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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Network Engineer - CONUS - **Company:** ValidaTek, Inc. - **Location:** Columbia, SC, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Wireless LAN, Active Directory, Border Gateway Protocol, Health Informatics, Configuration Management, Complex Networks, Computer Networks, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Domain Name System (DNS), Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol, Hypertext Transfer Protocols (HTTP), Intrusion Detection Systems, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Multi-protocol Systems, OSI Models, Network Security, Network Troubleshooting, Network Architecture, Network Monitoring, Routing, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Performance Tuning, Ansible, Zero Trust Network Access, Simple Network Management Protocols, TCP/IP, Computer Network Operations, Reliability of Systems, Firewalls (Computer Science), SolarWinds (Software), Cisco - **Published:** July 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9026534/lead-network-engineer-conus ## About the Role * 8+ years of supporting complex network engineering experience and a Bachelor's degree in IT, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) * Must possess active CCNP and CISSP certifications * Experience supporting DoD Health Care Information Systems - highly preferred * Extensive experience with enterprise network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, SNMP, HTTP/S, etc.) * Deep expertise in routing, switching, and multi-protocol network environments * Experience with Cisco technologies, Windows networks, and Active Directory * Proficiency with network monitoring, diagnostics, and automation tools * Knowledge of network security principles and Zero Trust architecture (preferred) * Experience supporting DoD healthcare systems * Strong written and verbal communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences * Ability to support multiple sites, including potential travel to CONUS/OCONUS locations * Capable of operating independently and leading complex technical initiatives Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, geographic location, contract affordability, internal equity, education, and certifications. The upper end of the salary range may be reserved for individuals who have demonstrated tenure with the company, seniority, and proven excellent performance. This includes factors such as education, certifications, and extensive/unique experience beyond what is required. ## Description The Senior Network Engineer serves as a key technical leader supporting the Defense Health Agency (DHA) mission, ensuring the performance, security, and reliability of enterprise LAN/WLAN/WAN infrastructure across CONUS and global medical treatment facilities. * Serve as the primary network Subject Matter Expert (SME) and global (swap regional for 'global' for Pacific and Europe) point of contact for network operations, troubleshooting, and configuration management * Design, implement, configure, and maintain complex LAN/WLAN/WAN environments supporting DHA systems * Diagnose and resolve advanced network issues across all layers of the OSI model using tools such as SolarWinds, ARMIS, and Ansible * Lead network engineering efforts, collaborating with government stakeholders, contractors, and technical teams * Implement and maintain network security solutions including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems * Develop and enforce network standards, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with DoD and DHA requirements * Provide performance tuning, optimization, and recommendations to improve network reliability and minimize downtime * Support routing and switching protocols including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and enterprise-level network architectures * Document configurations, changes, and standards; communicate status and solutions to stakeholders ## Related Videos - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) - [Dev & Test in the Cloud? Deploy your cloud environments with Ansible & Terraform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1607-dev-test-in-the-cloud-deploy-your-cloud-environments-with-ansible-terraform) - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [Your Infrastructure Is Not a Playground: AI Agents for Infra Done Right](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2084-your-infrastructure-is-not-a-playground-ai-agents-for-infra-done-right) - [Embracing the Hybrid Cloud: Unlocking Success with Ansible](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/932-embracing-the-hybrid-cloud-unlocking-success-with-ansible) - [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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