Sr. Network Engineer

Astrion is seeking a highly experienced Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, secure, and maintain mission-critical network infrastructures supporting Department of Defense/Department of War (DoD/DoW) environments.

About the role

This full-time, onsite position in Columbia, MD requires an Active Top Secret security clearance (TS/SCI preferred). The role involves working with Cisco and Fortinet technologies within classified networks, ensuring compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF), DoD STIG, and Cross Domain/Comply-to-Connect (C2C) requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain secure network architectures using Cisco (routing/switching, ISE) and Fortinet (FortiGate) solutions
• Design, implement, and maintain 802.1x compliance platform
• Engineer and support classified and unclassified network environments (e.g., MDA CNET, NIPR, SIPR, JWICS as applicable)
• Ensure compliance with DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and cybersecurity policies
• Implement and maintain Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) and Comply-to-Connect (C2C) architectures
• Perform network hardening, vulnerability remediation, and continuous monitoring in accordance with RMF controls
• Develop and maintain network documentation, diagrams, SOPs, and security artifacts
• Support Authority to Operate (ATO) processes, including STIG checklists, POA&Ms, and risk assessments
• Troubleshoot complex network and security issues across multi-vendor environments
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, systems engineering, and mission stakeholders to ensure secure, reliable operations
• Support audits, inspections, and compliance validation activities

Requirements

• Active Top Secret security clearance (TS/SCI preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in Network Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of experience in network engineering within Department of Defense/Department of War (DoD/DoW) or classified environments
• Deep expertise in:
  • Cisco routing & switching (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, MPLS)
  • Fortinet solutions (FortiGate, FortiOS, VPNs, security fabric)
• Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining DISA STIG compliance
• Hands-on experience with C2C / Cross Domain architectures and security controls
• Strong understanding of:
  • RMF (Risk Management Framework)
  • DISA security requirements and accreditation processes
  • DCSA Accreditation Standards
• Active DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570) compliant industry certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP, etc.)
• Active DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570) compliant environment certification (e.g., minimum Cisco CCNP)
• Experience with:
  • Network automation (Python, Ansible)
  • Zero Trust architectures
  • SIEM integration and log analysis
  • NetFlow monitoring

Skills

• Advanced network design and troubleshooting
• Security hardening and compliance enforcement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to operate in high-security, mission-critical environments

Preferred Qualifications

• CCIE (Enterprise or Security)
• Fortinet NSE 4-7 certifications
• Project Management Experience
• Experience briefing Executive Leadership
• Prior experience supporting Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) programs
• Experience with cloud-based DoD environments (e.g., Azure Government, Azure Secret)

Pay

$145k - $165k