Classified IT Network Engineer (SM)

RAND Corporation; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Sabbatical pay

Paid time-off

Retirement plan

Job summary

RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA, seeks a Regular Classified IT Network Engineer to design and support classified and unclassified networks, including SIPRNET and Cloud-based solutions. This full-time onsite role requires DoD/IC experience, strong SME leadership, and the ability to mentor SCO staff.

Required are a HS diploma or GED with 8–12 years of relevant DoD/IC experience, plus professional certifications like CCNA and Security+.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing, implementing, and supporting classified and unclassified networks.
• Experience with DoD/IC environments and security controls is required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance or eligibility is required for the role.

Responsibilities

• Provide SME-level design and support for data, voice, LAN/WAN, and cloud environments.
• Lead small-to-medium projects and coordinate with SCO, IS, and cybersecurity teams.
• Perform patching, STIG applications, and compliance activities per DoD guidance.
• Develop network diagrams and provide Tier 1–3 support for classified networks.
• Prepare for government inspections and assist in secure network operations.

Skills

LAN/WAN

Cloud

Network troubleshooting

Security clearance

Team leadership

Education

BS/BA in related discipline

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

Cisco CCNA

Microsoft 365

Azure Cloud

Linux (RHEL)

Job description

Job Type: Regular Classified IT Network Engineer The Classified IT Network Engineer works as an integral part of the Security & Classified Operations team to engineer networks and infrastructure services in the RAND classified environments, including SIPRNET, TS/SCI/SAP, and unclassified environments as needed. Provide strategic technical expertise and leadership in anticipating and recommending emerging technologies for classified network technologies, including the use of Classified Cloud based technology. Possess both expert-level knowledge and a breadth of experience and skill sets to develop comprehensive solutions and process improvements. Work independently, collaborate and engage with other experts in developing solutions and resolving problems. Assess technical concepts; determine applicability to the classified environment, test and implement technologies, and pass on to technical users.

Duties and Responsibilities

May perform any or all the following duties:

• Provide expertise (SME) in day-to-day work for data, voice, LAN/WAN, Cloud and AV environments for Classified and unclassified network environments as needed.
• Collaborate regularly with S&CO Systems Administration team and the Information Systems Security Managers on compliance and technical matters.
• Work routine vulnerability patching and STIG application, continuous monitoring, national policies, CORA, DAPM, ICD-503, CNSSI 1253, JSIG.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and systems teams; comply with DoD 8140 Investigate, troubleshoot and resolve network-related issues, working closely with S&CO and IS technical personnel.
• SME support, troubleshoot network issues, lead small-to-medium projects, design tactical solutions, support classified network operations.
• Provides support and escalation for complex technical issues; Provides Tier 1–3 support; develops network diagrams.
• Prepare for and participate in government inspections of classified technical environment for all RAND sites.
• Partner with IS Networking resources on compliance, maintenance, and project workloads.
• Based on user or company needs, evaluate and recommend enhanced network hardware and software systems/technologies and network designs for maximum functionality, security, and efficiency.
• Provide classified LAN/WAN/WLAN Cloud efficiency analysis.
• Perform as an exclusive network SME resource and provide training and expertise and mentoring to various SCO staff in relation to network voice or data applications and systems.
• Remain current with emerging technologies, maintaining professional relationships with relevant colleagues and attending occasional technology conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• BS/BA in a related discipline preferred.
• Equivalent experience may substitute for a degree.

Experience

• Candidates with a high school diploma or GED must have a minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant experience supporting classified network systems.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline must have a minimum of eight (8) years of experience supporting classified network systems.
• Extensive experience in classified, DoD, Intelligence Community, or secure enterprise IT environments, along with current professional certifications (e.g., Security+, CASP, COMSEC, or equivalent), may be considered as a full substitute for a degree from an accredited university or college recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Certifications

• Current Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent network certification.
• Security+. CCNP Enterprise preferred.

Required Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Extensive experience working in a role supporting classified planning, design, implementation, administration, and troubleshooting of LAN/WAN/WLAN and cloud solutions for classified, DoD, Intelligence Community, or secure enterprise IT environments.
• Team player with experience leading classified technical projects and solving problems.
• Familiarity with any technology that aligns with future operations strategy is a plus; Microsoft M365, Azure cloud, DoD Classified Environments, SD-WAN, IaaS/PaaS, datacenter to cloud transition, Cisco DNA, routers, ISE, BGP, OSPF; SD-WAN; IaaS/PaaS; datacenter-to-cloud.
• Thorough understanding of the Cybersecurity lifecycle model involving continuance monitoring.
• Significant knowledge of the concepts involving DoD and IC classified cyber infrastructures.
• Experience implementing requirements identified in the national policies as they relate to classified processing.
• Experience with the Cyber Operational Readiness Requirements Assessment requirements along with DAPM, ICD-503 and CNSSI 1253 the JSIG manual and patch management regulations.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and systems teams and comply with DoD 8140 requirements.
• Working knowledge of Linux, particularly RHEL 8/9, preferred.

Security Clearance

Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. Active CI polygraph required.

Location

Santa Monica, CA This is a full-time, 100% onsite position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional on-call and after-hours support may be required based on business needs.

Travel

This position requires up to 25% travel to other RAND sites.

Salary

Salary:$120,900-$184,500 RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatical pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND has approximately 1,750 people working in offices in the United States, Europe, and Australia, with annual revenues of $470 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. RAND's reputation is built on quality and objectivity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth with challenging assignments. As collaboration in interdisciplinary teams is an essential operating principle at RAND, we hire highly qualified talent and empower our people to do their best work by fostering a culture in which different views, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected, and staff have a sense of belonging with their colleagues, fair access to opportunities, and feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day. As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment, we welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity. RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.