Network Engineer (NE3) (Government)

Cricket Wireless LLC.; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 108,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

AT&T Global Public Sector is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to lead high‑impact network support for a major government contract. This onsite role in Columbia, Maryland involves ownership of architecture, SOPs, capacity planning, and technology evaluation, with mentorship to the network team.

The candidate must have 12+ years in similar programs, a Bachelor's in engineering, DoD 8570.01‑M IAT Level II certification, and CCIE or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Experience: twelve (12) years in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university; four additional years of network engineering experience may substitute the degree.
• Certifications: DoD 8570.01‑M IAT Level II baseline certification (e.g., Security+, GSEC, SSCP) and CCIE or equivalent; both current.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep familiarity with routers, switches, firewalls, and network services (DNS, DHCP).
• Leadership & Communication: Proven ability to provide technical leadership and mentorship; strong communication with executives.

Responsibilities

• Assess, evaluate, and enhance existing networking infrastructure.
• Architect, document, test, and implement robust network services and devices.
• Develop, maintain, and elevate SOPs for consistency and excellence across operations.
• Lead proactive capacity planning and modeling for scalable networks.
• Research and recommend innovative, cost‑effective network solutions and technologies.
• Design and execute robust contingency plans for outages and failures.
• Provide expert consulting and leadership to review boards and engineers.
• Drive network upgrade projects through design, testing, deployment, and optimization.

Skills

Leadership & Communication

Technical Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Cisco gear

Brocade gear

Juniper gear

Job description

AT&T Global Public Sector is a trusted provider of secure, IP enabled, cloud-based, network solutions and professional services to the Federal Government. We are dedicated to recruiting, developing and empowering a diverse, high-performing workforce that is passionate about what they do, committed to our shared values and dedicated to our customers' mission.

RIS I is the delivery of regional IT services to the end user. We offer support of end user devices including desktop, workplace peripherals, and voice and video devices. We support local and campus area networks, including wireless and cable plant.

AT&T is seeking an accomplished and highly skilled Principal Network Engineer to join a large government contract, serving as a senior engineer and Tier 3 technical lead for the most complex network support and troubleshooting needs. In this advanced role, you will act as the final escalation point for critical network incidents, perform deep-dive analysis and resolution of persistent or high-impact issues, and ensure the stability and security of mission-critical IT infrastructure. You will collaborate closely with the PMO to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that address customer requirements and evolving business needs, while also guiding technology evolution and providing mentorship to the network support team. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on large-scale government operations and play a key leadership role in advanced network support.

Description of Job Duties/Responsibilities:

This is a full-time onsite role based in the location(s) posted and is performed from the designated work location five days per week. No relocation is offered.

Network Architecture & Design:

• Assess, evaluate, and enhance existing networking infrastructure.
• Architect, document, test, and implement robust network services and devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, and core network services such as DNS and DHCP.

Standard Operating Procedures:

• Develop, maintain, and elevate standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, reliability, and operational excellence across all network operations.

Capacity Planning & Modeling:

• Lead proactive capacity planning and modeling to support strategic business decisions and ensure scalability and future-readiness of the network environment.

Technology Evaluation:

• Conduct research and recommend innovative, cost-effective network solutions and emerging technologies that support the organization’s long-term technology roadmap.

Contingency Planning:

• Design and execute robust contingency plans for network software and hardware failures, including strategies for isolated and major outages to ensure minimal disruption.

Consulting & Leadership:

• Provide expert consulting, technical guidance, and leadership to technical review boards, configuration control boards, developers, engineers, and senior managers.

Project Lifecycle Support:

• Drive network upgrade projects and initiatives through the complete lifecycle, design, test, deployment, and optimization ensuring seamless integration and performance.

Compliance & Documentation:

• Ensure all network activities adhere to compliance standards and are meticulously documented in alignment with government and organizational policies.

Required Clearance:

TS/SCI with polygraph. (#ts/sci) (#polygraph)

Required Qualifications:

• Experience:
  • Twelve (12) years of experience in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity are required.
• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university is required.
  • Four (4) additional years of network engineering experience may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.
• Certifications:
  • An IAT Level II baseline certification as defined by DoD 8570.01‑M (e.g., Security+, GSEC, SSCP) is required.
  • CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) or equivalent certification or higher is REQUIRED.
  • Both certifications must be current and maintained as a condition of employment.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • Deep familiarity with all major network equipment: routers, switches, firewalls, and network services (DNS, DHCP, etc.).
  • Experience with installation and configuration of network devices (firewalls, switches, routers, cabling) from vendors such as Cisco, Brocade, or Juniper is a plus.
  • Demonstrated success leading large-scale, complex network architecture projects.
• Leadership & Communication:
  • Proven ability to provide technical leadership and mentorship across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Superior communication, consulting, and documentation skills.
  • Experience interfacing with senior stakeholders, technical boards, and executive leadership.

Physical & Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work in high‑tempo, mission‑critical environments and respond to after‑hours incidents as required.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up-to 50 pounds and perform work in tight spaces as necessary.
• In order to be considered for this position, you must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record and be eligible to drive an AT&T company vehicle.

Our Network Engineer (NE3) (Government) earns $108,000 - $215,100 yearly.

Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers.

Benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company‑designated holidays) *Pro-rated when working less than 40 hrs/wk.
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
• Adoption Reimbursement
• Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Extensive employee wellness programs
• Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T wireline phone

Weekly Hours: 40

Time Type: Regular

Location: Columbia, Maryland

AT&T and its subsidiaries are committed to equal employment opportunity. All hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions remain merit-based and free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made.

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