Network Engineer- SME

Cherokee Federal; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Network Engineer – SME in Chantilly, VA. This position requires an active TS/SCI with a Polygraph and offers a starting salary around 200k. You will design, implement, and optimize complex network infrastructures with emphasis on firewall technologies and cross-functional collaboration.

Minimum 16 years of experience and strong qualifications in Palo Alto, Cisco, and related platforms are expected. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K, and more.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 16 years' experience in network engineering.
• Deep expertise in Palo Alto, Cisco, and Juniper firewall platforms.
• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree preferred in networking or related field.
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph is required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage firewall solutions utilizing Cisco, Palo Alto, and Juniper devices.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot firewall policies and rules.
• Monitor network traffic for security threats and address vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align network security with business objectives.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in network security.
• Translate customer requirements into enterprise network solutions.
• Demonstrate independent and collaborative work in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Firewall design & mgmt

Network security

Independent & collaborative work

Excellent communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Networking/Related field

CCNA Security

CCNP Security

PCNSE

Tools

Cisco firewall devices

Palo Alto firewall devices

Juniper devices

Cisco FTD

Palo Alto Panorama

Job description

This position requires an active TS/SCI with a Polygraph.

The Network Engineer – Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides advanced technical leadership in the design, implementation, and optimization of complex network infrastructures. The SME collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, scalable, and resilient network solutions that align with organizational and mission-critical objectives.

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.

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