Principal Network Engineer: Secure, Scalable Cisco Architect

General Dynamics - IT; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics - IT is seeking a Network Engineer Principal to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex Cisco network systems for mission-critical government programs. You will lead architecture, performance tuning, and security hardening across LAN/MAN/WAN environments.

The role requires 10+ years in network engineering, DOE Q/TS-like clearance, and strong proficiency with routing, switching, firewalls, and related protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience; Cisco certification valued.
• 10+ years of professional experience in network engineering, infrastructure design, and circuit troubleshooting.
• DOE Q or TS clearance required.
• Deep knowledge of Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, wireless technologies; Juniper and Palo Alto also a plus.
• Expertise in protocols like BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, STP, RSTP, VXLAN, and LACP.
• Understanding of network security practices, including system hardening and compliance with organizational standards.

Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Design & Implementation: Design, build, and implement network systems for LAN, MAN, and WAN environments, ensuring performance and scalability.
• System Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor and diagnose network issues, performing root-cause analysis to address connectivity problems.
• Traffic Analysis & Capacity Planning: Analyze network traffic patterns and provide capacity planning solutions to support growth.
• Vendor Coordination: Interface with vendor support services to ensure timely resolution of issues and escalation during outages.
• System Configuration: Determine hardware, operating systems, and platform specs to meet operational requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Evaluate and test new and existing network products and technologies for standards compliance.
• Network Operations Oversight: Provide technical assistance across LAN/MAN/WAN admin, security, and integration.
• Policy Input: Contribute to policy discussions on standards, constraints, and budget considerations.
• Testing & Optimization: Conduct routine testing and analysis of network hardware and connectivity components.
• Performance Enhancements: Identify opportunities for optimization and implement improvements.
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed network configuration documentation.
• Compliance & Security: Ensure configurations align with security protocols and organizational guidelines.

Skills

Cisco networking

Routing & Switching

Security best practices

Firewall & wireless tech

BGP OSPF EIGRP VXLAN STP

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Cisco devices

Juniper devices

Palo Alto devices

Job description

General Dynamics - IT is seeking a Network Engineer Principal to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex Cisco network systems for mission-critical government programs. You will lead architecture, performance tuning, and security hardening across LAN/MAN/WAN environments.

The role requires 10+ years in network engineering, DOE Q/TS-like clearance, and strong proficiency with routing, switching, firewalls, and related protocols.