Lead Network Engineer - Washington DC, Phila, Wilmington, Chicago

Amtrak; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 104,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

401K with Employer Match

Paid Time Off

Rail Pass Privileges

Job summary

Amtrak in Washington, DC is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to design, implement, and oversee network solutions across multiple sites, including Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Chicago. This senior role guides architecture, supports daily IT operations in a 24/7 environment, and collaborates with project managers, product owners, and stakeholders to deliver reliable network services.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s in a technical field with 6+ years of experience, deep Cisco

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 6+ years of engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise networking platforms (Cisco).
• Experience with routing/switching protocols (OSPF, BGP, VLANs, STP).
• Experience configuring and supporting enterprise Wi‑Fi networks.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and evaluate existing systems and networks; propose solutions.
• Coordinate and resolve escalated support issues from senior staff.
• Provide technical guidance across business functions for process improvements.
• Advise project/program managers with technical consultation on work assignments.
• Assess and monitor key technical aspects of programs and services.
• Review proposed designs and approve additional efforts.

Skills

Network engineering

Cisco networking

Wireless technology

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Cisco Meraki Dashboard

GitHub

Python

PowerShell

Ekahau / NetAlly / AirMagnet

Job description

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Lead Network Engineer - Washington DC, Phila, Wilmington, Chicago

Date: Sep 12, 2026

Location: Washington, DC, US, 20002 Philadelphia, PA, US, 19104 Wilmington, DE, US, 19801 Chicago, IL, US, 60606

Company: Amtrak

Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

Job Summary

The Digital Lead Engineer is a senior-level technical expert who plays a critical role in shaping solution design, guiding engineering execution, and ensuring architectural compliance across multiple teams or domains. As a Lead Digital Engineer, the individual serves as a key technical leader who blends deep domain expertise with the ability to influence engineering direction, align cross-functional teams, and ensure high-quality operational outcomes.

The position will be responsible for supporting daily Network IT operations, including end-user and customer support in a 24/7 operational environment. Works with Project managers to support the process flow, delivery and execution of all Network Services projects. Support the resolution of all issues related to these systems.

Essential Functions

• Troubleshoot and evaluate existing systems, applications, and networks, proposing solutions against decision criteria.
• Coordinate and resolve escalated support issues from senior personnel or service providers, providing technical guidance.
• Offer technical expertise across business functions, identifying opportunities for process improvement through technology.
• Provides project/program managers, product owners, and stakeholders with technical consultation and advice, enabling quick responses to inquiries related to work assignments.
• Provides technical analysis to help define, assess, and monitor key technical aspects of programs, projects, or services.
• Reviews proposed designs at key milestones and approves additional efforts.
• Lead efforts to troubleshoot networks to identify errors or deficiencies.
• Leads the resolution of support issues escalated by senior operations, development personnel or service provider personnel.
• Identifies opportunities to improve network resiliency and redundancy via new technologies.
• Evaluates, tests, recommends, and implements specific network solutions (e.g., Software-Defined Networking).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and 6+ years of engineering experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of enterprise networking platforms (e.g., Cisco).
• Demonstrated technical knowledge in the areas of Network Performance Optimization, Network Access and IP Management, Wireless and Mobile Technologies.
• Hands‑on experience with routing and switching protocols including OSPF, BGP, VLANs, and STP.
• Experience configuring and supporting enterprise Wi‑Fi networks.
• Ability to troubleshoot wireless client and performance issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or advanced study in engineering or architecture.
• Plus 9 years of relevant work experience in Network Infrastructure & other related IT areas
• Experience with Cisco Meraki Dashboard, including configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of wireless and network infrastructure
• Cisco Certifications (e.g., CCNA)
• Experience using Git-based version control systems (e.g., GitHub) for managing network configurations, scripts, and documentation.
• Experience writing and maintaining scripts using Python or PowerShell to automate network tasks and operational workflows.
• Hands‑on use of Wi‑Fi assessment/survey tools (e.g., Ekahau, NetAlly/AirMagnet, Hamina).
• Understanding of RF fundamentals (RSSI, SNR, interference, channel planning).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; collaborative team player; self‑motivated
• Advanced knowledge of relevant technologies, systems, and methodologies; stays updated on emerging trends
• Skilled in analyzing complex technical issues, making sound decisions, and implementing effective problem resolution strategies

The salary/hourly range is $103,700.00 – $134,460.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo‑pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short‑term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

Health and Wellbeing Financial and Retirement Work and Family Life Support

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401K with Employer Match Generous Paid Time Off

Wellness Programs Railroad Retirement Benefits Paid Caregiving Days and Backup Care

Health Savings Account Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Fertility and Family Building Benefits

No‑cost Personal Health Advocate Student Loan Assistance Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance

Medical Plan Opt‑out Credit Tuition and Education Reimbursement Paid Family Leave

Life Insurance Rail Pass Privileges

Short- and Long‑term Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program

No‑cost Financial Advisor Sessions Commuter and Flexible Spending Accounts

Requisition ID:167025

Work Arrangement:06‑Onsite 4/5 Days
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%

You power our progress through your performance.

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.

Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre‑employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre‑employment drug screen.

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical,