Network Engineering Design Manager

SMS is seeking an experienced Network Engineering Design Manager to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise LAN, CAN, and WAN data, voice, and video network architectures in support of mission-critical operations. This role supports AFCENT’s mission to deliver combat-ready air, space, communications, and cyberspace capability for USCENTCOM, maintaining security and stability throughout Southwest Asia. The AFCENT NOSC program focuses on running and protecting a 24/7 enterprise network and systems operations, including cybersecurity, engineering, maintenance, and technical support.

About the role

The position will oversee advanced routing, switching, VoIP, network security integration, performance analysis, and enterprise datacenter modernization efforts while providing technical leadership, training, documentation, and operational support to both contractor and government teams. The ideal candidate will bring deep Cisco networking expertise, strong knowledge of DoD and commercial information assurance tools, and the ability to plan, troubleshoot, brief, and execute complex network engineering initiatives in CONUS and OCONUS mission environments.

Responsibilities

• Design LAN, CAN, WAN data, voice, and video architecture.
• Configure and implement internal, external, and service provider routing protocols including Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS).
• Analyze networking metrics and recognize sub-par network performance.
• Develop reports and trend analysis documentation on bandwidth and network security incidents.
• Troubleshoot network intrusion devices specific to the Department of Defense and commercial information assurance tools to ensure proper design and integration.
• Administer advanced Cisco network products such as VoIP and other advanced technologies.
• Serve as an on-shift training representative for both contractors and government personnel, covering Cisco switches and routers, hardware troubleshooting, LAN technologies, and OS used on deployed networks.
• Perform analysis for collaboration of network/system needs and participate in planning, designing, upgrading, and deployment of enterprise datacenter hardware and software using a project-based timeline.
• Provide general IT management, networking, and LAN/WAN enterprise support.
• Provide general operations and maintenance (O&M) as required.
• Provide documentation and reports support.
• Support meetings and briefings.
• Provide functional training support.
• Support OCONUS deployment/TDY travel and CONUS TDY as required.

Requirements

• B.S. in a related field and 5+ years of relevant IT experience (preferred), or 7+ years of relevant IT experience.
• Firewall experience and knowledge of network threats.
• Skill in providing feedback to enhance future collection and analysis.
• Experience with installation of Microsoft Windows Server in host and compute environments, including server images.
• Experience implementing storage solutions, high availability, Domain Name Systems (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), network connectivity, remote access solutions, core and distributed network solutions, and advanced network infrastructure.
• Experience maintaining and monitoring server environments.

Qualifications

• CCNP certification (required).
• ITIL Foundation certification (candidate has up to 60 days to acquire).
• TS/SCI clearance (required).