Network Engineer Level 5

About the role

SAIC is seeking a seasoned Network Engineer to join our Network Team. You will be responsible for the architecture, design, deployment, and optimization of our high-traffic, carrier-grade network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has deep, hands-on experience maintaining five-nines (99.999%) availability in a dedicated infrastructure (utilizing dark fiber, wavelength services), service provider, and/or large-scale data center. You will lead complex troubleshooting, ensure robust security, and drive network modernization, including advanced L0 optimization, IPv4/IPv6 transition and SDN (L0-L3) automation physical transport, data link, and network layers simultaneously. This position is remote with travel.

Responsibilities

• Architecture & Design: Design, implement, and maintain high-performance, scalable, and resilient IP network infrastructure (MPLS, IP/Ethernet).
• Operations & Troubleshooting: Provide Tier 3/4 escalation support, conducting deep-packet inspection and root cause analysis (RCA) for complex outages.
• Routing & Switching: Manage and optimize advanced routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, and ISIS, specifically focusing on traffic engineering and internet peering.
• Carrier Grade Technologies: Implement and manage carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) for IPv4/IPv6 transition, AAA/RADIUS infrastructure, and high-capacity wireless/mobility cores.
• Performance Optimization: Maximize network performance through continuous monitoring and capacity planning to handle high-traffic volumes.
• Automation: Develop and implement automation scripts using Python, Ansible, or Terraform to streamline configuration, provisioning, and MOP (Method of Procedure) execution.
• Security & Compliance: Ensure compliance with security standards (e.g., ISO27001, PCI-DSS) and implement network-level security, such as DDoS protection and lawful intercept.
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed network diagrams, MOPs, and technical documentation.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications & Experience:
  • Masters Degree in Network Engineering or related field + 8 years experience
  • OR Bachelors Degree in Network Engineering or related field + 10 years experience
  • 5+ years experience with provisioning 1/carrier class networks
• Required Skills & Experience:
  • U.S. citizenship and an active Top-Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI
  • 5–15+ years in network engineering, specifically within a service provider, ISP, or carrier-grade data center environment
  • Technical Proficiency (L2–L3): TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, ISIS, MPLS, IKE, IPSEC, VPNs, and VLANs
  • Technical Proficiency (L0–L2): SONET/SDH, FDDI, OTN (ITU-T G.709, OTU4, OTU2)
  • Hardware Expertise: Hands-on experience with carrier-grade platforms (e.g., Ciena, Cisco ASR/NCS/Nexus, Juniper MX/Mist, Nokia, or Arista)
  • Automation/Scripting: Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Python or Ansible
  • Linux/Unix: Strong Linux CLI skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Certifications: CCNP/CCIE (Service Provider or Routing & Switching) preferred, but not required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CGNAT platforms (e.g., F5 BIG-IP, A10 Networks)
• Knowledge of 5G core networking or virtualized platforms (VMware, OpenStack)
• Experience with Fiber transport technologies (DWDM, ROADM, WSS, PON)

Benefits

• Work on one of the largest infrastructure deployments in the region
• Direct influence on network architecture and modernization projects
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k) matching

Pay

Target salary range: $160,001 – $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.