Network Engineer – Cisco and Juniper / ISP & Fiber Optics

Rippling, Inc.; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Broadband Connect LLC is seeking a Network Engineer with 3+ years of experience in ISP environments to design, deploy, and maintain high-availability networks using Cisco and Juniper gear, including fiber optic infrastructure. The role emphasizes troubleshooting Layer 2/3 and supporting day-to-day service delivery.

The candidate will manage WAN/LAN circuits, VPNs, QoS, and carrier interconnects while collaborating with NOC and field teams to ensure SLA adherence and reliable operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years as a Cisco/Juniper network engineer in ISP or carrier environments.
• Strong knowledge of BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, STP.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain Cisco/Juniper routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Monitor and optimize network performance; troubleshoot BGP/OSPF/MPLS and IP routing.
• Support fiber optic infrastructure; interpret OTDR/loss measurements and coordinate repairs.

Skills

Cisco

Juniper

Network engineering

BGP/OSPF/EIGRP

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT or related field

Tools

IOS IOS-XE IOS-XR

OTDR testing

Job description

Network Engineer – Cisco and Juniper / ISP & Fiber Optics

About Broadband Connect LLC

Broadband Connect LLC is a certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Minority Business Enterprise (MBE); with a management team that has more than four decades of technology systems experience; operating telecommunications, Information Technology (IT), fixed‑wireless networks, data centers and computer facilities; and designing, installing, operating and maintaining inside plant fiber/copper/coaxial cable infrastructures; broadband and telephone systems for municipalities, school systems, State, commercial and Government clients throughout the United States. We have provided cable technician training services for individuals, businesses, workforce agencies, and a community college. We also offer a full range of Information Technology services for small to mid-size businesses and government agencies. All our solutions are custom‑tailored to our clients’ specific needs and budget.

About the Role

We are seeking a Network Engineer with 3+ years of experience in networking, ISP (Internet Service Provider) environments, and fiber optic infrastructure. The ideal candidate will design, deploy, and maintain high‑availability networks, troubleshoot complex Layer 2/3 and optical issues, and support the day‑to‑day operations of our service delivery infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain Cisco and Juniper routers, switches, and firewalls in ISP and enterprise environments.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize network performance, including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and IP routing/switching.
• Support fiber optic infrastructure: troubleshoot physical layer issues, interpret OTDR/loss measurements, and coordinate with field teams on link provisioning and repairs.
• Manage WAN/LAN circuits, VPNs (IPSec/Dynamic), VLANs, QoS, and carrier interconnects.
• Perform root cause analysis on network incidents, elevate to vendors/carriers as needed, document resolutions.
• Maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams (Visio/Draw.io), and configuration backups.
• Assist in capacity planning, upgrades, and migrations (e.g. IOS/IOS-XE/IOS-XR, ASR/Catalyst/Nexus platforms).
• Collaborate with NOC/operations teams to ensure SLA compliance and minimize downtime.
• Implement and enforce network security best practices (ACLs, NAC, firewall policies).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience as a Cisco or Juniper network engineer.
• Proven experience in an ISP, carrier, or service provider environment.
• Strong knowledge of Cisco and Juniper routing/switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, STP).
• Familiarity with fiber optic technologies: single mode/multi‑mode, DWDM/CWDM, SONET/SDH, OTDR testing, and optical power budgets.
• Experience with Cisco IOS, IOS‑XE, and/or IOS‑XR platforms.
• Experience with Juniper Junos software platforms
• Ability to troubleshoot Layer 2/3 issues independently.
• Valid driver’s license (if field work is required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with network automation tools (Python, Ansible, Terraform).
• Familiarity with network monitoring platforms (SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios, Cisco Prime/DNA Center).
• Experience with carrier‑grade equipment (Juniper, Nokia, Cisco) is a plus.
• Understanding of VoIP/SIP trunking or telecom services.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work under pressure during outages and escalat appropriately.
• Team-oriented with a proactive, ownership mindset.
• Competitive salary based on experience.