Network Engineer

First Soft Solutions LLC; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

First Soft Solutions LLC is seeking an experienced Network Engineer Level 2 to design, implement, and support a large-scale federal network environment in Baltimore, MD. The role emphasizes hands-on Cisco technology, ISE, VPN, and security-focused networking across multiple data centers and numerous remote sites.

The ideal candidate holds a CCNP or equivalent, 3+ years in enterprise networking, and the ability to obtain Public Trust clearance. U.S.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• 3–5 years with a Master's degree or equivalent.
• CCNP or equivalent Cisco certification required.
• Strong hands-on experience implementing Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
• 3+ years in enterprise networking configuring routing and switching.
• Experience supporting multi-site enterprise environments with data centers and remote locations.
• U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain Public Trust clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, implement, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure.
• Support Cisco technologies including Nexus, ASR, ISE, VPN, NAC, wireless, routing, and switching.
• Optimize network performance, reliability, security, and capacity.
• Validate designs and identify security or infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Develop and implement network risk-mitigation strategies.
• Provide advanced Layer 3 troubleshooting and operational support.
• Monitor performance and resolve complex connectivity issues.
• Coordinate with vendors and stakeholders; mentor network team.

Skills

Network engineering

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Cisco ISE

Nexus switches

VPN

Job description

Industry: Federal / Government

Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Required

Clearance: Must be able to obtain Public Trust Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer Level 2 to design, implement, maintain, and support large-scale enterprise network infrastructure within a federal environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies, routing and switching, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), VPN, network access control, and enterprise network security. The position will also provide advanced troubleshooting, network optimization, implementation support, and technical guidance for large distributed environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, implement, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure.
• Support Cisco technologies including Nexus, ASR, ISE, VPN, NAC, wireless, routing, and switching.
• Optimize network performance, reliability, availability, security, and capacity.
• Validate network designs and identify security or infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Develop and implement network risk-mitigation strategies.
• Provide advanced Layer 3 network troubleshooting and operational support.
• Monitor network performance and resolve complex connectivity and infrastructure issues.
• Support large-scale and nationwide network upgrades, migrations, and deployments.
• Develop technical documentation, operating procedures, and network SOPs.
• Evaluate emerging networking technologies and recommend implementation strategies.
• Coordinate with vendors, technical teams, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to network engineering team members.
• Communicate network issues, project status, and technical recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Required Qualifications

• 5 8 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 3 5 years with a Master's degree, or equivalent advanced education/experience.
• CCNP or equivalent Cisco professional-level certification required.
• Strong hands-on experience implementing and configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
• Minimum 3 years of enterprise networking experience configuring routing protocols and switching.
• Experience supporting medium-to-large enterprise environments consisting of multiple data centers and hundreds or thousands of remote locations.
• Strong understanding of network security, access control, routing, switching, and enterprise network architecture.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a Public Trust clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recently passed the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) written examination.
• 2+ years of Python scripting experience, including Regular Expressions.
• 3+ years implementing Cisco ISE in large, multi-data-center enterprise environments.
• 3+ years deploying Cisco VPN technologies, including Cisco ASA.
• Experience supporting Cisco Wireless LAN environments across multiple offices or large campuses.
• Strong knowledge of physical networking infrastructure, cabling, wired networks, wireless networks, and associated network equipment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact directly with customers, management, vendors, and technical teams.