Network Engineer

Client seeks a Network Engineer to support and maintain a secure, stable, and high-performing enterprise network environment. This role is responsible for administering and troubleshooting core networking infrastructure across multiple office locations, data centers, and remote access environments.

The Network Engineer is a hands-on technical role responsible for routing, switching, firewalls, VPN connectivity, wireless infrastructure, and network resiliency. The position works under the direction of the Director of Infrastructure & Operations and collaborates with Infrastructure, Information Security, End User Services, Application/Data Services, vendors, and service providers.

This role emphasizes operational discipline, secure network design, structured change management, and reliable service delivery within a government environment.

Key Responsibilities

Network Infrastructure Administration

• Administer enterprise routing and switching infrastructure
• Configure and maintain LAN, WAN, wireless, and remote access environments
• Support hybrid MPLS and SD-WAN connectivity across multiple locations
• Maintain network availability, resiliency, and performance

Firewall & Secure Connectivity Management

• Administer firewalls, VPN solutions, and secure remote connectivity
• Implement and maintain network segmentation and access controls
• Support secure connectivity for cloud and hybrid environments
• Coordinate firewall rule changes and network security updates

Monitoring & Troubleshooting

• Monitor network health, utilization, and performance
• Respond to outages, connectivity issues, and infrastructure incidents
• Perform network troubleshooting across routing, switching, wireless, and VPN environments
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions

Security & Compliance Support

• Support implementation of network security controls and standards
• Collaborate with the Information Security Office on vulnerability remediation and risk reduction
• Assist with logging, monitoring, and audit activities
• Support secure configuration and hardening practices

Change Management & Operations

• Execute network changes through defined change management processes
• Validate planned changes and maintain rollback procedures
• Participate in maintenance windows and operational planning
• Maintain network documentation and diagrams

Vendor & Carrier Coordination

• Coordinate with telecommunications providers and vendors
• Support circuit provisioning, troubleshooting, and escalations
• Assist with hardware lifecycle and support renewals

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Partner with Systems Administration on infrastructure dependencies
• Coordinate with End User Services regarding user-impacting network issues
• Support Application/Data teams with connectivity and performance needs
• Communicate operational risks and system impacts to leadership

Required Qualifications

• Experience administering enterprise network environments
• Strong knowledge of routing and switching concepts
• Experience with firewalls, VPNs, and secure remote access
• Experience troubleshooting network connectivity and performance issues
• Familiarity with wireless networking technologies
• Understanding of structured operational and change management processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Cisco networking technologies
• Experience with SD-WAN and hybrid network environments
• Experience in government or regulated environments
• Familiarity with network monitoring and logging tools
• Knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA or CCNP

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple operational priorities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across technical teams
• Focus on reliability, security, and operational consistency

Working Conditions

• Office-based environment
• Occasional after-hours support for maintenance or incident response
• Limited travel between office locations may be required
  
  
  Skill

  Required / Desired

  Amount

  of Experience

  Routing and switchingRequired5Years

  TCP/IP networkingRequired5Years

  VLAN configurationRequired3Years

  VPN administrationRequired3Years

  Firewall administrationRequired4Years

  Wireless networking administrationRequired3Years

  Network troubleshootingRequired5Years

  LAN/WAN supportRequired4Years

  SD-WAN supportRequired2Years

  Network monitoring toolsRequired3Years

  DNS fundamentalsRequired3Years

  Network performance analysisRequired3Years

  Cisco networking technologiesRequired4Years

  Remote access technologiesRequired3Years

  Circuit troubleshootingRequired3Years

  Carrier/vendor coordinationRequired2Years

  Network resiliency conceptsRequired2Years

  High availability conceptsRequired2Years

  Network documentation/diagrammingRequired2Years

  Network segmentationRequired2Years

  Firewall rule managementRequired3Years

  Secure remote connectivityRequired3Years

  Access control conceptsRequired2Years

  Vulnerability remediation supportRequired2Years

  Security incident supportRequired1Years

  Change management executionRequired2Years

  Maintenance window coordinationRequired2Years

  Incident response participationRequired2Years

  Root cause analysisRequired2Years

  Structured troubleshooting methodologyRequired4Years

  Communication and collaborationRequired3Years

  Operational disciplineRequired3Years

  Independent work capabilityRequired3Years

  Prioritization under pressureRequired3Years

  BGPDesired2Years

  Dynamic routing protocolsDesired3Years

  Advanced firewall administrationDesired3Years

  Cisco ASA or NGFW experienceDesired2Years

  SD-WAN design/optimizationDesired2Years

  QoS configurationDesired2Years

  Azure networkingDesired1Years

  Hybrid cloud networkingDesired1Years

  Zero Trust networking conceptsDesired1Years

  SIEM/network logging integrationDesired1Years

  IDS/IPS familiarityDesired1Years

  Government IT experienceDesired2Years

  Multi-site enterprise experienceDesired3Years