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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Network Communications/Principal Network Communications - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Rolling Meadows, IL, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $79,600.0 - $119,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** IEEE 802.1X, JIRA, Automation of Tests, Border Gateway Protocol, Profiling, Information Systems, Computer Networks, System Configuration, Networking Hardware, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Multi-protocol Systems, Python (Programming Language), Nagios, NetFlow, Network Planning and Design, Routing, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Windows PowerShell, Ansible, SAP (Applications), Security Information and Event Management, Simple Network Management Protocols, Syslog, Systems Integration, Virtual Local Area Networks, Wide Area Networks, Network Routers, Identity Services Engine, Firewalls (Computer Science), Computer Equipment, SolarWinds (Software), National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), TACACS+ Protocol, Splunk, Cisco, Servicenow - **Published:** October 28, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/3FB631C11F52407EB72E9A230071DC3C/job/ ## About the Role * Master's degree with 0 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 2 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree with 4 years of relevant experience; a High School diploma (or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree., * Master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant experience; or an Associate's degree with 7 years of relevant experience; a High School diploma (or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree., * Applicants must have an active U.S. Government Secret level security clearance (at a minimum), to include a closed investigation date completed within the last 6 years, or must be enrolled in the U.S. Government Continuous Evaluation Program (CEP) in order to be considered; the required security clearance must be maintained as a condition of continued employment. * Experience designing and maintaining LAN/WAN based networks, managing routing protocols on large LAN environments, and experience with routers, switches, and firewalls. * Experience configuring and managing Palo Alto firewalls and Panorama, including device groups, templates, and policies, per established guidelines. * Experience with RADIUS and TACACS+ integrations on Cisco ISE. * Experience building and tuning SolarWinds Orion, Splunk, SNMP, NetFlow, and Syslog monitoring and alerting tools. * Experience applying DISA STIGs and leading patching efforts for network devices. * Current Security+CE certification (Level 2) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification (Level 3) or equivalent; the required certification must be maintained as a condition of continued employment., * Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering. * Active Top Secret or SCI clearance, SAP/SAR access, or Polygraph. * Knowledge of NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments. * Experience with the configuration, operation, and troubleshooting of Cisco ISE policy, including 802.1x, MAB, posture, and profiling, across the enterprise. * Experience with the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of advanced WAN protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS) and complex telco circuits. * Experience with designing, building, and testing automation for configuration, compliance, and patching using Python, Ansible, or PowerShell. * Experience configuring TACLANEs. * Experience with the Assessment & Authorization processes. ## Description The responsibilities of this role will include but not be limited to the following: * Perform Principal Network Communications activities in support of classified government contracts. * Maintain operations of LAN/WAN/VPNs and encryption technologies * Plan, design, configure, and implement small to medium scale LAN/WAN solutions that meet mission-requirements. * Lead the configuration, testing, and roll-out of routing/switching platforms and security appliances. * Contribute to proposing technical network design solutions to management. * Conduct capacity planning, performance forecasting, and present recommendations to program managers. * Develop and maintain enterprise-wide network standards, policies, and documentation, to ensure security compliance. * Resolve incidents (WAN failures, security events, etc.) within expected tolerances, coordinating cross functionally with teams as needed. * Coordinate third-party maintenance for network equipment. * Provide second-level support resolution of technical problems and answer queries by telephone in support of internal customers' computer hardware, software, network, and telecommunications systems. * Perform work independently, seeking strategic guidance from senior staff when needed. * Lead customer engagements, define requirements, develop implementation schedules, and oversee delivery. * Implement and troubleshoot LAN/WAN technologies such as VLANs, trunking (port tagging), and spanning-tree and protocols. * Support environments by means of ticketing requirements systems (ServiceNow, JIRA, etc.). * Raise issues that require senior level attention and/or involvement. * Lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds. * Work after hours and weekends, as needed.