position will support mission-critical network infrastructure operations, security, optimization, and modernization initiatives across multiple federal environments.

Location: Manassas, VA - Onsite

Clearance Requirement: Active DOE Q Clearance OR Top Secret Clearance required

Responsibilities of the Network Engineer:

• Install, configure, maintain, and optimize LAN/WAN infrastructure including routers, switches, VPN appliances, load balancers, and security devices
• Ensure timely application of security patches and updates across network infrastructure devices including voice, video, and security systems
• Monitor and analyze network performance utilizing enterprise network management tools and implement optimization improvements
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network outages and infrastructure issues affecting voice, video, and data services
• Maintain accurate inventory management of network hardware and software assets
• Provide technical recommendations and support during engineering and infrastructure planning meetings
• Support data center network infrastructure operations, virtualization systems, and infrastructure expansion projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot technical issues and escalate when necessary
• Implement and enforce network security protocols to prevent unauthorized access, malware, and security threats
• Assist with backup and disaster recovery planning and implementation efforts
• Serve as a primary point of contact for client technical inquiries and issue resolution
• Lead or support infrastructure and network-related projects while ensuring adherence to timelines and operational objectives
• Prepare detailed reports related to network performance, incidents, upgrades, and infrastructure status

Qualifications of the Network Engineer:

• Active DOE Q Clearance OR Top Secret Clearance required
• Strong experience configuring and managing Cisco routers and switches (IOS/NX-OS)
• Experience supporting Palo Alto NextGen Firewalls and VPN configurations
• Experience with General Dynamics Taclanes and/or GEMOne preferred
• Strong technical proficiency with Windows and Unix/Linux operating systems
• Experience with network security, network traffic analysis, packet analysis, vulnerability analysis, incident response, and systems hardening
• Strong understanding of Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing protocols
• Knowledge of encryption and communication protocols including TLS/SSL, IPsec, SSH, BGP, VLAN, LLDP, LACP, ARP, 802.1x, DNS, AES, and NTP
• Experience supporting secure and complex LAN/WAN infrastructures
• Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to interpret and respond to client needs effectively
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously within prescribed timelines

Compensation of the Network Engineer:

Compensation: $120,000 - $150,000+ based on years of experience

Full Benefits: Cigna Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO/Holiday, Sick leave as required by state law

Additional Perks:

• Long-term stable federal program supporting national security initiatives
• Opportunity to support advanced cybersecurity and secure communications environments
• Collaborative engineering environment with growth opportunities in network security and infrastructure operations

Keywords: Network Engineer, Cisco, IOS, NX-OS, Palo Alto, VPN, Taclanes, GEMOne, LAN/WAN, Routing, Switching, Firewalls, Network Security, Linux, Unix, Windows Server, Vulnerability Analysis, Incident Response, Packet Analysis, Systems Hardening, BGP, VLAN, IPsec, TLS, SSH, DNS, NTP, AES, DOE, NNSA, Top Secret Clearance, Q Clearance, Federal Government, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Engineering, subnetting, crypto, load balancing

This job opens for applications on 05/29/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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