Network Architect

Socket.dev; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

ValidaTek seeks a senior Network Engineer (SME) to support a Defense IT modernization program at Fort Belvoir, VA. You will architect CSfC networks, implement secure VPNs, and ensure NSA-compliant configurations under government leadership.

Requirements include 12+ years in DoD/federal environments, TS/SCI clearance, and DoD 8570/8140 baseline certs; hands-on with Cisco/Aruba VPNs and Palo Alto firewalls. This role offers a challenging, mission-critical environment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive network engineering experience in DoD/DoW or federal environments.
• Active TS/SCI Clearance.
• DoD 8570.01-M / DoD 8140 IAT Level II or III baseline certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CySA+, CASP+, or CISSP).
• Active Computing Environment certification (e.g., CCNP, ACCX, PCNSE).
• Experience configuring Cisco (IOS-XE/ASR) and Aruba VPNs (IPsec/SSL).
• Experience with Palo Alto PAN-OS and firewall management.

Responsibilities

• Architect and operate CSfC network & security engineering under NSA guidance.
• Design, deploy, and maintain CSfC architectures (MSC/MA/CWLAN).
• Implement BGP/OSPF and IPsec VPN tunnels across Cisco/Aruba devices.
• Configure Palo Alto NGFW policies and IDS/IPS signatures.
• Manage 802.1X with Cisco ISE and Aruba ClearPass; ensure posture assessment.

Skills

DoD network engineering

TS/SCI Clearance

IAT Level II/III

Cisco IOS-XE/ASR

Palo Alto PAN-OS

CNSA/PKI/OCSP

802.1X policy enforcement

Cisco ISE/Aruba ClearPass

CSfC architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Cisco IOS-XE

Aruba Mobility Controllers

Palo Alto Firewalls

Cisco ISE

Aruba ClearPass

Job description

Company Overview:

At ValidaTek, we modernize and optimize IT services to solve some of the most critical challenges facing federal civilian and defense agencies. From customers to partners to top-talent employees, ValidaTek puts people first, empowering them to exceed expectations and transform government organizations. Our employees are building purpose-driven careers, not just filling jobs. We bring together people with many different perspectives, experiences, and talents to drive innovation and achieve more together than we can individually.Our commitment to quality and performance optimization is the reason why our IT Service Projects and New Development Projects have been appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5, positioning us as one of a handful of elite companies to receive the highest form of third-party validation. www.validatek.com

Summary:

ValidaTek is seeking an experienced Network Engineer (SME) to join our Integrated Information Technology Support Services (I3TS) team, who will support an extensive digital modernization program critical to Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in Fort Belvoir, VA. The Network Engineer will work closely with the government technical leadership team to help drive innovation, growth, and efficiencies within the I3TS portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• The Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Network & Security Engineer will architect and operate secure, dual-layer cryptographic boundaries utilizing Cisco and Aruba IPsec/SSL VPNs and dynamic routing (BGP/OSPF) in strict compliance with NSA Capability Packages. In this role, you will author and tune Palo Alto NGFW security policies and IDS/IPS threat prevention signatures, implement enterprise network access control and 802.1X policies via Cisco ISE and Aruba ClearPass, integrate enterprise PKI/OCSP services and hardened NTP, and generate key engineering artifacts required for NSA CSfC PMO registration and compliance auditing.
• Architect, deploy, and maintain CSfC infrastructure operating within Black/Gray/Red networks.
• Design, configure, and maintain multi-layered Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) architectures in alignment with NSA Mobile Access (MA), Multi-Sight (MSC) Capability Packages, with Campus Wireless LAN (WLAN) experience a bonus. Ensure strict compliance with vendor diversity and dual-tunnel encryption mandates.
• Understanding of NIAP approved list and monitors for changes
• Design, configure, and maintain multi-layered Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) architectures in alignment with NSA Capability Packages (MSC, MA, and CWLAN). Ensure strict compliance with vendor diversity and dual-tunnel encryption mandates.
• Implement enterprise routing protocols (BGP, OSPF) alongside redundant outer and inner IPsec VPN tunnels across Cisco and Aruba appliances. Configure remote access SSL VPNs and ensure end-to-end traffic separation.
• Author, optimize, and audit Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) security policies, App-ID, User-ID, and URL filtering. Configure and tune Palo Alto IDS/IPS threat signatures, anti-spyware, and vulnerability protection.
• Architect and manage Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Aruba ClearPass policy managers for 802.1X network access control, RADIUS/TACACS+ administration, posture assessment, and endpoint profiling.
• Integrate enterprise Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) components, managing X.509 certificate lifecycles, Certificate Authorities (CAs), CRL/OCSP validation, and hardened, authenticated Network Time Protocol (NTP) infrastructure.
• Prepare CSfC compliance artifacts, Key Management Plans (KMPs), Continuous Monitoring Plans (CMPs), and registration packages for NSA CSfC PMO submission.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Engineering Management, Management Information Systems, or related STEM degree program, and 12-15 years of relevant experience. Specific experience, education and training may be considered in lieu of degree.
• 12+ years of progressive network engineering experience within DoD/DoW, federal, or defense contractor enterprise environments
• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• Active DoD 8570.01-M / DoD 8140 IAT Level II or III baseline certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CySA+, CASP+, or CISSP).
• Active Computing Environment certification, including one or more of: Cisco CCNA, CCNP, Aruba ACSA or ACSP
• Proven expertise configuring Cisco (IOS-XE/ASR) and Aruba (Mobility Controllers/Gateways) IPsec and SSL VPNs, including IKEv2, Suite B/CNSA cryptography, and dynamic routing (BGP, OSPF).
• Demonstrated engineering experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls (PAN-OS), Panorama central management, and advanced IDS/IPS inspection profiles.
• Hands-on deployment experience with both Cisco ISE and/or Aruba ClearPass implementing 802.1X, EAP-TLS authentication, and role-based access policies.
• Strong working knowledge of X.509 certificates, CA hierarchy integration, certificate revocation lists (CRLs), OCSP, and secure NTP stratum synchronization.
• Direct prior experience preparing and successfully registering NSA CSfC Capability Package solutions (Mobile Access, Multi-Site Connectivity, or Campus WLAN).
• Deep understanding of Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA) Suite requirements, post-quantum readiness considerations, and hardware security modules (HSMs).
• Familiarity with Ansible, for automating network device configuration backups, policy compliance checks, and certificate rotations.
• Certified in any of the following - Cisco CCNP/CCIE (Security or Enterprise), Palo Alto PCNSE, Aruba Certified ClearPass Expert (ACCX), or Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX).

Salary Disclosure:

Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, geographic location, contract affordability, internal equity, education, and certifications. The upper end of the salary range may be reserved for individuals who have demonstrated tenure with the company, seniority, and proven excellent performance. This includes factors such as education, certifications, and extensive/unique experience beyond what is required.

EEO Statement:

ValidaTek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to verify authorization to work in the United States. Offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a post-offer background check.