Network Lead with Security Clearance

Caelum Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Benefits

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Caelum Research Corporation in Huntsville, AL seeks a Senior Network Lead to manage, secure, and maintain critical DoD network infrastructure on a major Army contract.

You will implement STIGs, automate tasks with Python/Ansible, configure Palo Alto firewalls, ISE NAC, and Cisco Catalyst 9300/9400 networks, ensuring uptime and security. A Top Secret clearance and DoD experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (master’s preferred) in Computer Science or Systems Engineering.
• Advanced industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP Enterprise/Security, or PCNSE.
• Experience with advanced network monitoring, logging, and analysis tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Splunk, Wireshark).
• Advanced scripting capabilities for complex network automation workflows.

Responsibilities

• Manage, secure, and maintain the critical network infrastructure at a DoD installation.
• Enforce DoD STIGs and security directives; coordinate with security teams.
• Automate routine network tasks using Python, PowerShell, or Ansible; Bash preferred.
• Configure and maintain Palo Alto firewalls; ensure robust security policies.
• Manage Cisco Catalyst 9300/9400 networks and NAC via ISE.
• Oversee large-scale wireless infrastructure with Cisco 9800 controllers? (not in input)
• Ensure compliance with DoD security requirements and respond to incidents.

Skills

CCNA

CCNP Enterprise

PCNSE

SolarWinds

Splunk

Wireshark

Python scripting

PowerShell

Ansible

Bash

Education

Bachelor’s in CS or Systems Engineering

Tools

Catalyst 9300

Catalyst 9400

Palo Alto

ISE

Job description

POSITION: Network Lead LOCATION: Huntsville, AL SCOPE: Serves as a Network Lead on a major IT services contract for the U.S. Army

RESPONSIBILITIES

• We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Network Operator to manage, secure, and maintain the critical network infrastructure at a premier US Army installation.
• The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in a range of advanced networking technologies and a comprehensive understanding of Department of Defense (DoD) security protocols.
• This role is essential for ensuring stability, integrity, and security of network services that support critical mission objectives.
• You will be responsible for enforcing rigorous security standards, including STIGs, and leveraging automation to enhance network efficiency and reliability.
• Administer, configure, and maintain Palo Alto firewalls, ensuring robust security policies and threat prevention.
• Manage and troubleshoot complex campus networks built on Cisco Catalyst 9300 stacked switches and 9400 series chassis.
• Implement and manage network access control (NAC) policies using Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
• Oversee the configuration, deployment, and management of a large-scale wireless infrastructure using Cisco 9800 Wireless Controllers. Security & Compliance
• Ensure all network devices are configured and maintained in strict compliance with DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and Army cybersecurity directives.
• Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and remediation activities in response to ACAS and CTO initiatives.
• Respond to and investigate cybersecurity incidents in coordination with the security operations team. Network Automation
• Develop and maintain scripts using Python, PowerShell, or Ansible to automate routine network administration tasks, device configuration, and compliance checks. Experience with Linux Bash scripting is also preferred.
• Assist in the development of a network automation framework to improve operational efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s (master’s preferred) in Computer Science or Systems Engineering.
• Advanced industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP Enterprise/Security, or Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE).
• Experience with advanced network monitoring, logging, and analysis tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Splunk, Wireshark).
• Advanced scripting capabilities for complex network automation workflows.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Active DoD Top Secret Clearance (SCI Eligible)

BENEFITS

• We designed our employee benefits program around the goal of improving the quality of life for each employee. We offer some of the most competitive benefits in the industry to include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurances; Short- and Long-Term Disability; Paid Leave, Holidays, Bereavement, Military, and Jury Duty; 401(k) Retirement Plan, Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care, Health Savings Account, Tuition/Training Assistance, and Referral Bonuses.