Network Engineer, Lead

Description

Description:

Designs and plans network communications systems. Provides specifications and detailed schematics for network architecture. Conducts cost/benefit analysis and provides specific detailed information for hardware and software selection, implementation techniques and tools for the most efficient solution to meet business needs, including present and future capacity requirements. Conducts testing of network design. Responsible for monitoring network hardware operations to ensure properly set configuration options. Plans implementation of enhancements and upgrades to the network. Advises network users of hardware requirements, configurations, and limitations. Maintains technical expertise in all areas of network and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, multiplexers, firewalls, hubs, bridges, gateways, etc. Evaluates and reports on new communications technologies to enhance capabilities of the network. May be assigned responsibility for the management of the systems administration function, including associated staff. 

Requirements

Requirements:

Considered an emerging authority, who applies extensive technical expertise. Develops technical solutions to complex problems. Exercises considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignment. 

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. (Experience may be substituted for a degree.)
• Experience: Minimum of 6+ years of progressive experience in network engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role supporting DoD or federal environments.
• Clearance: Must have the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Certification:
  • IAT Level II or higher certification (Security+ CE, CCNA Security, SSCP, etc.).
  • CSSP/IASAE certification (preferred).
• Technical Certifications:
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or equivalent (e.g., Juniper JNCIP, Aruba ACMP).
  • CCIE (Routing & Switching, Security, or Data Center) strongly preferred.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Expert-level knowledge of OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and multicast protocols.
  • Extensive experience with Cisco enterprise-level routers and switches (e.g., Nexus, Catalyst).
  • Demonstrated expertise in firewall management (Palo Alto, Cisco ASA/FTD, or Fortinet).
  • Strong understanding of WAN optimization, MPLS, VPNs, and QoS.
  • Proficiency with DoD network environments and their specific protocols and policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Navy Experience: Direct prior experience supporting Navy commands (e.g., NAVWAR, DISA, Coast Guard or Fleet activities).
• Virtualization: Familiarity with network integration into virtualized environments (VMware ESXi, Hyper-V).
• Configuration Management: Experience with configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet.