Senior Network Engineer

ValidaTek, Inc.; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ValidaTek, Inc. seeks a Senior Network Engineer to implement and maintain complex network infrastructures ensuring high availability, security, and performance. The role emphasizes Cisco/Juniper expertise, DoD standards, and collaboration across IT teams.

The position is hybrid: two days on-site and three days remote, supporting defense and federal civilian projects with emphasis on secure network operations and documentation.

Qualifications

• Requires DoD Secret clearance at minimum with ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
• 8+ years of network engineering experience, ideally in Defense.
• Bachelor's degree or 10 years of documented experience in computing/IT.
• Juniper and Cisco expertise highly preferred.
• Strong TCP/IP design across LAN, WLAN, and SDN.
• Design/implement VMware ESX/VSphere virtualization.
• Provide SAN design/implementation support.

Responsibilities

• Configure, maintain, and optimize enterprise wired/wireless networks (Cisco/Meraki/Aruba).
• Implement secure access using 802.1X and policy-based controls.
• Manage configurations, monitoring, and lifecycle with Cisco/Astera platforms.
• Serve as senior escalation resource for complex networking issues.
• Design scalable network infrastructures to meet organizational needs.
• Plan/configure/troubleshoot routers, switches, firewalls, and devices.
• Maintain network security including VPNs and intrusion detection.
• Monitor performance, identify issues, and implement fixes.
• Develop diagrams, docs, and procedures for operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integration.
• Stay current with emerging networking technologies.

Skills

Cisco routing & switching

Network design

Security & access control

Troubleshooting

LAN/WLAN/SDN

Documentation

Wireless networking

Education

B.S. in Computer Engineering / CIS / telecom / MIS

Tools

Cisco Catalyst Center

Aruba Central

Active Directory

DHCP/DNS

SCCM

WSUS

ACAS

Job description

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:

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Network Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in implementing and maintaining complex network infrastructures. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the high availability, security, and performance of the network infrastructure.

This role is hybrid: Two days on-site, three days remote.

Responsibilities:

• Network and Wireless Engineering: Configure, maintain, and optimize enterprise wired and wireless network infrastructure, including Cisco Catalyst, Cisco Meraki, Aruba, switches, routers, controllers, firewalls, and access points.
• Network Security and Access Control: Configure and support secure network access using Cisco ISE and Aruba ClearPass, including 802.1X authentication, guest access, bring your own device, device profiling, segmentation, and role based access policies.
• Operations, Automation, and Lifecycle Support: Use network management platforms such as Cisco Catalyst Center and Aruba Central to manage configurations, monitor performance and compliance, support upgrades, maintain documentation, and assist with infrastructure refresh and capacity planning.
• Troubleshooting and Technical Support: Serve as a senior escalation resource for complex wired and wireless network issues. Perform packet capture analysis, RF troubleshooting, site surveys, and root cause analysis to resolve connectivity, performance, routing, switching, roaming, and client access issues.
• Design and implement complex network infrastructures that are scalable and meet the needs of the organization
• Plan, configure and troubleshoot routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices
• Manage and maintain network infrastructure security, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems
• Monitor network performance, identify and troubleshoot network issues, and implement corrective measures
• Develop and maintain network documentation, diagrams, and policies
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective network integration with other IT systems and applications
• Stay current with emerging networking technologies and provide recommendations for the adoption of new technologies that can improve network performance and security.
• Serve as the knowledge expert for experience installing, configuring, and administering CISCO, Stratix, Juniper and/or Aruba devices to include but not limited to: Routers, Switches, and/or Firewalls.

Qualifications:

• Active DoD Secret clearance required at minimum, but must be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
• 8+ years of network engineering experience, preferably within the Defense sector
• Bachelor's in Science degree in Computer Engineering, computer information systems, telecommunications, or management information systems, or have 10 years of documented experience.
• Juniper and Cisco expertise - highly preferred
• Must have have senior knowledge of TCP/IP network design and support including; LAN, WLAN, and SDN networks, routing and sub-netting.
• Provide design and implementation support for VMware ESX/VSphere Virtualization Technologies
• Provide design and implementation support for Storage Area Network (SAN)
• Provide installation support for network applications.
• Perform network monitoring of the network to include all assets.
• Perform independent verification, validation, and project management for current and future projects.
• Provide technical support, advise and troubleshooting for utility network operations with a 98% target network uptime.
• Produce documentation for use in configuration, repair and troubleshooting of hardware, software and network operating systems.
• Develop and document processes and procedures for the day to day operations.
• Implement systems as needed based on network application requirements.
• Knowledge of managing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, WSUS, SCCM, and WhatsUp Gold.
• Provide support for VMware ESX/VSphere Virtualization Technologies (ESX 6.5 or greater, Virtual Center, P2V Tools) design/management/implementation
• Experience in task automation using scripting
• Maintain virus definitions, patch versions and Department of Defense (DoD) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG) levels on all network servers and workstations.
• Utilize the DoD Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) to update, manage and track implementation of information security requirements for the IT assets and resources.
• Support as needed DoD Information Assurance Risk Management Framework (DIARMF).

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.