Network Engineer

About the role

This role ensures reliable, secure, and high performance network operations across complex Defense environments. The Network Engineer installs and configures network devices, conducts system upgrades and maintenance, monitors performance metrics, and resolves network issues in coordination with IT teams and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the network backbone that enables mission critical systems to operate securely and efficiently.
• Monitor network performance to ensure availability, reliability, and optimal throughput.
• Track system resource utilization, performance trends, and capacity needs.
• Provide proactive recommendations for network enhancements or scaling.
• Configure and install network devices and services (routers, switches, firewalls, VPN, load balancers, QoS).
• Deploy and integrate new hardware and network infrastructure components.
• Support implementation of secure network architectures and segmentation strategies.
• Perform routine network maintenance, including patches, service packs, hot fixes, and firmware upgrades.
• Apply security configurations in accordance with Defense and organizational requirements.
• Verify compatibility and functionality after upgrades or changes.
• Adhere to established configuration management policies for network changes.
• Ensure all network updates are documented, approved, and communicated.
• Participate in change reviews, network planning sessions, and architecture discussions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, outages, and performance bottlenecks.
• Liaise with hardware/software vendors, service providers, and internal IT teams for issue resolution.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate network diagrams, device inventories, and configuration records.
• Document procedures, installation steps, and maintenance actions.
• Support audit requirements, cybersecurity inspections, and compliance activities.

Requirements

• Education: BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related computer field.
• Experience: 4+ years of experience as a network engineer in a Defense environment.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in network protocols, routing, switching, and security configurations; experience with network monitoring tools, diagnostic utilities, and performance measurement; familiarity with configuration/change management processes and documentation standards; ability to apply patches, updates, and security controls to networked systems.
• Abilities & Working Style: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for complex network issues; effective communication skills and capability to document technical processes clearly.

Qualifications

• Advanced Networking Skills.
• Experience supporting tactical networks, C5ISR systems, or Defense fielded systems.
• Knowledge of encryption devices, secure tunneling protocols, or cross domain solutions.
• Tools & Technologies: Experience using enterprise monitoring tools (SolarWinds, Splunk, LogicMonitor, etc.); familiarity with virtual networking, hypervisors, or cloud connected Defense networks.
• Certifications: Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP); DoD 8570/8140 certifications (Security+, Network+, CySA+); Network security certifications (e.g., CCNA Security).