Data Center Network Engineer

KaylaTek, Inc.; Westphalia (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Job summary

KaylaTek seeks a highly skilled Data Center Network Engineer to support unclassified and classified enterprise networks for AFNCR operations at Joint Base Andrews, MD. You will deploy, configure, and maintain core data center gear, enabling secure, mission-critical communications for the Air Force region.

The role requires a DoD Secret clearance, DoD 8140 IAT II/III, CCNA/CCNP, and hands-on experience with Cisco switches/routers, DNA Center, ISE, and encryption devices.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 5+ years on secure networks.
• DoD 8140 IAT Level II/III and CCNA/CCNP Enterprise certification required.

Responsibilities

• Manage, deploy, configure, and maintain core data center hardware (switches/routers).
• Maintain rack layouts, port maps, and asset-tracking databases.
• Use DNA Center and ISE for policy enforcement and device profiling.
• Configure Cisco Nexus switches and F5 LTM/GTM.
• Administer RSA Authentication Manager for MFA across enclaves.
• Monitor performance with SNMP-based tools (Cacti).
• Install and support TACLANE HAIPE encryption units.
• Develop SOPs aligned with DoD directives.
• Coordinate with 26 NOS and DISA for outages/resolution.

Skills

DoD Secret clearance

Cisco platform expertise

DNA Center & ISE administration

SNMP monitoring (Cacti)

Network security hardening (STIGs)

Python/Ansible automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT/Engineering

Tools

Cisco DNA Center

Cisco ISE

F5 LTM/GTM

RSA Authentication Manager

TACLANE HAIPE

DISA STIGs

Cacti

Nexus switches

Job description

KaylaTek Overview

Come join our growing team with a 21st Century Vision! At KaylaTek, we understand that the key to our success is the quality of the people we employ. Our focus is not just on jobs, but on building and enhancing your career through ongoing professional development, training, and high quality of life. Our team members choose KaylaTek for a number of reasons including our competitive compensation and benefit packages, dedication to education, as well as our outstanding service. Our Grow Strong Vision encompasses a place for employees to grow, learn and feel a sense of belonging, not just a place to work.

Employee Benefit Offerings

Medical, Dental, Vision, Dependent Care FSA, HSA, 401(k) with company matching, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life and AD and D Insurance, Paid Time Off, 11 Paid Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Professional Development Program, Referral Bonuses, Military Support and much more.

Job Site: Joint Base Andrews, MD - 100% on site

Shift Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Day-Shift; core support hours are 0600 -1800. This is a 24/7/365 support environment; off-hours response/support may be required, however only standard M-F core hours working time for current position.

Certifications Required: Must meet DoD 8140 IAT Level II or III baseline certification requirements; Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) OR Cisco CCNP Enterprise. CompTIA Security+ CE optional.

Security Clearance: Active DOD Secret Clearance required (no interims accepted)

Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and disciplined Data Center Network Engineer to support both unclassified and classified enterprise network infrastructure in direct support of Air Force National Capital Region (AFNCR) operations.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Manage, deploy, configure, and maintain core data center hardware, including switches, routers, and high-performance server network interfaces.
• Maintain comprehensive physical infrastructure documentation, including precise rack layouts, detailed port maps, and highly accurate physical asset tracking databases.
• Employ and manage enterprise-level network systems, utilizing Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly Cisco DNA Center) and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for policy enforcement, device profiling, and automated access control.
• Configure and manage Cisco Nexus Series switches.
• Configure and manage F5 Load Balancers (LTM/GTM) to guarantee application high availability and administer RSA Authentication Manager to support multi-factor authentication (MFA) across secure enclaves.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and overall environmental health using Cacti network monitoring and other SNMP-based telemetry tools.
• Deploy and troubleshoot multicast-based Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platforms over the enterprise LAN.
• Install, key, configure, and support TACLANE (e.g., KG-175D, KGV-72) and other High-Assurance IP Encryptors (HAIPEs) to secure sensitive data-in-transit across classified and unclassified networks.
• Implement and enforce physical and logical cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, databases, and network boundaries in accordance with DoD regulations.
• Develop, update, and maintain detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for data center operations, ensuring strict alignment with military directives, safety, and environmental protocols.
• Act as the technical point of contact with higher-level support units, such as the 26th Network Operations Squadron (26th NOS) and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), ensuring rapid coordination and resolution during network outages or degraded performance periods.
• Draft, coordinate, and process Authorized Service Interruptions (ASIs) as directed by leadership, ensuring appropriate risk mitigation and stakeholder notification.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering and facility stakeholders to schedule and execute preventative hardware maintenance and routine system-wide upgrades with minimal operational disruption.
• Proactively identify single-points-of-failure and mitigate operational reliability risks to guarantee maximum network uptime and mission stability.
• Participate in disaster recovery (DR) planning, complete routine system backups, and execute logical and physical system restoration processes.
• Support a continuous, mission-critical operational standby and on-call rotation schedule to resolve emergent tier-3 technical issues during off‑hours.

Required Technical Skills

• Must possess an active DoD Secret clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent technical military/civilian experience (typically 5+ years of hands‑on network engineering experience in secure environments).
• Must meet DoD 8140 IAT Level II or III baseline certification requirements; Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) OR Cisco CCNP Enterprise. CompTIA Security+ CE optional.
• Proven experience configuring and troubleshooting enterprise-grade switches and routers (specifically Cisco platforms).
• Hands‑on administration of Cisco Catalyst Center (DNA Center), Cisco ISE, and F5 Local/Global Traffic Managers.
• Experience with RSA Authentication Manager database administration and user agent configuration.
• Direct experience configuring, keying, and troubleshooting TACLANE HAIPE encryption units.
• Proficiency knowledge of DISA STIGs for network devices and appliances.
• Familiarity with SNMP monitoring protocols, Cacti, and multicast routing protocols (e.g., PIM, IGMP snooping) for IPTV systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of IPv6 to include configuration and common notation/nomenclature.
• Proficiency in Python and Ansible for network automation.
• Familiarity with Cisco SD‑WAN and Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI).
• Experience working in air‑gapped and/or classified network environments (e.g., SIPRNet) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Air Force, Pentagon, and/or AFNCR environments.
• Experienced working at the Pentagon, Joint Base Andrews (JBA), and Joint Base Anacostia‑Bolling (JBAB).

MUST BE A US CITIZEN

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

KaylaTek is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

E-VERIFY AND BACKGROUND CHECKS

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. KaylaTek participates in the DHS e-Verify program. KaylaTek also conducts a background check on all candidates post offer though PROScreening LLC.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form (I-9) upon hire. KaylaTek participates in the DHS e-Verify program. KaylaTek also conducts background checks (criminal, education, prior employment and professional certifications/licensing) on all candidates post offer though PROScreening LLC.

The Air Force National Capital Regional (AFNCR) IT Services Contract also requires pre-employment drug testing and annual drug testing for all hires to work on contract with the Air Force. This is at no cost the candidate/employee