Senior Network Administrator

ValidaTek, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ValidaTek, an emerging leader in IT services for government agencies, seeks a Senior Network Administrator to join its Cybersecurity Systems Support team. The role involves crucial responsibilities including managing LAN/WAN infrastructures, ensuring compliance with security protocols, and supporting network integration in a military-critical environment.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance, eligible for Top Secret clearance.
• 5+ years network administration experience in DoD or enterprise environments.
• Knowledge of network hardening, STIG compliance, and ITIL processes.

Responsibilities

• Administer and support LAN/WAN infrastructures including routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Manage network security protocols including firewall rule sets and VPNs.
• Plan network upgrades and configuration changes with minimal downtime.

Skills

TCP/IP

Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP)

VLANs

VPNs

Firewall technologies

Network diagnostic tools (Wireshark, SolarWinds, NetFlow)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (Security+ CE, CCNA Security, CySA+)

Tools

Cisco

Juniper

Job description

Company Overview

At ValidaTek, we modernize and optimize IT services to solve some of the most critical challenges facing federal civilian and defense agencies. From customers to partners to top-talent employees, ValidaTek puts people first, empowering them to exceed expectations and transform government organizations. Our success starts and ends with our people, so we built a company where great people can do great things, with the resources and autonomy to make decisions that transform organizations. We operate as one team of diverse people, united by a passion for continuous growth and optimization. Our commitment to quality and performance optimization is the reason why our IT Service Projects and New Development Projects have been appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5, positioning us as one of a handful of elite companies to receive the highest form of third-party validation. www.validatek.com

Summary

ValidaTek is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Network Administrator to join our Cybersecurity Systems Support (CSS) team supporting the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). This position plays a key role in the configuration, maintenance, and security of network infrastructure in a mission-critical DoD environment. The role is 100% on-site in Pensacola, FL, and requires strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Administer, monitor, and support LAN/WAN infrastructures, including routers, switches, firewalls, and network appliances.

• Perform network performance monitoring and troubleshoot connectivity and performance issues.

• Plan and implement network upgrades and configuration changes with minimal downtime.

• Manage network security protocols, including firewall rule sets, VPNs, and access control policies in accordance with DoD cybersecurity standards.

• Support network integration with cybersecurity tools, including HBSS, ACAS, and SIEM platforms.

• Maintain compliance with DoD STIGs and IA Vulnerability Management (IAVM) directives.

• Collaborate with cybersecurity and system administration teams to implement RMF security controls and support ATO/IATT efforts.

• Manage and document network configurations, diagrams, and change logs.

• Perform packet capture analysis, port scanning, and network vulnerability assessments as required.

• Coordinate with vendors and DISA stakeholders to resolve hardware/software/network issues.

• Respond to and support network-related incident response activities and investigations.

• Provide subject matter expertise on network architecture, segmentation, and enclaving.

• Participate in the development and maintenance of network contingency and disaster recovery plans.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field OR equivalent professional experience.

• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA Security, CySA+) – required.

• 5+ years of experience in network administration or engineering in a DoD or enterprise environment.

• In-depth understanding of TCP/IP, routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP), VLANs, VPNs, and firewall technologies.

• Experience configuring and managing Cisco, Juniper, or similar network devices.

• Familiarity with DoD RMF, network-related security controls, and eMASS.

• Proficiency in using network diagnostic tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds, NetFlow).

• Experience with network hardening, STIG compliance, and IAVA remediation.

• Working knowledge of ITIL processes, change management, and configuration management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CCNA, CCNP, or similar vendor certifications strongly preferred.

• Experience supporting DISA infrastructure, policies, and standards.

• Familiarity with cloud networking and cross-domain solutions (CDS).

• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles and implementation strategies.

Posted Min Pay Rate

USD $70,000.00/Yr.

Posted Max Pay Rate

USD $100,000.00/Yr.

Salary Disclosure

Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, geographic location, contract affordability, internal equity, education, and certifications. The upper end of the salary range may be reserved for individuals who have demonstrated tenure with the company, seniority, and proven excellent performance. This includes factors such as education, certifications, and extensive/unique experience beyond what is required.

EEO Statement

ValidaTek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to verify authorization to work in the United States. Offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a post-offer background check.