Senior Classified Network Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Robust education assistance

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab is seeking a Classified Network Engineer to manage operations and security for six isolated classified networks. This role involves collaboration with security teams and ensuring compliance with regulations, alongside mentoring junior engineers.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's in Computer Science, 7+ years experience with Cisco IOS, and maintain active security clearance. The position offers generous benefits and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in a classified environment.
• Hands-on experience with routing and switching technologies.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting TACLANEs.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of classified networks.
• Lead network projects to improve security and reliability.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to maintain SOPs.

Skills

Cisco IOS

Routing and switching technologies

TACLANEs

High-availability designs (e.g., HSRP/VRRP)

DoD STIGs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

DoD 8570 certification (Security+ or CISSP)

Tools

Python

Ansible

SolarWinds

Job description

Job Description

Are you passionate about networking? Are you passionate about securing and supporting the nation's critical classified networks? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are ranked as one of Computerworld’s Top Places to Work in IT 8 years running. We are seeking a Classified Network Engineer to manage and operate six isolated classified enterprise networks at varying classifications. As a member of our team, you'll work and collaborate with a small team of hardworking network engineers and partner with our unclassified APL enterprise network team on challenging problems and initiatives. Our team is committed to providing outstanding customer service to our internal customers and shadow IT counterparts within APL. We strive to build a team-oriented environment and value both team and personal accomplishments.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support the day-to-day operations of six air-gapped classified networks.
• Securely build, maintain, and upgrade network infrastructure while ensuring compliance with security mandates and configurations.
• Lead network projects to improve the security, reliability, and performance of classified networks.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) for classified network technologies and security posture, mentoring junior engineers and guiding cross‑functional teams.
• Design and document network architectures and configurations for classified environments, including diagrams, standards, and configuration baselines.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and systems teams to support RMF/ATO processes, maintain SOPs, and respond to security assessments (e.g. STIG findings, audits, inspections).

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Have 7+ years of experience working with Cisco IOS or similar network operating systems in a classified environment.
• Currently maintain an active Cisco CCNP certification or equivalent.
• Have hands on experience working with routing and switching technologies and protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, VRFs, VLANs, 802.1X).
• Have experience configuring, managing, and troubleshooting TACLANEs.
• Have experience with high-availability designs (e.g. HSRP/VRRP).
• Possess hands‑on experience administering/maintaining classified enterprise networks.
• Successfully led an engineering effort from concept development to implementation, providing regular progress updates to stakeholders and driving the project to completion.
• Demonstrated strong troubleshooting skills and sound technical judgment in complex network environments.
• Have experience with applying DoD STIGs on network switches/routers.
• Maintain a current DoD 8570 certification (Security+ or CISSP).
• Are willing and able to work outside normal working hours to complete critical maintenance and resolve outages.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including articulating and presenting highly technical information in a comprehensible manner to all levels of management and staff.
• An active Secret with the ability to obtain a Top‑Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have experience working with Arista EOS.
• Have experience with scripting and use of automated tools (e.g., Python, Ansible).
• Have experience working with and maintaining SolarWinds.
• Active Top Secret security clearance.

About APL

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $290,000 Annually