Network Operations Center Engineer

Gridiron IT; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA

FSA

401(k)

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Gridiron IT is seeking a Junior NOC Engineer to monitor enterprise network devices, circuits, and services, performing first line troubleshooting and escalating complex issues to senior engineers. This role operates in a 24x7 environment, following SOPs, documenting incidents and outcomes, and supporting change and incident management while maintaining security clearances and compliance.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, 4–6 years in NOC roles, and familiarity with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 4–6 years in network operations, NOC, or junior network engineering with monitoring and first line troubleshooting.
• Foundational networking concepts: TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, switching, basic firewall behavior.
• Experience with network management tools such as SolarWinds; familiarity with Cisco/Juniper devices.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills; ability to work under pressure.
• US citizenship with current secret security clearance (active within past 24 months) and Security+ or DoD 8180 IAT-II.

Responsibilities

• Monitor enterprise network devices, circuits, and services using management tools and prioritize alerts by impact.
• Perform first line troubleshooting: verify reachability, interface status, link utilization, and basic configs.
• Execute SOPs for routine NOC tasks: health checks, device restarts, low risk changes.
• Document incidents, changes, and resolutions with clear symptoms, diagnostics, escalation, and outcomes.
• Support 24x7 operations with shift logs and concise handoffs to maintain continuity.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to gather diagnostics and learn advanced troubleshooting.

Skills

TCP/IP

VLANs

Routing

Switching

Firewall basics

Network troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT or equivalent experience

Tools

Cisco devices

Juniper devices

SolarWinds

Job description

The NOC Engineer, Junior monitors and supports enterprise network infrastructure from a network operations center to help maintain high availability and performance for mission critical services. The role focuses on real time surveillance of network devices, links, and services, performing initial troubleshooting, and escalating issues to senior engineers when necessary.

Working within a structured 24x7 operations model, this position follows standard operating procedures for routine checks, basic changes, and shift handoffs. The engineer documents incidents, actions taken, and outcomes to support trend analysis, knowledge capture, and continuous improvement in a federal IT environment.

• Key Responsibilities Monitor enterprise network devices, circuits, and services using network management and monitoring tools, acknowledging alerts and prioritizing response based on impact and severity.
• Perform first line network troubleshooting, including verifying device reachability, interface status, link utilization, and basic configuration items before escalating to senior engineers.
• Execute standard operating procedures for routine NOC tasks, such as scheduled health checks, device restarts, and low risk configuration tasks under direction.
• Document incidents, changes, and resolutions in ticketing systems with clear descriptions of symptoms, diagnostics performed, escalation paths, and final outcomes.
• Participate in 24x7 operations coverage by following shift schedules, maintaining accurate shift logs, and ensuring concise handoff communications between shifts.
• Collaborate with senior NOC or network engineers by gathering diagnostic data, implementing directed troubleshooting steps, and learning advanced techniques.
• Support adherence to change management and incident management processes, ensuring that network activities are properly recorded and approved.
• Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 4-6 years of experience in network operations, NOC, or junior network engineering roles focused on monitoring and first line troubleshooting.
• Foundational understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, switching, and basic firewall behavior in enterprise LAN/WAN environments.
• Exposure to network management tools and technologies (for example, Cisco or Juniper devices and tools such as SolarWinds or similar platforms).
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast paced operational environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including accurate documentation of incidents, changes, and resolutions.
• Candidates must be US citizens and possess a current secret security clearance (active within past 24 months).
• Current Security+ or other DoD 8180 IAT-II certification required.
• Preferred Qualifications Hands on experience working in a NOC or similar 24x7 operational environment with formal procedures and shift structures.
• Entry level networking certifications such as CCNA, Network+, or equivalent that validate baseline network operations knowledge.
• Familiarity with ITIL practices and experience working within formal incident and change management processes.

Clearance

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Requires Secret Clearance.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 to $126,000 (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.)

Benefits: Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron’s benefits programs.

Gridiron IT Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status.

Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies. Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.