Network Engineer II

Trace Systems Inc.; Goldsboro (NC); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Trace Systems Inc. is looking for an experienced Network Engineer II to provide operational support to a critical network for the US Special Operations Command. The role involves troubleshooting network services, configuring Cisco solutions, and ensuring mission-critical communications.

Candidates must possess an active US Government Secret clearance, be a US citizen, and demonstrate hands-on experience with networking technologies. Shift work is required to support ongoing global operations.

Qualifications

• Active US Government issued Secret clearance.
• US Citizenship required due to contract requirements.
• Experience troubleshooting complex network issues within routed and switched infrastructures.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco networking and enterprise network management tools.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support 24/7 shift work in global operations.
• Monitor and troubleshoot network services across diverse communication environments.
• Perform root-cause analysis of network outages.
• Configure and maintain Cisco-based networking solutions.
• Prepare operational reports and deliver technical assessments.

Skills

Cisco networking technologies

BGP

OSPF

VLANs

VPNs

Network performance monitoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field

DoD-approved 8140-aligned certification

CompTIA Security+ CE, CompTIA CySA+, SSCP, GSEC, CEH

Job description

Job Overview

Job Title: Network Engineer II

Location: Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, NC

This position is pending contract award.

Job Responsibilities

Trace Systems is seeking an experienced Network Engineer II to support a global transport network supporting the US Special Operations Command and mission partners. This role supports critical communications infrastructure and will require shift work. The Network Engineer II will provide Tier II network engineering and operational support for enterprise, tactical, and transport network infrastructures supporting mission‑critical operations.

• Will support 24/7/365 shift work in support global operations network operations center.
• Monitor, analyze, troubleshoot, and restore network services across routed, switched, terrestrial, wireless, RF, and satellite communications environments.
• Support ISR transport architectures and associated data transport systems ensuring reliable delivery of operational mission data.
• Work closely with Network Operations Centers (NOCs), service delivery teams, government stakeholders, and OEM partners to resolve incidents and improve service performance.
• Perform root‑cause analysis of network outages, performance degradation, and operational disruptions while documenting findings and corrective actions.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco‑based networking solutions utilizing protocols including BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, VLANs, multicast, QoS, and VPN technologies.
• Support commissioning, integration, testing, and fielding of new communications systems, network infrastructure, and transport capabilities.
• Prepare and deliver operational reports, technical assessments, outage summaries, and status briefings to customer leadership.
• Provide technical assistance to users operating from headquarters, regional hubs, remote sites, and forward‑deployed locations.
• Participate in preventive maintenance activities, system upgrades, technology refresh efforts, and lifecycle replacement initiatives.
• Maintain network documentation, diagrams, standard operating procedures, configuration baselines, and knowledge management repositories.
• Coordinate activities with engineering teams, cybersecurity personnel, logistics support teams, and program management staff to ensure mission success.
• Support Information Assurance (IA), Risk Management Framework (RMF), STIG implementation, and cybersecurity compliance activities.
• Assist with capacity planning, network optimization, performance tuning, and modernization initiatives supporting customer objectives.
• Support occasional travel requirements, site surveys, acceptance testing, and field troubleshooting activities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active, in‑scope US Government issued Secret clearance.
• Due to the nature of the work and contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.
• Candidates must meet the qualification requirements of DoDM 8140.03 for the DCWF 441 - Network Operations Specialist (Intermediate) work role through an approved qualification pathway (Education, DoD Military/Training, Certification, or a combination thereof), as defined by the applicable contract.
  • Qualification Pathways (One or More May Apply) Education (OR)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related technical field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • DoD/Military Training (OR)
  • Certification (OR)
  • DoD‑approved 8140‑aligned certification for DCWF 441 (Intermediate), such as: CompTIA Security+ CE, CompTIA CySA+, SSCP, GSEC, CEH, or other equivalent DoD‑recognized certifications aligned to the work role.
• Ability to travel worldwide, including to remote or austere locations. Individual trips may extend up to two months, with the possibility of multiple trips per year.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex network issues within routed and switched infrastructures.
• Hands‑on experience with Cisco networking technologies and enterprise network management tools.
• Working knowledge of BGP, OSPF, multicast routing, VLANs, VPNs, and network performance monitoring solutions.
• Experience performing packet analysis, log analysis, fault isolation, and root‑cause investigations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical personnel.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting SOCOM, CENTCOM, AFRICOM, TRANSCOM, Space Force, or other Combatant Command environments.
• Knowledge of ISR mission systems, sensor transport architectures and tactical data transport networks.
• Experience supporting OCONUS operations and remote‑site sustainment activities.
• Prior military service or experience supporting DOD customers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Trace Systems is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.