Senior Network Engineer

Location: Fairfax, VA | Reports to: Engineering Technical Lead

About the Role

This position is part of a team supporting an aerial surveillance system for a Department of Defense customer. The Senior Network Engineer provides technical expertise, support, maintenance, repair, and upgrades within a 24/7 mission‑support environment. The role requires deep experience in enterprise networking (modern Cisco platforms, multicast video transport, and virtualized network environments), the ability to troubleshoot complex issues under operational pressure, and participation in system design, integration, and continuous‑improvement efforts. The engineer works closely with program leadership, system engineers, and operational stakeholders to ensure resilient, low‑latency, and secure network performance across classified and unclassified environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive solutions using enterprise‑class routing, switching, and application services for the client.
• Implement, design, and operate Government network solutions and infrastructure.
• Assist in managing secure DoD networks and provide continuous support for mission‑ready classified/unclassified servers and systems.
• Design, implement, and sustain enterprise network solutions supporting mission‑critical C2 and surveillance systems.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Cisco‑based infrastructure, including Catalyst 9400 (core/distribution), Catalyst 8300 (edge/SD‑WAN), Cisco Firepower 1120/1150 ASA platforms, and Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC).
• Engineer and maintain multicast‑enabled networks supporting real‑time video distribution (e.g., PIM, IGMP, QoS tuning for video streams).
• Support secure DoD network operations across classified and unclassified environments, ensuring compliance with IA/STIG/EMSEC requirements.
• Provide engineering support and analysis of system requirements related to networked system and component infrastructure.
• When required, conduct analysis, research, recommendations, and procurement of hardware/software systems.
• Support the development of system design documents, configuration drawings, operator’s guides, maintenance and training manuals, and system administrator manuals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent, or comparable work experience.
• Minimum 6 years of experience (or 4 years with a graduate degree) in networking (switches and routers), TCP/IP routing protocols, and current Linux administration.
• CCNP Security certification.
• Current U.S. DoD Secret‑level clearance.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP networking, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP), and network design principles.
• Experience with multicast networking (PIM, IGMP) and video transport over IP networks.
• Experience with virtualized network environments (e.g., VMware, virtual switching, network segmentation).
• Experience capturing, analyzing, and translating system performance trends to create new requirements for moderately to highly complex systems.
• Experience estimating, tracking, managing, and reporting technical, schedule, and risk performance for assigned projects.
• Ability to analyze information and complex issues using critical thinking, logic, and reasoning.
• Strong demonstrated teamwork capabilities and a record of project success.
• Experience multitasking in an environment with multiple competing deadlines.
• Ability to provide 24/7 rapid response to critical system issues as needed.
• Linux Red Hat experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Pay

Full‑Time Salary Range: $86,000 – $160,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision health coverage
• Basic life insurance with AD&D
• Short‑term and long‑term disability
• Ancillary voluntary coverage (life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
• Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, DCFSA)
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) with automatic company contribution
• Tuition reimbursement
• Parental, pregnancy, and military leaves
• Potential annual bonus