Network Engineer

Talentify; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

By Light Professional IT Services LLC in Germantown, MD seeks a Network Engineer I to design, deploy, and maintain a small-scale local network infrastructure, focusing on uptime, security, and operational readiness. You will configure systems, develop deployment strategies, and create user documentation.

This on-site role requires hands-on experience with Layer2/L3 networking and support for radio and satellite telecommunications equipment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of networking experience.
• Design simple local area networks (LANs).
• Solid grasp of IP routing, OSI model, TCP/IP stacks, and network security principles.
• Familiarity with DNS, DHCP, NAT, and OSPF/BGP routing.

Responsibilities

• Design localized network topologies, IP addressing schemes, and subnet structures.
• Plan wireless network layouts (RF coverage) and access point placement.
• Select appropriate hardware models (routers, switches, firewalls) that match operational requirements.
• Draft high-quality network design documentation, logical/physical topology maps, and deployment checklists.
• Assist in routine maintenance and troubleshooting on RF systems and related equipment.

Skills

Networking

LAN design

IP routing

TCP/IP

Network security

DNS/DHCP

OSPF/BGP

Tools

Routers

Switches

Firewalls

Job description

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Network Engineer I to design, deploy and maintain a small scale local network infrastructure supporting network continuity of operations. This role is responsible for system configurations, deployment strategy, developing and maintaining user documentation, developing and maintaining readiness checklist, monitoring system performance, and identifying and resolving technical issues to ensure high system uptime and security. The primary responsibility of this position is the ongoing support, maintenance and operation of Layer2/Layer network equipment. Additionally, this position will support the operation and maintenance of radio and satellite telecommunications equipment.

This position is on-site at Germantown, MD and does not allow for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Network Responsibilities:
  • Design localized network topologies, IP addressing schemes, and subnet structures.
  • Plan wireless network layouts (RF coverage) and access point placement to maximize signal strength and minimize interference.
  • Select appropriate hardware models (routers, switches, firewalls) that match operational requirements.
  • Draft high-quality network design documentation, logical/physical topology maps, and deployment checklists.
• Telecommunications Responsibilities:
  • Assist in routine maintenance and troubleshooting on radio frequency (RF) radio systems.
  • Assist in maintaining associated support equipment, including antennas, amplifiers, power supplies, and cables.
  • Assist in the reliability of RF systems (HF, VHF, UHF, Starlink, Iridium) for secure and non-secure communication.
  • Assist in maintaining unclassified and classified telephone systems, ensuring they are operational and secure.
  • Assist in the maintenance and support of all related hardware and software components.

Required Experience/Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of networking experience is required.
• Proven ability to design simple local area networks (LANs).
• Solid grasp of fundamental IP routing, the OSI model, TCP/IP stacks, and common network security principles.
• Familiarity with network services and protocols like DNS, DHCP, NAT, and basic OSPF/BGP routing.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Familiarity with Radio Frequency.
• Familiarity in unclassified and classified communication systems and associated equipment.
• Familiarity of telecommunications services, including secure and non-secure phone systems, VoIP, fax, data networks, video teleconferencing, and satellite (Iridium/Starlink) communications.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

• Active Top Secret with SCI or SCI eligible or Q Clearance .

Salary Range

Salary Minimum: $90,000

Salary Maximum: $140,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Physical Demands

• Ability to handle telecommunications deployment kits in transit cases that could total 60 pounds each.