> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2626831-lead-network-engineer-i](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2626831-lead-network-engineer-i). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Network Engineer I - **Company:** the Trace - **Location:** Scott Air Force Base, IL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $90,000.0 - $115,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Network Operating System (NOS), Cyber Security, Information Systems, System Configuration, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Network Security, Network Planning and Design, Network Monitoring, Software Engineering, Wide Area Networks, Network Routers, Computer Network Operations, Information Technology, SolarWinds (Software), Tools for Reporting, Splunk, Cisco, Servicenow - **Published:** August 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.jofdav.com/jobs/59185744-lead-network-engineer-i ## About the Role * Active, in-scope US Government issued Top Secret clearance (minimum); higher-level eligibility may be required based on assigned access. * Due to the nature of the work and contract requirements, US Citizenship is required. * Candidates must meet the applicable DoD 8140 qualification requirements for the assigned work role. DoD 8140 Work Role(s): 441 Network Operations Specialist, Proficiency Level: Advanced; and may qualify through education, military training, certifications, or a combination thereof. * Qualifying credentials include a Masters or Ph.D degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity or Data Science or Information Systems or Information Technology or Software Engineering or completion of relevant military communications or network training. * Qualifying certifications may include SecurityX / CASP+, CCNA, CCNP Security, CCSP, GCED, GCIA, GCLD, GDSA, GFACT or other DoD 8140-approved certifications. Higher proficiency-level or equivalent DoD 8140-approved certifications applicable to the assigned work role may also be accepted. * Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel. * Ability to work in a secure DoD environment and comply with applicable Air Force, installation, and program security requirements. * 5+ years of network engineering or administration experience supporting enterprise LAN/WAN environments. * Current Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of employment. * DoD-approved IA baseline certification commensurate with the position, or ability to obtain it within six months. * Hands-on experience with routers, switches, network monitoring, troubleshooting, and DISA STIG implementation. ## Description Trace Systems is seeking a Lead Network Engineer I to provide Tier III network engineering and operational support for the EACN environment at Scott AFB. The engineer will lead hands-on configuration, troubleshooting, monitoring, security compliance, and infrastructure lifecycle activities for classified and unclassified networks. The project associated with this position is currently in the proposal stage. * Lead configuration, implementation, and support of LAN/WAN infrastructure, network operating systems, and computer data exchange requirements. * Identify and resolve network performance issues; troubleshoot, repair or replace, configure, monitor, and upgrade EACN equipment and systems. * Support replacement of end-of-life hardware and software and execute approved installation, transition, and cutover activities. * Review installation progress for accuracy, adherence to network design, and conformance with telecommunications standards. * Configure and maintain network security, monitoring, and analytics tools such as ServiceNow, SolarWinds, and Splunk. * Lead execution and documentation of USCYBERCOM, DISA, and Air Force tasking orders and STIG requirements. * Ensure security changes are validated in the test environment before implementation on operational networks. * Provide forecasts, trend analysis, resource-planning input, compliance status, and technical guidance to Government engineers and the ISSM. In accordance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the following pay scale and benefits information is being provided as required for positions subject to Illinois pay transparency requirements., * Experience supporting Air Force networks, EACN, A2G2, network operations centers, or classified network environments. * Experience with SolarWinds, Splunk, ServiceNow, Cisco platforms, and security-compliance reporting. * Prior military service or experience supporting Department of Defense or U.S. Air Force customers. * Experience supporting mission-essential communications in distributed, multi-site environments. ## 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) - [Applying Agile Principles to Incident Management ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/101-applying-agile-principles-to-incident-management) - [Our journey with Spring Boot in a microservice architecture](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/511-our-journey-with-spring-boot-in-a-microservice-architecture) - [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) - [Computer Vision from the Edge to the Cloud done easy](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/263-computer-vision-from-the-edge-to-the-cloud-done-easy) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology) - [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market)