Principal Network Engineer

Grow, innovate, and generate progress: Harness your expertise to solve challenges and celebrate success! Job Summary JCS Solutions is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to lead the engineering, deployment, modernization, and sustainment of a large-scale enterprise wireless network supporting a Department of Defense environment. This role serves as a technical leader responsible for wireless architecture, RF engineering, secure network access, performance optimization, troubleshooting, and operational transition activities. The successful candidate will provide expertise across Aruba wireless technologies, Aruba Central On-Premises, Aruba ClearPass, Cisco ISE integration, certificate-based authentication, enterprise wireless security, and large-scale wireless deployments. The engineer will work closely with network, cybersecurity, identity management, and operations teams to deliver highly secure, reliable, and scalable wireless services. This position requires strong technical leadership, hands-on engineering capabilities, and the ability to support mission-critical enterprise networking environments while communicating effectively with technical teams, program leadership, and government stakeholders. Location: Ft. Meade, MD Clearance: Secret Salary: $104,000.00 - $149,000.00 What’s in it for you: Join a premier technology firm specializing in innovative solutions. Be part of a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work culture. Enjoy tremendous growth potential in a high-performing team environment. A robust benefits package:Health, dental, and vision insurance Life insurance Short-and-long term disability Paid time off (PTO) 401k retirement plan with employer match Annual Professional Development Reimbursement Program And more! What you will do: Wireless Architecture and Deployment Design, deploy, configure, and optimize enterprise Aruba wireless infrastructure, including access points, gateways, controllers, management platforms, redundancy solutions, and lifecycle upgradesEngineer and sustain Aruba Central On-Premises and Aruba AOS 10 environments, including provisioning workflows, high availability configurations, and enterprise configuration standardsLead RF design efforts, site surveys, channel planning, power optimization, capacity analysis, roaming optimization, and wireless quality-of-service initiatives supporting mission-critical applicationsSupport enterprise wireless modernization efforts across geographically distributed locations Network Access Control and Security Integrate Aruba ClearPass and Cisco ISE using 802.1X/EAP-TLS, RADIUS, certificate-based authentication, endpoint profiling, and Comply-to-Connect policiesEngineer wireless security controls including WPA3, network segmentation, WIDS/WIPS, secure guest access, and approved cryptographic configurationsCoordinate with cybersecurity teams to support DoD security controls, STIG compliance, vulnerability remediation, testing, and accreditation activitiesIntegration, Troubleshooting, and LeadershipIntegrate wireless services with wired switching, routing, VLANs, firewalls, DNS, DHCP, identity systems, and enterprise monitoring platformsLead troubleshooting and root cause analysis efforts involving RF performance, wireless client connectivity, roaming issues, authentication failures, certificate services, and network performance degradationProvide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teamsReview engineering designs, implementation plans, technical risks, and operational impactsPlan and execute engineering changes, technology upgrades, testing activities, deployment waves, and operational handoffsCommunicate technical recommendations and risks to program leadership and government stakeholders Documentation Develop and maintain wireless architecture documentationCreate RF designs, implementation plans, test plans, site survey reports, troubleshooting guides, standard operating procedures, security designs, and transition documentationMaintain accurate engineering documentation and operational baselines. What you will bring: Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience or Master's degree with 10+ years of relevant experienceAdditional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degreeActive DoD Secret security clearanceActive DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II certificationSignificant hands-on experience designing, deploying, and troubleshooting enterprise wireless networks across multiple locationsStrong experience with Aruba wireless technologies, including Aruba access points, gateways/controllers, Aruba Central, and related management platformsStrong knowledge of 802.11 wireless networking and RF engineering principlesExperience with wireless coverage analysis, interference mitigation, capacity planning, roaming optimization, and performance troubleshootingExperience implementing enterprise wireless authentication and access control solutionsExperience with 802.1X, RADIUS, certificate-based authentication, and Aruba ClearPass or comparable network access control solutionsWorking knowledge of TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, switching, firewalls, and network segmentationExperience leading technical implementations and deployment activitiesExperience troubleshooting complex enterprise networking issuesExperience developing engineering documentation and technical operational proceduresStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to collaborate effectively with technical teams, customers, and government stakeholders How you will wow us: Aruba Professional or Aruba Expert certificationsRelevant Cisco networking certificationsRelevant cybersecurity certificationsExperience with Aruba AOS 10 environmentsExperience supporting large-scale Aruba Central On-Premises deploymentsExperience supporting distributed Aruba ClearPass clustersExperience implementing FIPS-compliant configurationsExperience supporting Cisco ISE coexistence and migration effortsExperience supporting phased Comply-to-Connect implementationsExperience with Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 technologiesExperience conducting high-density RF surveysExperience optimizing wireless voice roaming performanceExperience using wireless survey tools such as Ekahau or AirMagnetExperience implementing and managing WIDS/WIPS capabilitiesExperience supporting guest wireless access separation and WPA3 securityExperience supporting DoD STIG and RMF compliance requirementsExperience working with REST APIs, SNMPv3, wireless telemetry, and enterprise monitoring platformsExperience using Python, Ansible, or similar automation platformsExperience supporting large-scale DoD, federal, or classified network environments JCS Solutions (JCS) is a premier technology firm providing innovative solutions and high-quality services in defense, national security, and civilian sectors. JCS offers enterprise-wide solutions including cloud computing, software development, cybersecurity, digital modernization, and management consulting for the federal government. At JCS, we elevate our customers’ mission through the application of technology and professional services. Our commitment to investing in our workforce drives innovation and progress for our clients, employees, and communities. JCS is both a Great Place to Work and a Top Places to Work certified company. Our employees embody our core values, and we are looking for others who do too! Customer Experience: Strive for excellence and delight our clients Innovation: Embrace creative thinking to enable continual growth and powerful solutions Accountability: Take ownership of and pride in our actions and service delivery Inspire: Be inspired to be your best self and have fun in the process Integrity: Do the right thing, the right way, every time! Stewardship: The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to our care. At JCS Solutions, compensation is based on a number of factors such as location, qualifications, and applicable contract terms. The general salary range for this position is as follows: $104,000.00 - $149,000.00 Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. NOTICE: Please be aware that all JCS Solutions communications related to job interviews and offers from our recruiting team will only come from @JCSSolutions.com. We want to emphasize that we do not conduct any interviews over Discord, Slack, Skype, Zoom, or any chat app. Powered by JazzHR j8QgOmDsad