Senior Computer Network Specialist

About the Role

The Senior Computer Network Support Specialist is a highly experienced technical lead responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and high-level support of the enterprise network infrastructure. As a subject matter expert, this individual ensures the reliability, security, and performance of all network systems, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless components. The Senior Specialist serves as the final escalation point for complex and critical network issues that exceed the capabilities of junior staff. They lead network-related projects, provide technical mentorship, and optimize the network architecture to meet evolving mission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the final escalation point for diagnosing and resolving complex network outages, performance degradation, and intermittent connectivity issues.
• Utilize advanced network monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., packet sniffers, protocol analyzers, SIEMs) to perform root cause analysis of persistent network problems.
• Lead technical resolution bridges during major network incidents, coordinating with other IT teams and service providers to restore service.
• Install, configure, and maintain advanced network hardware, including core switches, edge routers, and next-generation firewalls.
• Manage the network infrastructure, including the implementation and modification of VLANs, Access Control Lists (ACLs), routing protocols (e.g., OSPF), and Quality of Service (QoS) policies.
• Lead the planning and execution of network infrastructure projects, such as equipment upgrades, new site build-outs, or technology refreshes.
• Implement and maintain security configurations on all network devices in accordance with DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and other security mandates.
• Perform and analyze vulnerability scans of the network infrastructure, and lead the remediation efforts for identified vulnerabilities.
• Manage and audit firewall rulesets, ensuring they enforce the organization's security policies while allowing for necessary business operations.
• Provide technical leadership, on-the-job training, and mentorship to junior and journeyman network technicians.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including up-to-date network diagrams, device configuration standards, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Review and approve network change plans proposed by junior team members.

Requirements

• A minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive, hands-on experience in network support or network administration.
• At least three (3) years of this experience must be in a senior or lead role, with responsibility for leading network projects and mentoring other technicians.
• Must possess a current certification that meets DoD 8140 requirements for IAT Level II or IAT Level III:
  • Required: CompTIA Security+ CE (for IAT II)
  • Desired: CASP+ CE or CISSP (for IAT III)
• Must be able to acquire and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Skills

• Expert-level knowledge of IP routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP) and Layer 2 switching technologies (e.g., VLANs, Spanning Tree).
• In-depth, hands-on experience with configuring and managing enterprise-grade network hardware (Cisco preferred).
• Strong proficiency with firewall administration and network security principles.
• Proficiency with network monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure during critical incidents.