Network Engineer, SME

Chartis Federal; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Career development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Chartis Federal is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to lead design, integration, and modernization of mission-critical communications networks for government missions. You will serve as technical authority, architect complex solutions, and guide implementation with a focus on high availability and security.

The role requires deep IP networking, telecom backhaul, and wireless expertise, with hands-on collaboration across engineering teams and stakeholders to deliver secure, scalable network

Qualifications

• BS in CS/CE/EE/Networking or similar with current networking certs (CompTIA, Cisco, Juniper).
• 10+ years’ IP networking, communications systems engineering, or telecom infrastructure experience.
• Experience supporting RF-based transport systems.
• Design/implement complex network architectures incl. backhaul solutions.
• Deep knowledge of IP protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, routing/switching).
• Strong troubleshooting of wired/wireless networks (microwave, RF, transport systems).
• Experience reviewing vendor designs and architectures.
• Experience with change management and configuration control.
• Strong communication for leadership/stakeholders.
• Active DoD Secret clearance or DHS Tier 2 BI with current investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, architecture, and modernization of networks to improve performance and resilience.
• Serve as SME for IP networking and telecom infrastructure, guiding teams.
• Develop and review network backhaul architectures with routers, switches, gateways, RF/microwave transport.
• Evaluate vendor designs to meet mission requirements and security standards.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues across wired and wireless environments.
• Oversee configuration, testing, and validation of network components in lab/operational settings.
• Provide technical leadership in system integration with IP addressing and routing.
• Support change management processes with risk assessment and implementation planning.
• Engage with customers to define solutions and modernization strategies.
• Develop technical docs, briefings, white papers, and diagrams for stakeholders.

Skills

IP networking

Telecommunications backhaul

Wireless communications

High availability networks

Networking protocols

Education

BS in CS/CE/EE/Networking

Tools

RF/microwave transport systems

Job description

Chartis Federal is a premier systems engineering and integration firm specializing in mission-critical IT and communications solutions for law enforcement, homeland security, and defense. As a trusted prime contractor with over $160 million in task order awards, we operate across 22 states and support essential government missions worldwide.

Our commitment to excellence has fueled our year-over-year growth, earning us recognition twice as a Washington Technology FAST 50 company and securing a place on the Inc. 5000 list for five consecutive years. At Chartis Federal, our mission is clear: keeping heroes safe and connected—on the battlefield, on the border, and in our backyards

.
Position Overvi

ewWe are seeking a Senior Network Engineer (SME) to lead the design, integration, and modernization of mission-critical communications networks. This role serves as a technical authority and lead engineer, responsible for architecting complex network solutions, guiding implementation efforts, and advising stakeholders on network strategy and modernization initiative s.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in IP networking, telecommunications backhaul, and wireless communications, with the ability to operate across both strategic design and hands-on technical execution in complex, high-availability environmen

ts.
Responsibili

• tiesLead the design, architecture, and modernization of communications system networks to improve performance, scalability, and resili
• encyServe as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for IP networking and telecommunications infrastructure, providing guidance to engineering teams and stakehol
• dersDevelop and review network architectures for telecommunications backhaul, including routers, switches, gateways, and RF/microwave transport sys
• temsEvaluate and refine vendor network designs to ensure alignment with mission requirements, performance standards, and security considerat
• ionsTroubleshoot and resolve complex network issues across wired and wireless environments, including microwave and RF-based sys
• temsOversee configuration, testing, and validation of network components in lab and operational environm
• entsProvide technical leadership in system integration efforts, including coordination with network operations teams on IP addressing, routing, and system interf
• acesSupport change management processes and ensure proper documentation, risk assessment, and implementation plan
• ningEngage with customers to gather requirements, define technical solutions, and support system design and modernization strate
• giesSupport procurement decisions by evaluating technologies, vendors, and system capabili
• tiesDevelop and deliver technical documentation, executive briefings, white papers, and architecture diagrams for both technical and non-technical stakehol
• dersDevelop technical documentation, executive briefings, presentations, and white papers for stakehol

ders
Require

• mentsDesired BS in CompSci/CompEng/ElecEng/Networking OR other BS degree with current networking certifications from CompTIA, Cisco and J
• unipe10+ years’ experience in IP networking, communications systems engineering, or telecommunications infrastru
• ctureExperience supporting RF-based communication transport sys
• tems.Demonstrated experience designing and implementing complex network architectures, including telecommunications backhaul solu
• tionsDeep knowledge of IP networking protocols and technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, routing/switc
• hing)Strong experience troubleshooting complex wired and wireless networks, including microwave, RF, or similar transport sy
• stemsExperience reviewing, evaluating, and modifying vendor network designs and system architec
• turesExperience working within structured change management and configuration control environ
• mentsStrong communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to leadership and stakeho
• ldersMust have active DOD Secret clearance or DHS Tier 2 BI with up-to-date investiga

tion.
Why Join Chartis Fe

deral?We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, incl

• vision)Retirement plans with company contrib
• utionsProfessional development opportunities and career growth s
• upportA dynamic and collaborative work environment where your contributions are

valued
At Chartis Federal, we believe in fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation while supporting critical national security missions. Join us in shaping the future of government contracting and national security sol

Chartis Federal is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employs qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other classification proscribed under applicable law. We participate in E-Verify.