Network Engineer II

About the Role

Leidos is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Network Engineer II to support the Advanced Enterprise Global Information Technology Solutions (AEGIS) program and join a large Engineering team entrusted with evolving and sustaining the NASA OCIO Enterprise Corporate network. The selected candidate will focus on the design, configuration, and troubleshooting of the NASA enterprise network infrastructure with an emphasis on Wi-Fi technologies, leveraging RF principles, wireless protocols, and Cisco wireless solutions to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and security.

This role involves utilizing tools such as Cisco Catalyst Center for network management, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for access control, and Splunk for network logging and analysis to support NASA’s Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA).

Responsibilities

• Possess an intermediate understanding of various Catalyst-based wireless architectures, including FlexConnect, Bridge Mode, and especially Fabric Enabled Wireless (SD-Access Wireless).
• Design robust, scalable, and secure wireless network solutions to meet NASA's evolving business needs across diverse environments.
• Conduct thorough requirements gathering for complex wireless projects, collaborating with stakeholders across multiple network areas (e.g., LAN, security, applications).
• Utilize Ekahau software to create predictive models and heatmaps for wireless network performance.
• Determine optimal access point placement and RF coverage for diverse environments, including office spaces, conference rooms, and outdoor areas.
• Manage and configure Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to enforce network access control policies for both wired and wireless environments.
• Respond to network incidents, troubleshoot issues, and provide timely resolution to minimize downtime.
• Manage network configuration, inventory, and performance using Cisco Catalyst Center (DNAC).
• Develop custom Splunk dashboards and alerts for network-related incidents, performance issues, and security events.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of network configurations, processes, troubleshooting procedures, and incident resolutions.
• Provide input and guidance, along with independent decision-making, to the Government customer on best practices for network operation and maintenance, creating documents and presentations for future reference.
• Work directly or indirectly with NASA customers, Technicians, Network Engineers, and/or Network Architects to execute network design changes or modifications, as well as identify, analyze, and resolve issues for customer-impacting events escalated to Engineering.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Cyber Security, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of combined experience between WLAN and LAN wired for large Enterprise networks.
• Ability to obtain and keep a minimum of a Public Trust clearance.
• Working knowledge of Wi-Fi technologies, including 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax standards.
• Experience with Cisco wireless infrastructure, including access points, wireless LAN controllers, and management tools (Prime Infrastructure, Catalyst Center).
• Proficiency in performing site surveys and creating/updating Wireless RF designs using Ekahau, iBWave, Airmagnet, or similar software.
• Solid understanding of underlying LAN technologies, including PoE standards and topologies (3-tier, SD-Access).
• Working knowledge of Cisco routing and switching, multicast, and QoS.
• Experience deploying QoS in wireless environments.
• Experience with NAC using dot1x for wired and wireless environments.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Desired Skills

• Experience with fabric wireless (SD-Access Wireless).
• Relevant certifications, such as CWNA, CWDP, CWSP, CWNE, CCNP Enterprise (Wireless Design and/or Wireless Implementation specialist), or CCIE Enterprise Wireless.
• Working knowledge of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for access control, network security, and user/device authentication.
• Proficiency with Splunk for network log management, analysis, and creating custom dashboards and reports.
• Good working knowledge of networking protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP, MPLS, QoS, IPSec).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with team members, management, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, providing guidance and mentorship to other network engineers.
• Familiarity with SDA solutions and network automation tools.
• Solid understanding of RF principles.
• Additional certifications related to Security and Route/Switch would be a plus.

Pay

Pay Range: $59,150.00 - $106,925.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. Leidos offers competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.