Sr. Network Engineer

Astrion; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion seeks a Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, secure, and maintain mission-critical network infrastructures supporting DoD/DoW environments, with deep Cisco and Fortinet expertise and RMF/C2C compliance.

The role requires active TS clearance, 8+ years in DoD/classified networks, and hands-on experience with DISA STIG, cross-domain architectures, and security fabrics across BGP/OSPF/EIGRP, VPNs, and related technologies.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance.
• 8+ years of DoD/classified network experience.
• Deep expertise in Cisco routing & switching (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, MPLS) and Fortinet solutions (FortiGate, FortiOS, VPNs, security fabric).
• Experience implementing and maintaining DISA STIG compliance.
• Hands-on experience with Cross Domain / C2C architectures and security controls.
• Strong understanding of RMF, DISA security requirements and accreditation processes, and DCSA standards.
• Active DoD 8140 (DoD 8570) compliant certifications (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP).
• Experience with C2C requirements: network automation (Python, Ansible), Zero Trust, SIEM integration, NetFlow.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain secure network architectures using Cisco and Fortinet solutions.
• Design, implement, and maintain 802.1x compliance platform.
• Engineer and support classified and unclassified network environments (e.g., DoD networks).
• Ensure compliance with DoD STIGs and cybersecurity policies.
• Implement and maintain CDS and C2C architectures.
• Perform network hardening, vulnerability remediation, and RMF-based monitoring.
• Develop and maintain network documentation, diagrams, SOPs, and security artifacts.
• Support ATO processes, including STIG checklists and risk assessments.
• Troubleshoot complex network and security issues across multi-vendor environments.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and mission stakeholders for secure operations.
• Support audits, inspections, and compliance validation.

Skills

Network engineering

Security & compliance

Communication

Documentation

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Network Engineering or related field

Tools

Cisco routing & switching

Fortinet FortiGate

Python

Ansible

NetFlow

Job description

Overview

Senior Network Engineer

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, secure, and maintain mission-critical network infrastructures supporting Department of Defense/Department of War (DoD/DoW) environments. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Cisco and Fortinet technologies, extensive experience operating within classified networks, and a proven track record of implementing and maintaining systems in compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF), DoD STIG and Cross Domain / Comply-to-Connect (C2C) requirements.

LOCATION: Columbia, MD (Onsite)

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret (TS/SCI Preferred)

TRAVEL: As Needed

SALARY RANGE: $145k - $165k

Required Qualifications / Skills

• Active Top Secret security clearance.
  • TS/SCI preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Network Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of experience in network engineering within Department of Defense/Department of War (DoD/DoW) or classified environments
• Deep expertise in:
  • Cisco routing & switching (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, MPLS)
  • Fortinet solutions (FortiGate, FortiOS, VPNs, security fabric)
• Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining DISA STIG compliance
• Hands-on experience with C2C / Cross Domain architectures and security controls
• Strong understanding of:
  • RMF (Risk Management Framework)
  • DISA security requirements and accreditation processes
  • DCSA Accreditation Standards
• Active DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570) compliant industry certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP, etc.)
• Active DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570) compliant environment certification (e.g., minimum Cisco CCNP)
• Experience with C2C Requirements:
  • Network automation (Python, Ansible)
  • Zero Trust architectures
  • SIEM integration and log analysis
  • NetFlow monitoring

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Advanced network design and troubleshooting
• Security hardening and compliance enforcement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to operate in high-security, mission-critical environments

Preferred Qualifications / Skills

• CCIE (Enterprise or Security)
• Fortinet NSE 4-7 certifications
• Project Management Experience
• Experience briefing Executive Leadership
• Prior experience supporting Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) programs
• Experience with cloud-based DoD environments (e.g., Azure Government, Azure Secret)

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain secure network architectures using Cisco (routing/switching, ISE) and Fortinet (FortiGate) solutions
• Design, implement, and maintain 802.1x compliance platform
• Engineer and support classified and unclassified network environments (e.g., MDA CNET, NIPR, SIPR, JWICS as applicable)
• Ensure compliance with DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and cybersecurity policies
• Implement and maintain Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) and Comply-to-Connect (C2C) architectures
• Perform network hardening, vulnerability remediation, and continuous monitoring in accordance with RMF controls
• Develop and maintain network documentation, diagrams, SOPs, and security artifacts
• Support Authority to Operate (ATO) processes, including STIG checklists, POA&Ms, and risk assessments
• Troubleshoot complex network and security issues across multi-vendor environments
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, systems engineering, and mission stakeholders to ensure secure, reliable operations
• Support audits, inspections, and compliance validation activities