Senior Network Administrator

About the role

The Field Intelligence Operations Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a skilled and motivated Enterprise-level Senior Network Engineer to support the management and maintenance of our classified network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining computer networks including VPNs, routers, and other physical hardware and devices.
• Installing and configuring network equipment.
• Manage firewalls and update data security and encryptor systems.
• Configure, troubleshoot and patch datacenter infrastructure, including but not limited to: Palo Alto, Cisco, Windows and Linux systems.
• Monitoring computer systems to improve network performance for all systems.
• Troubleshooting, resolving, and communicating networking issues.
• Implementing disaster recovery procedures.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining network related documents and procedures that ensure the successful execution, monitoring of the network.
• Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science, in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field with at least eight (8) years of network administration work.
• Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Strong communications skills, with the ability to successfully interact with IT peers, Network Engineers and architects.
• Collaborate with DOE-IN, sponsors, inter- and intra-management, departments and other key stakeholders to identify end-user requirements and specifications.
• Extensive experience automating and managing network configurations across enterprise-scale, multi-vendor environments, including infrastructure from Juniper, Cisco, and Palo Alto.
• Expert delivery to streamline deployment, enforce configuration standards, and support advanced networking solutions such as SD-WAN and zero-touch provisioning to ensure efficient and secure network operations.
• Proven aptitude to analyze and interpret user feedback to drive strategic enhancements in enterprise network systems and associated software, ensuring performance, scalability, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to consult with senior leadership to develop and align network and infrastructure strategies with enterprise objectives, with a focus on driving IT modernization through automation initiatives that improve scalability, reduce manual overhead, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Developing technical documentation to guide future network development projects and overall continuity of effort.
• Thorough understanding of network and routing protocols including, but not limited to, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, OSPF, SMTP, NFS.
• Knowledge of network security practices, including firewalls, VPNs, and secure access protocols.
• Familiarity with government security standards and regulations (e.g., NIST, DISA STIGs) related to classified networks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DOE, DOD, ICD, and FISMA regulatory requirements is highly desirable.
• TEMPEST training and certification, as well as COMSEC experience, are highly desirable.
• Familiar Cisco Nexus switch architecture, routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF Cisco VoIP and Video environment.
• Cisco certification, such as CCNA or CCNP, is preferred.
• Familiar with firewall security e.g. NIST.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the enterprise.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Serve as a mentor to peer or junior network administrators.

Special Requirements

• Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.