Cisco Network Engineer

Socket.dev; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 101,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

10% retirement contribution

Parental leave

20 days paid time off

Relocation reimbursement

PSFL eligibility

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

IDA is seeking an experienced IT professional to design, administer, and maintain multi-network systems with focus on data, voice, and video telecommunication networks. You will solve complex problems, mentor junior staff, and ensure security and operational excellence under extended hours if needed.

The role requires deep Cisco experience, project leadership, and the ability to work under stringent directives while pursuing ongoing IT improvements and a robust documentation culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field with at least six years of IT experience including three years in network administration.
• Advanced knowledge in IP-based network design, administration, and support, preferably Cisco.
• Experience with Cisco Nexus NX-OS, Cisco VoIP, and components ASAs firewalls and network hardening, as well as mastery of Cisco command line configuration preferred.
• Current relevant certifications such as CCNP and CCDP are preferred.
• Must be organized, self-motivated and able to work with low to moderate supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form and with all levels of employees; possess good interpersonal skills.
• Project management experience desired.
• Must be willing to work hours outside of a regular schedule.
• Position requires ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI security clearance with Lifestyle Polygraph. Current TS/SCI with Lifestyle Polygraph clearance preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOW 8570 IAT II certification.

Responsibilities

• Manages the implementation of IT technology initiatives. Provides formal project management documentation and partners with junior staff to ensure the successful deployment and transition of operational support to junior administrators.
• Conducts systems analyses and research to develop integration plans for new systems and software in order to ensure compatibility with the current IT infrastructure and changing technologies. Builds new networks to design specifications.
• Ensures all systems meet or exceed the business and security requirements in accordance with IDA, DOW, NSA, DISA and DSS directives and guidelines.
• Mentor junior staff on work assignments to ensure project schedules are maintained.
• Prepares technical documentation, to include standard operating procedures and processes.
• Develops resolutions to a diverse range of complex problems. Coordinates resources to resolve problems when necessary.
• Administers and maintains the classified and unclassified networks and telecommunication systems to ensure optimum performance, availability, security and functionality.
• Maintains technical proficiency in new IT technologies; keeps abreast of industry trends, and makes recommendations to improve or advance services and system performance.
• Communicates all computer network, system and service problems and outages immediately to the appropriate supervisors and/or Managers.
• Responds to critical after hours support issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Network administration

IP-based networks

Security policy

Project management

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

8+ years IT experience with network administration (high school diploma route)

Tools

Cisco Nexus NX-OS

Cisco VoIP

ASA firewalls

VLAN configuration

Job description

Summary Statement:

With low to moderate supervision, this position designs, administers, and maintains multiple data, voice, and video telecommunication networks, systems and software. The incumbent is a seasoned professional, able to solve a diverse range of complex problems within their function. Responsibilities include maintaining systems functionality, availability, security, and performance, as well as scheduling, planning, and execution of system deployments and upgrades. Manages program and project implementations that make a significant contribution to the directorate’s goals and objectives. Partners with Lead Network Engineers when multiple technologies are deployed. Mentor junior IT staff on systems integration and operations, ensuring system compatibility and configuration standards are maintained. Ensures adherence to IT best practices and corporate IT practices and security policy. Due to the nature of this position, and the requirement for extended coverage, this position may be required to work hours outside of a regular schedule.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manages the implementation of IT technology initiatives. Provides formal project management documentation and partners with junior staff to ensure the successful deployment and transition of operational support to junior administrators.
• Conducts systems analyses and research to develop integration plans for new systems and software in order to ensure compatibility with the current IT infrastructure and changing technologies. Builds new networks to design specifications.
• Ensures all systems meet or exceed the business and security requirements in accordance with IDA, DOW, NSA, DISA and DSS directives and guidelines.
• Mentor junior staff on work assignments to ensure project schedules are maintained.
• Prepares technical documentation, to include standard operating procedures and processes.
• Develops resolutions to a diverse range of complex problems. Coordinates resources to resolve problems when necessary.
• Administers and maintains the classified and unclassified networks and telecommunication systems to ensure optimum performance, availability, security and functionality.
• Maintains technical proficiency in new IT technologies; keeps abreast of industry trends, and makes recommendations to improve or advance services and system performance.
• Communicates all computer network, system and service problems and outages immediately to the appropriate supervisors and/or Managers.
• Responds to critical after hours support issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or related field coupled with six years minimum experience in Information Technology, which includes at least three years in network administration OR high school diploma with eight years minimum experience in Information Technology, which includes at least four years in network administration.
• Possess advanced knowledge in IP-based network and telecommunication system design, administration, and support, preferably Cisco.
• Experience with Cisco Nexus platforms and NX-OS, Cisco VoIP, and components ASAs firewalls and network hardening, as well as mastery of Cisco command line configuration preferred.
• Experience with switch image/code updates, backup/restore of configurations, VLAN configuration to include 802.1Q, configuring and troubleshooting Access Control Lists strongly preferred.
• Current relevant certifications such as CCNP and CCDP are preferred.
• Must be organized, self-motivated and able to work with low to moderate supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form and with all levels of employees; possess good interpersonal skills.
• Project management experience desired.
• Must be willing to work hours outside of a regular schedule.
• Position requires ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI security clearance with Lifestyle Polygraph. Current TS/SCI with Lifestyle Polygraph clearance preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOW 8570 IAT II certification.
  

Why Work at IDA?

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, parental leave, 20 days paid time off (which increases with tenure), and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.

Compensation:

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is$100,556-$160,890. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.