Network Engineer

Our client is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to support a U.S. Air Force initiative focused on designing, deploying, and sustaining enterprise network infrastructure. This is a hands-on engineering position responsible for building network solutions from the ground up, conducting site surveys, supporting deployment activities, and providing technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle., Design, implement, and optimize complex network solutions based on customer and mission requirements.

• Develop and maintain network architecture documentation, diagrams, configuration records, and deployment plans.
• Conduct site surveys to gather technical requirements, identify constraints, and support infrastructure planning.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to procure, integrate, and deploy network hardware and software.
• Participate in onsite installation activities, including fiber cabling, Layer 1 connectivity, and network equipment deployment.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, systems engineering, and project teams to ensure solutions meet performance and security requirements.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineering personnel.

The ideal candidate will possess strong network architecture expertise, experience leading complex engineering efforts, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders., Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.

• 5+ years of hands-on network engineering experience, including experience serving in a lead or senior technical role.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale enterprise network infrastructures.
• Strong understanding of routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, and load balancing technologies.
• Experience with Layer 1 infrastructure, including fiber cabling and physical network installations.
• CompTIA Security+ certification.

Technical Skills

• Networking protocols including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP.
• Cisco networking technologies and Software Defined Networking (SDN).
• Network automation and scripting using tools such as Ansible and Python.
• Linux administration experience, including Rocky Linux and/or Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
• Network security technologies including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and VPN solutions.
• Cloud networking concepts within AWS and Azure environments.
• Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker., Master’s degree in a related technical discipline.
• Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP, CISSP, CEH, CCSP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or similar.
• Experience with virtualization technologies and network modernization initiatives.
• Experience working with pfSense environments.

Additional Information

This position supports a long-term government customer initiative. Candidates should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment that includes periodic onsite support, travel to project locations, and remote work. The selected candidate must be able to maintain clearance eligibility throughout employment.

Location: Arlington, VA Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Approximately 25% Onsite, 25% Travel, 50% Remote) Pay Rate: $70-$90/hr W2 Clearance Required: Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance., Eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package, which can include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and company-recognized holidays
• Employee assistance programs
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Certification and continuing education support, where applicable

Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on employment status and client requirements.