Senior Network Engineer

About the Role

Soft Tech Consulting is seeking a highly motivated, self-directed individual to fill the role of Senior Network Engineer for an existing government client. The place of performance for this contract is in Alexandria, VA. The Senior Network Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the stable operation and efficient performance of data networks; monitoring and managing all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, and encryptors; analyzing network performance across the organization's LANs and WANs; and identifying and developing remedies for network performance bottlenecks. The Senior Network Engineer shall have a solid working knowledge of network security measures, experience with network management and analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain robust network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, and VPN environments.
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and optimize network resources to minimize downtime.
• Implement and manage network security solutions, including firewalls, access controls, and intrusion prevention systems.
• Design, configure, troubleshoot, and expand IP address schemas for enterprise WAN/LAN networks.
• Configure, administer, and maintain Juniper MX routers, SRX firewalls, and QFX switches.
• Perform detailed network engineering to optimize enterprise network topologies and develop design documentation.
• Analyze network and communication issues and provide technical solutions to ensure reliable operations.
• Recommend, plan, and implement network improvements, upgrades, and repairs.
• Perform firmware upgrades, patch management, and routine maintenance to maintain network reliability and security.
• Develop functional, system, and technical requirements based on operational and architectural needs.
• Evaluate technology alternatives and provide recommendations in support of modernization initiatives.
• Provide expert analysis and guidance on network architecture, system design, and technical feasibility.
• Create and maintain network documentation, including topology diagrams, IP addressing plans, and firewall rule sets.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, systems, and application teams to ensure integrated enterprise operations.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and service providers to support network products and services.
• Develop and maintain network administration, acceptable use, and disaster recovery policies and procedures.
• Serve as a technical lead and subject matter expert for network operations and engineering activities.
• Manage daily network team activities, support issue resolution, maintain on-call schedules, and ensure documentation accuracy.
• Plan, coordinate, execute, monitor, and complete network infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Must have 7+ years of Network Engineering experience.
• Must obtain a Juniper certification within 6 months of employment.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, and OSPF.
• Experience with firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS).
• Strong communication and written skills.
• Minimum Interim Secret clearance required with an upgrade to Top Secret.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently and support other team members in performing their respective operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in the field of computer science or other IT related discipline is preferred.
• Certifications: Juniper Networks Certified Specialist: Enterprise Routing and Switching (JNCIS-ENT), Juniper Network Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE) OR the Cisco equivalent Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE).
• Proficiency with Juniper routers (MX), switches (EX), and firewalls (SRX).
• Knowledge of Juniper's operating system (Junos OS) for network device management.
• At least two years' experience supervising small technical teams comprised of at least 6 staff members is preferred.
• Experience with Juniper network solutions is preferred.

Benefits

Soft Tech offers competitive benefits in the areas of: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, PTO, and Paid Holidays.

Pay

125-150k/yr., dependent upon the candidate's skills, experience, certifications and education as it pertains to this specific position.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.