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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Network Engineer - NMS and Automation (w/ active Secret) - **Company:** Critical Solutions - **Location:** Norfolk, VA, United States - **Salary:** $87,000.0 - $112,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Secure Shell (SSH), Access Control List, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Data Analysis, Bash Shell, Cloud Computing, Configuration Management Databases, Configuration Management, Collaborative Software, Databases, Data Integration, Data Loss, Linux, DevOps, File Systems, Memory Management, Internet Control Message Protocol, Python (Programming Language), Network Security, Linux Kernel, Logical Volume Manager, McAfee VirusScan, NetFlow, Network Architecture, Network Monitoring, Routing, Packet Analyzer, Network Protocols, HP OpenView, Performance Tuning, Windows PowerShell, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ansible, Simple Network Management Protocols, Syslog, Systems Integration, Tcpdump, Technical Data Management Systems, Software Vulnerability Management, YAML, Data Logging, Scripting, Mttr, Juniper, SC Clearance, Kubernetes, Information Technology, OpenText, Performance Monitor, TACACS+ Protocol, Open Network Automation Platform, Cisco Switches, Cisco, User Administration, Servicenow - **Published:** September 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=e2e7dd37e7e02672 ## About the Role * Active Secret clearance * Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, Network Engineering, or an equivalent technical field. * OS Specialization: Hands-on experience administering RHEL 8 environments (RHCSA or RHCE certifications preferred). * Core Linux Skills: Advanced knowledge of systemd, system logging (rsyslog, journald), and native RHEL troubleshooting utilities (top, iotop, netstat, tcpdump). * Protocols: Deep knowledge of networking protocols including SNMP (v3), Syslog, SSH, ICMP, NetFlow, and TACACS+/RADIUS. * Automation: Proficiency in Ansible and scripting languages (Python, Bash) to run configuration infrastructure as code * Core Technical Skills * + Network Engineering: Functional understanding of advanced multivendor routing and switching network environments. (Cisco, Arista, Brocade, Juniper, McAfee and others) + Network Security: Functional understanding of enterprise firewalls and robust Access Control Lists (ACLs). + Infrastructure Administration: Comprehensive lifecycle management and administration of diverse network nodes. * Automation & DevOps * + Network Scripting: Proficiency in modern scripting languages like Python, PowerShell and YAML for network task automation. + Infrastructure as Code: Proficiency in Ansible playbook development, testing, and deployment. + Network Automation: Hands-on experience with network nodes configuration management and automated provisioning. + Automated Policy Management: Ability to design and deploy automated policy enforcement mechanisms across network infrastructure. + Network Management Systems (NMS) & Operations + NMS Administration: Expert-level administration, configuration, and end-to-end support of complex Network Management Systems like, Cisco Catalyst Center, OpenText Network Automation (NA), OpenText Network Node Manager (NNMi), and Arista CloudVision. + Linux & Container Infrastructure: Hands-on RedHat 8 administration, support, and Kubernetes orchestration for modern NMS deployments. + Performance Optimization: Continuous monitoring and proactive tuning of network nodes for peak performance. * Analytical & Leadership Skills * + Advanced Problem Solving: Deep analysis of complex, ambiguous technical situations to drive root-cause resolution. + Executive Communication: Synthesis of complex technical data into concise, high-level summaries for executive decision-making. + Collaboration & Communication + Cross-Regional Collaboration: Proven experience working effectively with distributed, cross-functional teams located across the United States. + Remote Team Synergy: Skill in utilizing modern collaboration tools to bridge geographical gaps and maintain project alignment. + Workplace Adaptability: Demonstrated reliability and productivity managing a flexible 40-hour workweek schedule., CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Must possess an active DoD Secret Clearance. In addition, selected candidate must undergo background investigation (BI) and finger printing by the federal agency and successfully pass the preceding to qualify for the position. US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED. ## Description Critical Solutions is seeking a Network Engineer - Network Management Systems (NMS) and Automation to support our federal customer. The NMS team member must possess expert command of the monitoring ecosystem, leveraging specific tools to deliver core organizational advantages: * Functional Domain Tool Mechanics / Features Business & Operational Benefits Fault & Performance Monitoring * Continuous SNMP/ICMP polling * Real-time alerting mechanisms * Synthetics & packet analysis * Minimizes MTTR: Faster root-cause isolation lowers Mean Time to Resolution. * Reduces Downtime: High-availability metrics prevent outages before they cascade * Configuration & Change Control * * Automated backups of device configs * Real-time configuration drift detection * Mass configuration deployments * Ensures Compliance: Restores safe baseline settings rapidly during bad changes. * Secures Network: Flashes alerts on unauthorized or rogue configuration alterations. * Traffic Analytics & Planning * NetFlow / sFlow / IPFIX collection * Historical data trending charts * Dynamic topology mapping * Cost Optimization: Validates bandwidth usage patterns for smarter capacity planning. * Uncovers Bottlenecks: pinpoints bandwidth hogs and abnormal traffic spikes., + Operating System (OS) Lifecycle Management: Provision, configure, and maintain RHEL 8 servers hosting the core NMS applications across physical, virtual, and air-gapped environments. + Kernel & Performance Tuning: Optimize Linux kernel parameters, memory allocation, and storage subsystems to handle massive telemetry and configuration data intake (SNMP, NetFlow, Syslog, SSH, SCP) without data loss. + Patching & Vulnerability Mitigation: Leverage Red Hat Satellite or custom repositories to manage package rollouts, applying routine security errata and OS updates. + Automation & IaC: Write and maintain Ansible playbooks and other language scripts to automate server provisioning, user management, and repetitive operational tasks related to NMS tool objects. + Security & Compliance: Enforce security Linux policies, access rules, and STIG compliance to ensure the monitoring platform resists compromise. + Storage & File System Management: Configure and expand LVM (Logical Volume Manager) structures to manage high-write NMS databases and syslog partition scaling. * NMS Application & Tool Support * + Platform Administration: Deploy, upgrade, and troubleshoot enterprise-grade NMS applications (Open Text NNMi, Open Text Network Automation, Cisco Catalyst Center, Arista Cloud Vision, Aruba Airwave and others). + Data Integration: Architect and maintain integrations between NMS engines, CMDB asset databases, and ITSM platforms like ServiceNow via APIs. + Polling & Telemetry Management: Configure polling intervals, customize SNMP MIBs and traps, and set up NetFlow collectors to build clear network matrices. + Fault Isolation & Alerting: Construct alerting logic, thresholds, and notification profiles to minimize alert fatigue while ensuring critical outages surface instantly. ## 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) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [Reducing Cognitive Overload Through Platform Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/679-reducing-cognitive-overload-through-platform-engineering) - [CI/CD with Github Actions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/856-ci-cd-with-github-actions) - [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) - [Cyber Sleuth: Finding Hidden Connections in Cyber Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/893-cyber-sleuth-finding-hidden-connections-in-cyber-data) ## Related Articles - [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) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology)