Network Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Network Engineer to join our dynamic Information Technology (IT) team. As a Network Engineer, you will be integral to a national security mission focused on maintaining the safety, security, and effectiveness of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile.

Operating within the Network Operations team of the Information Technology (IT) organization, this role involves designing, implementing, and managing complex network architectures, ensuring high availability, performance, and security.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain enterprise networks, including configuring and lifecycle management of network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, virtual private network (VPN)s, and wireless infrastructure.
• Perform network maintenance and system upgrades, including service packs, patches, hotfixes, and security configurations.
• Monitor network performance and integrity, ensuring the stability, reliability, and security of the network.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues in a timely manner.
• Implement and manage next-generation firewall platforms (e.g., Palo Alto), including high availability configuration, secure sockets layer (SSL) decryption, policy optimization, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Develop and deploy scalable and resilient network architectures to support high availability, fault tolerance, and future growth.
• Engineer and support complex routing strategies using protocols such as Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), ensuring optimal route redistribution, convergence, and path selection.
• Design, deploy, and manage hybrid network topologies, including integration with cloud environments (e.g., Microsoft Azure Virtual Networks, ExpressRoute, peering).
• Support the implementation and management of Network Access Control (NAC) solutions (e.g., Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for endpoint compliance and identity-based access control.
• Administer, monitor, and support Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), Cisco Unity Connection, and other Cisco Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems, including voice gateways, internet protocol (IP) phones, and their associated infrastructure, to ensure reliable communication services.
• Deploy, configure, and maintain Cisco wireless network infrastructure, including wireless Local Area Network (LAN) controllers (WLCs) and access points, to ensure seamless and secure wireless connectivity.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration baselines, IP address management, and change control records.
• Collaborate with other IT disciplines, including cloud, systems, and security teams, to deliver integrated solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior technical staff as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering/science/information technology discipline: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience. Typical engineering/science experience ranging from 3 to 7 years. OR Master's degree in engineering/science/information technology discipline.

OR applicants without a bachelor's degree may be considered based on a combination of at least 10 years of completed education and/or relevant experience.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering/science/information technology discipline with a minimum of four years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in engineering/science/information technology discipline with a minimum of two years of relevant experience.

Network Infrastructure Management: In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the implementation, configuration, and maintenance of network software and hardware.

Network Security Operations: Strong understanding of network security principles and practices for securing applications and environments.

Effective Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with customers, vendors, and technical personnel across various departments and organizations.

Problem Solving & Technical Documentation: Ability to clearly and effectively present complex technical and operational information both verbally and in writing, solve intricate technical problems, and maintain vigilance regarding changes that may impact system security and operational integrity.

Demonstrated Technical Expertise: Proven hands-on experience in the following areas: Cisco Switches / Routers, Palo Alto Firewalls, Cisco ASA / FirePower, Cisco VoIP, Cisco ISE, Cisco Wireless, and programming/scripting languages such as Perl or Python for network automation and configuration tasks.

Skills

• Active Listening - Exceptional listening skills to give focused attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Strong communication skills to talk to others and convey information effectively.
• Writing - Exceptional skills to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Benefits

At Pantex, we believe that extraordinary talent thrives when supported by a balanced life. Discover the flexibility that empowers you to excel, coupled with a benefits package designed for your total peace of mind from comprehensive health coverage and robust retirement planning, to opportunities for continuous learning through education reimbursement.