Senior DoD Network Engineer - Classified & Secured Systems

ARA; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks an experienced Staff Network Engineer to design, operate, secure, and sustain classified and mission-supporting network infrastructure in Raleigh, NC.

You will manage Cisco/ Dell platforms, Palo Alto devices, and SIEM integrations, applying STIGs and NIST controls. The role requires active DoD Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility, 8+ years of relevant experience, and strong documentation and incident-response capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years of related work experience.
• 8+ years of relevant network engineering, administration, or operations experience; additional directly relevant experience may substitute for a degree.
• Strong troubleshooting across OSI Layers 1 through 4, including packet and log analysis.
• Experience with network monitoring, configuration management, backup/recovery, patching, vulnerability remediation, and technical documentation.
• Ability to meet DoD 8570 / 8140 cybersecurity workforce qualification requirements (IAT Level – II).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical risk, authorization status, deficiencies, and resource needs to technical staff, program leadership, and Government stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Build out documentation of current Infrastructure via Server, Cable and PPSM and Port maps under Raleigh Secure IT ownership.
• Design, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot LAN infrastructure supporting classified and mission environments, including SIPRNet where assigned while applying DISA STIG and NIST 800-53 controls.
• Fully administer platforms such as Cisco Catalyst's Switches, ARS/ISR Routers, Dell Fabric Switches, Palo Alto 450's and Cisco ASA 1000's and integrate with ForeScout/ISE, Splunk and AAA services.
• Fully Administer operating systems such as IOS, IOS-XE, FTD/ASDM, PaloAlto, SmartFabric OS10.
• Implement and support Layer 2 technologies including STP, 802.1Q VLANs, QoS, 802.1X / MAB, DAI and additional port-security.
• Implement and support Layer 3 technologies including static and dynamic routing, BGP, ACLs, VRFs, traffic shaping, and rate limiting as applicable.
• Maintain secure network segmentation, boundary protection, firewall policy, routing controls, DNS and approved external or DoDIN connectivity.
• Integrate network infrastructure with Splunk, Forescout or other SIEM platforms to monitor network availability, performance, capacity, configurations, and security events.
• Apply applicable DISA STIGs, secure configuration baselines, software updates, vulnerability remediation, and hardening requirements to network devices.
• Develop and maintain network diagrams, IP address plans, device inventories, rack elevations, ports/protocols/services records, configuration baselines, standard operating procedures, and recovery documentation.
• Prepare implementation, validation, and rollback plans and execute approved changes through the Configuration Control Board process.
• Support cybersecurity incidents, outages, Government-directed actions, assessment activities, and after-hours maintenance when mission requirements demand it.
• Provide technical evidence and engineering support for RMF, ATO maintenance, continuous monitoring, DCSA reviews, and customer assessments.

Skills

Network engineering

Active DoD clearance

Troubleshooting across OSI layers

Documentation

Vulnerability remediation

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity / IT related field

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks an experienced Staff Network Engineer to design, operate, secure, and sustain classified and mission-supporting network infrastructure in Raleigh, NC.

You will manage Cisco/ Dell platforms, Palo Alto devices, and SIEM integrations, applying STIGs and NIST controls. The role requires active DoD Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility, 8+ years of relevant experience, and strong documentation and incident-response capabilities.