Network Engineer- SME

Cherokee Federal; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K plan

Other benefits

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Network Engineer - SME to design, implement, and manage enterprise firewall solutions across Cisco, Palo Alto, and Juniper platforms. The role emphasizes security policy configuration, threat monitoring, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet business objectives.

Ideal candidates bring 16+ years of experience, US-based location (Chantilly/Herndon area), and relevant certifications such as CCNP Security or PCNSE.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 16 years' experience.
• Bachelor's or Master’s Degrees are preferred in one or more disciplines.
• Strong proficiency with Palo Alto & Cisco firewall platforms; Palo Alto experience a plus.
• Experience with firewall management software such as Cisco FTD and Palo Alto Panorama.
• Broad understanding of networking principles and OSI model.
• Cloud and hybrid cloud experience with AWS/Azure/Oracle/Google is a plus.
• Industry certifications such as CCNA Security, CCNP Security, PCNSE preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage firewall solutions using Cisco, Palo Alto, and Juniper devices.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot firewall policies and rules.
• Monitor network traffic for threats and address vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align security standards with business goals.
• Stay up-to-date with security trends and best practices.
• Translate customer requirements into enterprise network solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Firewall design

Firewall configuration

Security monitoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Independence & teamwork

Customer requirements translation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Cisco FTD

Palo Alto Panorama

Palo Alto firewalls

Job description

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Network Engineer - SME: 200k

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.

• Design, implement, and manage firewall solutions utilizing Cisco, Pala Alto, and Juniper 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
• Ability to translate customer requirements into enterprise network solutions
• Proven experience as a Network Engineer with a focus on firewall technologies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Minimum of 16 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:

Strong proficiency with Palo Alto & CISCO firewall platforms, Palo Alto firewall platforms is a plus

In-depth knowledge of network protocols, TCP/IP stack, and OSI model

Experience with firewall management software such as Cisco FTD and Palo Alto Panorama

Experience with a wide variety of network technologies and solutions architectures is a plus

Broad understanding of technical principles, theories and concepts in the networking field

Knowledge of state-of-the- art systems engineering principles and network design concepts

Cloud Service Provider and hybrid cloud experience (extending on-premise networks to cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, Oracle and Google)

Strong proficiency with Palo Alto and Cisco firewall platforms is a plus

Industry certifications such as CCNA Security, CCNP Security, Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE), or similar industry certifications are preferred

Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:

Cherokee Preting (Preting) is a part of Cherokee Federal – the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government’s mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about Preting, visit cherokee-federal.com.

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Similar searchable job titles:

Network Infrastructure SME

Senior Network Consultant

Network Solutions Expert

Keywords:

Network Design & Optimization

BGP/OSPF/EIGRP Protocols

Infrastructure Automation

Legal Disclaimer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

• Locations Chantilly, VA, United States Herndon, VA, United States