Field/Base Communications Network Engineer

Leidos currently has an opening on the ‘Service Management, Integration and Transport’ (SMIT) Contract for a Field/Base Network Engineer position supporting the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI). SMIT is the largest IT services program for the Navy, delivering the core backbone of NMCI, including cybersecurity services, network operations, service desk, and data transport. The role supports the Navy’s effort to unify shore-based networks and data management to improve capability, service, and cost efficiency under one enterprise network.

About the Role

This position requires extensive Operations/Engineering Leadership experience, preferably with a Network/Transport technical background and working knowledge of a large DOD Enterprise Network Environment. Responsibilities include managing a large technical team virtually, interacting directly with and managing the customer relationship, and overseeing key resources supporting Incident Response, Change Management, Problem Management, Operations and Maintenance (O&M), project sustainment, and other ITSM and DevSecOps initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Work as an Operations-focused Network Engineer on a team responsible for BAN/LAN/WAN Network Operations, troubleshooting, repair, installation, cabling, configuration, implementation, and integration of current and future NGEN-R network architectures.
• Provide COMSEC Local Element support, including managing COMSEC hardware/software assets, key inventories, loading keys into encryption devices, installing, configuring, troubleshooting, upgrading, and removing/replacing faulty equipment.
• Document work activities and maintain accurate site documentation per established tools and processes.
• Initiate software upgrades and changes to the NGEN-R system and communications infrastructure as prescribed by Domain Architects, Design, and Configuration Teams.
• Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and removal/replacement of faulty hardware using SOPs, TTPs, work instructions, vendor guidance, and other documented processes.
• Interface with the Network Operations Center (NOC) to support incident troubleshooting and restoral.
• Support network configuration and asset management activities, manage configuration drift, and update network documentation to reflect as-is and to-be environments.
• Support Cybersecurity requirements and implementation of security controls (STIG compliance).
• Coordinate network upgrades and planned maintenance activities with NGEN-R Program and customer stakeholders.
• Monitor network systems (health and status) and proactively identify potential issues before they impact users; recommend and apply corrective actions to mitigate network issues.
• May require local and/or overnight travel by car or air to assigned locations for operations-focused activities such as break/fix and COMSEC support.

Requirements

• BA/BS Degree and 4+ years of prior relevant experience or MS/MBA with 2+ years of prior relevant experience; additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.
• DOD Secret Security Clearance with the ability to upgrade to and maintain a TS Security Clearance.
• Minimum of DoD 8570.01 IAT Level II Certification required prior to onboarding (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE, CDN, ISC2 SSCP, GSEC, GICSP, or CYSA+).
• Must possess Network Vendor Associate Level or higher Certification (e.g., Cisco CCNA, Cisco CCNP).
• Ability to work off-hours and weekends to meet customer mission support requirements.
• Working knowledge of defense-in-depth principles, network/HW/SW security architecture, network topology, IT device integrity, and common security elements.
• Ability to travel 25%, including possible OCONUS travel.
• 5+ years’ experience troubleshooting complex routing and switching issues.
• 5+ years’ experience configuring switches, routers, network appliances, and WAN acceleration devices.
• Customer service experience.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs for up to 100 feet at a time; must be able to lift 25 lbs vertically using ladders.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces, such as raised floors or communications closets.
• Must be able to work in noisy environments, such as data centers and operations centers.
• Must be able to stand or sit for 8 hours at a time.
• Must be able to utilize basic hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches while rack mounting active and passive equipment.
• Must have normal color vision to identify different colors of wires and cables.
• Must have correctable vision to 20/20 or better to read schematics, test equipment, and computer monitors.
• Must have depth perception to judge distances safely on ladders and in confined spaces.
• Must be able to use and read digital test equipment such as OTDR.
• Must be able to drive a corporate vehicle to different locations; valid state license required.

Skills

The following qualifications would be nice to have:

• Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in IT Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• MPLS experience.
• DevOps, CI/CD experience.
• Scripting experience (e.g., Python).
• Automation experience (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
• SDN/SD WAN experience.
• Professional or Expert level vendor certifications.
• ITIL certifications.

Pay

$40 - $48/hourly rate.