Principal Network Engineer

Owl Cyber Defense; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Owl Cyber Defense is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to lead the design, optimization, and evaluation of complex VoIP and network systems. This role drives research on emerging technologies, evaluates performance and security risks, and provides expert guidance on large projects requiring independent decision-making.

With 15+ years in networking and security, you will lead critical initiatives, support implementation, and produce comprehensive documentation while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant networking or systems engineering experience.
• Experience with Cisco Call Managers, Cisco Session Border Controllers, routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, Linux systems, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support network implementation including installation, testing, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network hardware and software.
• Support VoIP implementation including installation, testing, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of hardware and software.
• Configure and support routers, switches, firewalls, and related network technologies.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot connectivity and security issues.
• Support security hardening and implementation of cybersecurity best practices.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, diagrams, and installation guides.

Skills

Network architecture

Cybersecurity

Leadership

VoIP

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Cisco Call Manager

Cisco Session Border Controller

Linux systems

Job description

Job Title: Principal Network Engineer Department: Federal ITS Reports to: Director - ITS Office: Columbia, MD Work Location: On-Site: Ft Meade, MD

Owl Cyber Defense is a leader and trusted partner in cyber security. We deliver solutions that protect and connect the world’s most critical networks. Owl’s product lines of cross domain, data diode, and portable media solutions provide the strongest available security checkpoints for threat prevention and secure data availability. Our in-depth expertise in security engineering at the operating system level enables us to help government and commercial customers meet ever-evolving cyber security threats.

Job Summary:

The Principal Network Engineer leads the design, optimization, and evaluation of complex Voice over IP (VoIP), network systems and communication infrastructure while resolving the organization’s most advanced network and security challenges. This role conducts research and analysis on emerging technologies, network performance, and security risks, and serves as a technical leader on highly complex projects requiring advanced industry expertise and independent decision-making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support network implementation including installation, testing, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network hardware and software.
• Support VoIP implementation including installation, testing, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of hardware and software.
• Configure and support routers, switches, firewalls, and related network technologies.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot connectivity and security issues.
• Support security hardening and implementation of cybersecurity best practices.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, diagrams, and installation guides.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field preferred

• Experience
  • 15+ years of relevant networking or systems engineering experience.
  • Experience with Cisco Call Managers, Cisco Session Border Controllers, routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, Linux systems, and cybersecurity best practices.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Experienced with Cisco Call Managers, Cisco Session Border Controllers, routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, Linux systems, and cybersecurity best practices.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
  • Expert-level understanding of network architecture, cybersecurity, and enterprise communications systems.
  • Ability to lead advanced technical initiatives and provide strategic network guidance.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to network performance, scalability, and security.

• Additional Competencies/Requirements
  • Cisco CCNP (required)
  • Security+ (required)
  • Cisco CCNA OR CCNP Collaboration (required)
  • Linux+ (required)
  • Candidates must be able to travel up to 25%
  • Candidates must have an active TS/SCI security clearance

Salary:

The salary for this position ranges between $170,000.00 and $200,000.00 USD. This range represents Owl Cyber Defense Solutions' good‑faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of posting. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as relevant work experience, geographic location, education, training, certifications, key skills, internal equity, market data, and other job‑related considerations. Compensation will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. This position is also eligible to participate in the Company's annual bonus program, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan.

Benefits:

Owl offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and wellbeing of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions; paid time off (to include flexible vacation and personal time, paid sick leave and designated paid company holidays); company-paid life insurance; company-paid short- and long‑term disability insurance; and a variety of voluntary benefits and wellness programs. Additional information regarding benefit eligibility, employee contribution rates, and plan details will be provided during the hiring process .

About Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC

Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC is a fast‑growing cybersecurity solutions company, holding a firm leadership position in network security and secure information transfer. It is a privately‑owned US company with offices in Columbia, MD, Danbury, CT and Morrisville, NC. For more information, see https://www.owlcyberdefense.com .

Owl Cyber Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal employment laws and regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.