Network Engineer

Apex Systems; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Systems in Alexandria, VA, is seeking a Network Engineer to support a government client on-site. The role emphasizes securing resilient architectures for national security operations, with a focus on routing, switching, and data center networks.

Candidates must hold active TS/SCI clearance (or Top Secret with SCI eligibility), a Bachelor’s degree, Security+ and CCNP, plus hands-on experience with Cisco Catalyst/Nexus/ACI, SolarWinds, NetFlow, and Wireshark.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Active Security+ and CCNP certifications required.
• Expertise in routing and switching protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
• LAN/WAN architecture, design, and deployment experience.
• Proficiency with network monitoring tools like SolarWinds, NetFlow, and Wireshark.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable, secure voice, video, wireless, and data networks.
• Develop high‑level and low‑level network designs and deploy enterprise and data center solutions.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Apply advanced routing and switching technologies and automation to optimize networks.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Routing & switching

LAN/WAN design

Network monitoring

Firewalls & VPNs

Cisco platforms

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

SolarWinds

NetFlow

Wireshark

Cisco Catalyst

Cisco Nexus

Cisco ACI

Job description

Job#: 3042328

Job Description:

- Network Engineer

• 100% on site in Alexandria, VA

W2 ONLY- NO C2C OR PERSONAL LLCs

Apex Systems has an immediate need for a Network Engineer for a large government client of ours!!

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance or Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Active Security+ Certification and CCNP Certification
• Expertise in routing and switching protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
• Experience with LAN/WAN architecture, design, and deployment.
• Proficiency with network monitoring and performance tools (e.g., SolarWinds, NetFlow, Wireshark).
• Hands‑on experience with firewalls, VPNs, QoS, and load balancers.
• Strong background working with Cisco platforms including Catalyst, Nexus, and ACI.

Title: Network Engineer

Location(s): 100% on site in Alexandria, VA

Duration: 6 months contract to hire

Pay rate on contract: $75 - $90 per hour contingent upon experience

Pay rate upon conversion: $150,000 - $180,000 annually contingent upon experience

Job Description

An opportunity is available for a Network Engineer to support mission‑critical national security, defense operations, and infrastructure protection activities. In this role, you will contribute to challenging projects and design, secure, and maintain resilient network architectures. This work enables uninterrupted communication, real‑time data sharing, and system availability for government customers in dynamic environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross‑functional teams to design and architect scalable and secure voice, video, wireless, and data communication networks.
• Lead the development of high‑level and low‑level network designs and collaborate with teams to deploy and integrate enterprise and data center solutions.
• Operate in a fast‑paced environment, acting as a technical advisor and translating complex requirements into actionable strategies and architectures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement performance, reliability, and security improvements.
• Utilize advanced routing and switching technologies and automation tools to optimize and modernize enterprise and data center network environments.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience: 10+ years of related network engineering experience.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in routing and switching protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
• Experience with LAN/WAN architecture, design, and deployment.
• Proficiency with network monitoring and performance tools such as SolarWinds, NetFlow, and Wireshark.
• Hands‑on experience with firewalls, VPNs, QoS, and load balancers.
• Strong background with Cisco platforms including Catalyst, Nexus, and ACI.

Abilities

• Communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts.
• Ability to engage with senior leadership and influence technical and strategic decisions.
• Advanced problem‑solving and analytical skills in large, complex network environments.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple technical disciplines and operate effectively under pressure while managing competing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SDN and Cisco solutions such as Catalyst Center, ISE, and Intersight.
• Cloud networking experience with platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Network automation using Python, REST APIs, Ansible, and Terraform.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust principles and network security best practices.
• Familiarity with data center technologies including VXLAN, EVPN, and ACI.

#Clearance

#Cleared

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [email protected] or 844-463-6178.

Candidates must be able to obtain and/or maintain a Department of Defense TS/SCI clearance as a condition and continuation of employment*

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Disability
• Other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection
• Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)
• 401K program, allowing contributions within 30 days of starting, with company match after 12 months of tenure
• Health Savings Account (HSA) on the HDHP plan
• SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions
• Corporate discount savings program and other discounts
• On-demand training program
• Certification preparation access
• Library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars (available after 6+ months of tenure)
• Certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA
• Dedicated customer service team for Consultants to address benefit queries
• Certified Career Coach support

Equal Opportunity Statement

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.