Senior Firewall/VPN Engineer

About the role

Linchpin Solutions is hiring a Senior Firewall/VPN Engineer to provide Tier III network engineering and SME support for enterprise firewall, VPN, DMZ, routing, switching, and network security technologies. The position requires an active DoD Secret clearance and is onsite daily.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and implement enterprise network security appliances, including firewalls, VPNs, and DMZs.
• Collaborate with Network Operations, Network Engineering, NOC, Release Management, and project teams to execute network upgrades, maintenance, integrations, performance tuning, and service improvements.
• Support Incident & Problem Management, including Tier III escalations and root cause analysis.
• Perform daily system checks, review and respond to events reflected in various management tools, and perform server patch management.
• Conduct system audit reviews and perform maintenance functions as required to ensure system health.
• Coordinate efforts with other work centers and personnel to resolve incidents or events related to systems and supporting infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain Engineering Implementation Plans (EIPs), network SOPs/TTPs, automation solutions, and technical documentation while identifying opportunities for network automation and best‑practice improvements.

Skills

General Skillset

• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both collaboratively and individually
• Critical thinking skills
• Ability to give presentations and briefings as needed

Specific Skillset

• Experience with Cross Domain Solutions or DISA Trusted Network Environment
• Experience implementing and supporting DoD secure network environments, including firewalls, encryption, network separation, VLANs, tunnels, and TACLANES
• Familiarity with Zero Trust Architecture
• Experience with ITIL practices, including change management, configuration management, and capacity planning
• Prior help desk or software experience with Jira, Remedy, or ServiceNow
• Experience with technologies such as Cisco, Juniper, FortiGate, BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, VRF, MPLS, ACLs, IPSec, and VPN solutions

Requirements

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, MIS, Business, or a related field
• ITIL Foundation certification required
• IAT Level III certification (CCNP Security, CISSP, or CASP+)

Experience Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant experience
• At least 3 years of firewall experience, including implementation, routing, protocol analysis, and troubleshooting
• Strong background in network engineering, firewall/VPN technologies, routing, network security, and troubleshooting

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-funded disability and life insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Educational assistance and parental leave

Pay

Salary range: $100,000 - $125,000 USD yearly. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant prior work experience, education and certifications, specific skills and competencies, Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, and geographic location.