Principal Network Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Clearance: Active Top Secret with ability to obtain SCI. US citizenship required.

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer to support a large, complex enterprise network of more than 8,000 devices. You will provide senior-level technical expertise, execute upgrades and enhancements, strengthen network security, and lead troubleshooting efforts across diverse technologies. This position requires on-site support at the Pentagon.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject-matter expert in routing, switching, and network performance.
• Implement system improvements and advise leadership and clients.
• Support daily monitoring, troubleshooting, and incident resolution.
• Deploy and maintain network hardware and configurations.
• Collaborate with Security teams on vulnerability remediation.
• Develop automation scripts to improve efficiency.
• Lead technical efforts across multiple projects and mentor junior staff.
• Provide comprehensive network administration, security enhancements, and remediation for devices such as routers, switches, load balancers, VPNs, 802.11 Wireless, and VoIP.
• Develop, deploy, and integrate network security services following best practices.

Requirements

• Active Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain SCI.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. An additional 4 years of experience may be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Current IAT Level II certification.
• Current CCNA, CCNP, ACSA, or related technical certification.
• 8+ years of related experience.
• Extensive experience with Cisco and Juniper, SDN, L2/L3 protocols, DNS/DHCP/IPAM/NTP, firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and vulnerability remediation.
• Proficiency with tools such as SolarWinds, NetScout, NetCool, NetBrain, Infovista, ClearPass, Aruba, and Arista.
• Strong CLI configuration, hardware troubleshooting, scripting, and remote-access support skills.
• Experience supporting DOD, DISA, or JSP Network environments.

Skills

• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Technical writing expertise.
• Drive for innovation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts.
• 401(k) plan with company match and the ability to contribute both pre- and post-tax dollars up to IRS annual limits.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, personal time, holidays, parental, military, bereavement, and jury duty leave.
• Short- and long-term disability benefits, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness, and business travel and accident insurance.
• AI-powered career tool for identifying career steps and learning opportunities.
• Internal mobility team focused on career growth.
• Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace.

Pay

The likely salary range for this position is $127,500 - $172,500. Salary will be set based on experience, geographic location, and possibly contractual requirements.

Schedule

• Scheduled weekly hours: 40
• Travel required: Less than 10%
• Telecommuting options: Onsite
• Work location: USA VA Arlington