Network Engineer Principal (TS/Q clearance required)

General Dynamics - IT; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics - IT is seeking a Network Engineer Principal to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex Cisco network systems for mission-critical government programs. You will lead architecture, performance tuning, and security hardening across LAN/MAN/WAN environments.

The role requires 10+ years in network engineering, DOE Q/TS-like clearance, and strong proficiency with routing, switching, firewalls, and related protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience; Cisco certification valued.
• 10+ years of professional experience in network engineering, infrastructure design, and circuit troubleshooting.
• DOE Q or TS clearance required.
• Deep knowledge of Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, wireless technologies; Juniper and Palo Alto also a plus.
• Expertise in protocols like BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, STP, RSTP, VXLAN, and LACP.
• Understanding of network security practices, including system hardening and compliance with organizational standards.

Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Design & Implementation: Design, build, and implement network systems for LAN, MAN, and WAN environments, ensuring performance and scalability.
• System Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor and diagnose network issues, performing root-cause analysis to address connectivity problems.
• Traffic Analysis & Capacity Planning: Analyze network traffic patterns and provide capacity planning solutions to support growth.
• Vendor Coordination: Interface with vendor support services to ensure timely resolution of issues and escalation during outages.
• System Configuration: Determine hardware, operating systems, and platform specs to meet operational requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Evaluate and test new and existing network products and technologies for standards compliance.
• Network Operations Oversight: Provide technical assistance across LAN/MAN/WAN admin, security, and integration.
• Policy Input: Contribute to policy discussions on standards, constraints, and budget considerations.
• Testing & Optimization: Conduct routine testing and analysis of network hardware and connectivity components.
• Performance Enhancements: Identify opportunities for optimization and implement improvements.
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed network configuration documentation.
• Compliance & Security: Ensure configurations align with security protocols and organizational guidelines.

Skills

Cisco networking

Routing & Switching

Security best practices

Firewall & wireless tech

BGP OSPF EIGRP VXLAN STP

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Cisco devices

Juniper devices

Palo Alto devices

Job description

Position Title:

Network Engineer

Position Summary:

GDIT is seeking an experienced Network Engineer Principal to join our team supporting mission-critical operations for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). In this role, you will design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot complex network systems to ensure optimal performance, security, reliability, and scalability in a large-scale Cisco environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in network infrastructure and security best practices to advance enterprise IT capabilities for critical government programs.

Responsibilities:

• Infrastructure Design & Implementation: Design, build, and implement network systems for LAN, MAN, and WAN environments, ensuring they meet performance and scalability requirements.

• System Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor and diagnose network issues, performing root-cause analysis to address connectivity problems and optimize operations.

• Traffic Analysis & Capacity Planning: Analyze network traffic patterns and provide capacity planning solutions to support infrastructure growth and performance improvements.

• Vendor Coordination: Interface with vendor support services to ensure timely resolution of issues and proper escalation during outages or performance degradations.

• System Configuration: Perform system-level design and configuration, determining hardware, operating systems, and platform specifications to meet operational requirements.

• Quality Assurance: Evaluate and test new and existing network products and technologies, ensuring they align with organizational standards and quality protocols.

• Network Operations Oversight: Provide technical assistance and oversight across all network operations, including LAN/MAN/WAN administration, security protocols, and systems integration.

• Policy Input: Contribute to policy discussions by providing insights on standards, technical constraints, and budget considerations impacting network operations.

• Testing & Optimization: Conduct routine testing and analysis of network hardware, communications systems, and connectivity components.

• Performance Enhancements: Identify opportunities for network optimization and implement improvements to maximize system performance and security.

• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed documentation for network configurations, processes, and procedures to support operational consistency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience. Having a Cisco certification would be more valuable

• Experience: 10+ years of professional experience in network engineering, infrastructure design, and circuit troubleshooting involving routing & switching protocols.

• Security Clearance: DOE Q or TS clearance required.

• Technical Expertise:

  • Deep knowledge of Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, wireless technologies, and network design principles. (Experience with Juniper and Palo Alto also a plus)

  • Expertise in protocols like BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, STP, RSTP, VXLAN, and LACP.

  • Understanding of network security practices, including system hardening and compliance with organizational standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• DOE Experience: Previous experience working with the Department of Energy or similar federal agencies.

• DNS & Configuration Expertise: Familiarity with Microsoft DNS and Unix BIND systems.

• Compliance Standards: Experience with DISA STIGs and other security frameworks required for federal compliance.

• CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, CCIE, or other Cisco certification

Work Location:

Onsite at client site in Albuquerque, NM, or Germantown, MD

Citizenship:

US Citizenship required.

Why Join GDIT?

At GDIT, your contributions help deliver solutions that ensure national security and operational excellence.

• Professional Growth: Access internal mobility programs, paid certifications, and continuous learning opportunities to expand your career journey.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, health and wellness packages, 401(k) company match, and paid time off.

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a diverse and innovative team that prioritizes teamwork and high-impact results.

• Mission Impact: Support critical government programs by advancing enterprise IT infrastructure and modernizing essential functions.

Grow Your Career with GDIT

If you're passionate about designing and implementing secure, high-performing networks, join GDIT to apply your expertise and drive meaningful outcomes for cutting-edge technologies and federal IT operations.

#WeAreGDIT #NNSAITOPS