Network Engineer with Security Clearance

Cornerstone Defense; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Defense LLC in McLean, VA is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, and support high-availability customer networks. You’ll work with Cisco ASA/Firepower, Catalyst/Nexus switches, and virtualized links to ensure secure, reliable operations.

The role requires CCNP-level Cisco expertise, strong troubleshooting, and end-to-end project management. You’ll create Visio diagrams and present findings to Engineering Review Boards in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on network engineering experience in customer environments.
• Hands-on Cisco firewall experience (ASA/Firepower 5510, 5515X, FP4100, etc.).
• Hands-on Cisco Catalyst/Nexus switch experience; Nexus experience is a plus.
• CCNP-level understanding of Cisco networking (certification not required).
• Familiarity with cabling types/standards (single/multi mode, LC/SC, Cat5/6/7).
• Knowledge of link virtualization technologies (Ether-channel, vPCs).
• Willingness to perform Layer 1 tasks (cable pulling, racking/stacking).
• Strong troubleshooting skills and project management ability.
• Ability to produce network diagrams in Visio and present to review boards.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, non-enterprise environment; strong communication skills.

Skills

Network engineering

Cisco firewall experience

Cisco switches

CCNP knowledge

Cabling standards

Network virtualization

Layer 1 tasks

Troubleshooting

Project management

Presentations

Tools

MS Visio

JIRA

SolarWinds

Firewall Management Center

Job description

Network Engineer, Senior McLean, VA

Required:

• 3-5 years of HAND-ON network engineering experience in customer environment
• Hands-on Cisco firewall experience (ASA/Firepower 5510, 5515X, FP4100's, etc...)
• Hands-on Cisco Catalyst switch experience (Nexus switch experience would be a HUGE plus)
• CCNP-level knowledge of Cisco networking (No requirement for certification, but understanding at this level is required)
• Familiarity with cabling types/standards (i.e., Single Mode vs. Multi Mode, LC connector vs. SC connector, Cat5/6/7, etc...)
• Good understanding of network link virtualization technologies (i.e., Ether-channel/Port-channel, Nexus virtual port-channels (vpcs))
• Willingness to perform layer 1 tasks as needed (pulling cable, racking/stacking, etc...)
• Strong troubleshooting skills
• Strong project management experience (i.e., ability to manage projects through their full lifecycle in order to meet deadlines)
• Ability to use MS Visio to produce network diagrams
• Must be able to survive and thrive in a non-enterprise, fast paced environment
• Ability to create and present presentations for Engineering Review Boards and other ad-hoc technical briefings as necessary Desirable:

Desirable:

• Understanding of how mission enclaves communicate with Enterprise networks
• Familiarity with the Enterprise ticketing system
• Familiarity with Cisco Firewall Management Center to manage Firepower firewall
• Experience with Cisco Nexus Ethernet switching platforms (Nexus 5500, 5600, 7700, and 9500)
• Experience with Cisco MDS Fibre Channel switching platforms (MDS 9000)
• Familiarity with Storage Area Networking (SAN) and Fibre Channel protocols and standards
• Familiarity with Linux operating system
• Familiarity with SolarWinds network management/monitoring tool
• Familiarity with virtual appliances (switches, firewalls, etc...)
• Familiarity with JIRA
• Experience working in a 'mission-like' environment (outside of Enterprise comms)
• AWS/Cloud familiarity