Cisco Network Engineer

Institute for Defense Analyses; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 101,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Relocation reimbursement

PSFL eligibility

Job summary

The Institute for Defense Analyses in Bowie, MD seeks a senior IT Network Engineer to design, administer, and maintain data, voice, and video telecom networks and related software. The role involves solving complex problems, ensuring security, availability, and performance, and planning system deployments and upgrades.

Responsibilities include project management, mentoring junior staff, documenting procedures, and maintaining both classified and unclassified networks in line with directives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or related field with at least six years in IT including three years in network administration.
• Advanced knowledge of IP-based network design, administration, and support, preferably Cisco.
• Experience with Cisco Nexus platforms/NX-OS, Cisco VoIP, ASA firewalls, and network hardening; Cisco CLI mastery preferred.
• Experience with switch image/code updates, backup/restore configurations, VLANs including 802.1Q, ACLs.
• Current relevant certifications such as CCNP and CCDP preferred.
• Must be organized, self-motivated, able to work with low to moderate supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and speaking; good interpersonal skills.
• Project management experience desired.
• Must be willing to work hours outside a regular schedule.
• Ability to obtain/maintain TS/SCI with Lifestyle Polygraph clearance; TS/SCI preferred.
• Ability to obtain/maintain DOD 8570 IAT II certification.

Responsibilities

• Manages IT technology initiatives and provides project management documentation; mentors junior staff for deployment and support.
• Conducts systems analyses and develops integration plans for new systems and software.
• Ensures systems meet business and security requirements per directives and guidelines.
• Mentors junior staff to keep project schedules on track.
• Prepares technical documentation including SOPs and processes.
• Develops resolutions to complex problems; coordinates resources to resolve issues.
• Administers classified and unclassified networks to ensure performance, availability, and security.
• Maintains proficiency in new IT technologies and recommends improvements.
• Communicates outages and problems to supervisors; responds to after-hours issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

IP-based networks

Cisco NX-OS

Cisco VoIP

Network hardening

Cisco CLI

Project management

Education

B.S. in Computer Science or related field

High school diploma + 8 years IT/Network experience

Tools

Cisco NX-OS

Cisco CLI

ASA firewall 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.

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.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/compliance-assistance/self-id-forms-video