Network Engineer II

About the role

The Network Engineer II position supports the Advanced Enterprise Global Information Technology Solutions (AEGIS) program, focusing on the NASA OCIO Enterprise Corporate network. The role involves designing, configuring, and troubleshooting the network infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on Wi-Fi technologies.

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, spanning diverse environments.
• Conduct thorough requirements gathering for complex wireless projects, collaborating with stakeholders across multiple network areas (e.g., LAN, security, applications) to ensure alignment.
• 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 network issues, and provide timely resolution to minimize downtime and impact on the business.
• Manage network configuration, inventory, and performance using Cisco Catalyst Center aka 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 Government customer on best practice for the operation and maintenance of the network infrastructure, creating documents & presentations for future reference material.
• Work directly or indirectly with NASA customers, Technicians, Network Engineers and/or Network Architects to execute network design changes or modifications of the NASA network infrastructure, as well as identify, analyze, and resolve issues for customer impacting events that may be escalated to Engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Cyber Security, or a related field.
• 2-4 years 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, topologies (3-tier, SD-Access).
• Proficiency with Cisco routing & 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 aka SD-Access Wireless.
• Relevant certifications, such as CWNA, CWDP, CWSP, CWNE, CCNP Enterprise (Wireless Design and/or Wireless Implementation specialist), or CCIE Enterprise Wireless.
• Proficiency with Splunk for network log management, analysis, and creating custom dashboards and reports.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively 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.
• Possess a solid understanding of RF principles.
• Good working knowledge of networking protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP, MPLS, QoS, IPSec).

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.