Network Engineer- Expert

Cherokee Federal

Herndon (VA)

On-site

USD 159,000 - 195,000

Full time

3 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

401K

Job summary

Criterion, part of Cherokee Federal, seeks an Expert Network Engineer to design, implement, and manage complex network infrastructures for a government program. You will lead firewall deployments, GR/HA planning, and optimize performance across enterprise networks.

The role requires TS/SCI with Full Scope Poly and 11+ years of experience, with deep expertise in Cisco, Palo Alto, Netscaler, cloud, and SD-WAN. Mentoring and cross‑functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

At least 11 years of relevant network engineering experience.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred.
Experience with firewall technologies and enterprise networks.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and manage firewall solutions across Cisco, Palo Alto, and Netscaler platforms.
Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot firewall policies and rules.
Lead design and development activities for network architecture and documentation.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

Routing

Switching

Firewall technologies

Network protocols

Mentor engineers

Leadership

Cloud networking

SD-WAN

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree

Tools

Cisco

Palo Alto

Netscaler

Job description

Network Engineer - Expert

This position requires an active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph clearance. The Network Engineer – Expert is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures to ensure optimal performance, security, and scalability. This role requires deep technical expertise in routing, switching, firewalls, and network protocols, along with the ability to lead strategic initiatives, troubleshoot advanced issues, and mentor junior engineers. The expert-level engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to support enterprise-wide network solutions and maintain high availability and reliability of all network systems. We are looking for experienced Network Engineers to join our technology-based program supporting a key government customer. This program will deliver engineering services for network infrastructure as well as sophisticated enterprise computing infrastructure including end-point devices, data center hosted servers, multi-Cloud services as well as virtualized applications, and storage systems. Enterprise Computing Engineering services include modern application technology with containerized solutions and orchestrated workflow that function both on customer premises, and via remote Cloud services. Network infrastructure engineering services are comprised of core infrastructure, voice and video engineering, field engineering, application management and development for networks, network analytics, firewalls, network access controls and bandwidth service delivery. This is a fast paced, challenging, and career rewarding experience to recruit and develop and provide top talent and solutions on one of the most complex and high-profile programs within the government.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

We are actively seeking Network Engineers with a minimum of 11 years' experience. Bachelor's or Master’s Degrees are preferred in one or more of the disciplines described below where specific skills may include the following…

Compensation & Benefits

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Network Engineer - Expert: $177K

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Network Engineer - Expert Responsibilities Include

Analyzes user’s requirements, concept of operations documents, and high level system architectures to develop network requirements specifications.
Guides users in formulating requirements, advises alternative approaches, and conducts feasibility studies.
Design, implement, and manage firewall solutions utilizing Cisco, Pala Alto, and Netscaler firewall network devices
Perform configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of firewall policies and rules
Monitor network traffic for potential security threats and proactively address vulnerabilities
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure network security standards align with business objectives
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices in network security and firewall technologies
Analyzes network requirements and capacity and leads design and development activities.
Provides technical leadership for the integration of network requirements, design, and technology.
Incorporates new network plans, designs and systems into ongoing operations
Develops network architecture and network design documentation.
Guides network development and implementation planning through assessment or preparation of network engineering management plans and network integration and test plans.
Design and perform integration of new technologies into local and wide area networks
Provide advanced troubleshooting and problem resolution of complex network problems.
Manage the transition and migration of networks and development of network addressing schemes.
Interacts with the Government regarding Network Engineering technical considerations and for associated problems, issues or conflicts.
Ultimate responsibility for the technical integrity of work performed and deliverables associated with the Network Engineering area of responsibility.
Communicates with other program personnel, government overseers, and senior executives.
Ability to work independently to troubleshoot and resolve issues after hours and on weekends, i.e.. Call in support.
Special Requirements- ability to obtain, to be discussed during interview
Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Network Engineer - Expert Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities Requested

Active TS/SCI with full scope polygraph
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is preferred with a minimum of eleven (11) year’s relevant experience with the following skillsets
In depth knowledge of network architecture, design, and implementation
Experience and expertise deploying CNGA internet network infrastructure with a thorough understanding of the customer’s mission
Ability to translate customer requirements into enterprise network solutions
Must meet one of the following:

Proven experience as a Network Engineer with a focus on firewall technologies and infrastructure
Strong proficiency with Palo Alto & CISCO firewall platforms, Netscaler firewall platforms is a plus
Cloud Service Provider and hybrid cloud experience (extending on-premise networks to cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, Oracle and Google)
Industry certifications such as CCNA Security, CCNP Security, Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE), or similar industry certifications

Experience and expertise working with commercial cloud service providers (e.g. Google Cloud, Azure, AWS) building out VPCs with Linux VMs, configuring them as network appliances (e.g. Linux as a router) and locking them down to meet cyber security standards.
Experience configuring and hardening Linux OS in both cloud and physical environments.
Experience configuring and hardening network gear to include firewalls, switches, routers, IPS, etc.
Experience and expertise working with commercial VPNs
Experience working with commercial messaging applications (CMA) and Android tablet
In depth knowledge of specific network technologies such as routing and switching o
Familiar with routing protocols such as EIGRP, BGP, ISIS
Familiar with switching protocols such as STP, LACP, VTP
In depth knowledge of network automation
Cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google)
Software-defined networking (SD-WAN)
Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers
Experience with creating technical documentation such as designs, implementation plans, and technical notes
Ability to brief designs to review boards
Knowledge in deploying MPLS networks
Ability to learn, understand and implement new technologies
Independent learner with a proven ability to master complex technical concepts through self-study and practice
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Adept in network engineering, with focus on design, implementation, and management of complex networks
Experience with network architecture, design, and implementation in a large-scale environment
Proven track record of successfully resolving complex network issues and improving network performance
Willing to learn new technologies