Sr Network Engineer - Operations Lead

Akima; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Akima is seeking a highly skilled Lead Network Engineer – Operations to support a mission-critical IT security program within a Federal Government environment. This role focuses on overseeing the design, deployment, and maintenance of network infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in network engineering, security implementation, and a proven ability to mentor team members. Active DOE Q clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 3 years as a Senior Network Engineer within the last 5 years.
• 10+ years (MA/MS) or 12+ years (BA/BS) of experience in network administration, operations, and security.
• Strong expertise in security measures and performance optimization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, deployment, and maintenance of network infrastructure.
• Implement network security measures to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to network teams.
• Perform requirements analysis for network optimization.

Skills

Network infrastructure management

Security measures

Performance optimization

Scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell)

Team leadership

Hands-on technical skills

Education

MA/MS or BA/BS in a relevant field

ITIL Certification

Industry certifications (e.g. CCNP, CCIE, CISSP)

Tools

Cisco

Juniper

Palo Alto

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Network Engineer – Operations to support a mission‑critical IT security program within a Federal Government environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in network engineering, infrastructure management, and security implementation, ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of complex network systems. This role requires a hands‑on technical leader who can design, implement, and maintain network infrastructure while mentoring team members and collaborating with stakeholders to support operational goals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, deployment, and maintenance of network infrastructure to support a secure and high-performance IT environment.
• Configure and install network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.), ensuring optimal performance and security compliance.
• Conduct network performance testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting to proactively identify and resolve issues.
• Implement and enforce network security measures to protect against vulnerabilities, unauthorized access, and cyber threats.
• Operations & Security Oversight
• Maintain network security policies and best practices in alignment with Federal IT security standards (e.g., NIST, FISMA).
• Ensure compliance with ITIL frameworks for incident response, change management, and service continuity.
• Develop and maintain network access controls, firewall rules, and intrusion detection systems.
• Support security audits and vulnerability assessments, implementing remediation actions as needed.
• Team Leadership & Training
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to network engineering and administrator team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Develop and deliver training sessions to ensure team members stay up to date with industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Assign and oversee team workload, ensuring timely resolution of network issues and project deliverables.
• Strategic Planning & Requirements Analysis
• Perform requirements analysis to assess current network capabilities and recommend improvements to optimize performance and security.
• Develop strategic plans for network expansion, modernization, and optimization to meet evolving program needs.
• Collaborate with Federal stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams to align network operations with mission objectives.
• Communication & Reporting
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of network configurations, security protocols, and operational procedures.
• Prepare and present technical reports, incident summaries, and network performance assessments to leadership and Federal stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison between technical teams and non‑technical personnel, ensuring clear and effective communication of network‑related initiatives.

Qualifications

• An active DOE Q clearance or equivalent is required for consideration.
• Minimum 3 years as a Senior Network Engineer within the last 5 years.
• 10+ years (MA/MS) or 12+ years (BA/BS) of experience in network administration, operations, and security.
• Experience in Federal IT environments preferred.
• Strong expertise in network infrastructure management, security measures, and performance optimization.
• Hands‑on experience with:
  • Building network infrastructure from design to implementation.
  • Installation and configuration of network hardware (Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, etc.).
  • Network security implementations, including firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS.
  • Conducting network performance testing and troubleshooting.
  • Scripting languages (Python, Bash, or PowerShell) for automation and network management.
  • Network operating systems and configurations.
• ITIL Certification (Required).
• Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or CISSP (Preferred).
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor junior engineers, and foster collaboration.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve network issues efficiently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Work Environment

• Requires on‑site presence at a federal facility, with adherence to government security requirements.
• Some travel may be necessary to support program operations and Federal agency needs.

Job ID: 2025-15844