Systems Engineer Architect Senior with Security Clearance

Sarela Technology Solutions; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 125,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarela Technology Solutions, LLC is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, and sustain enterprise LAN/WAN networks in a DoD environment. You will work on Cisco routing/switching, Palo Alto firewalls, and GlobalProtect VPNs, ensuring RMF/STIG compliance and high availability.

The role requires TS/SCI eligibility, a Bachelor’s in a related field, and 8+ years of experience. Location options include Fort Belvoir, VA or Albuquerque, NM with on-site work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or related discipline.
• Active DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, or equivalent).
• Active CCNA certification.
• Extensive experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise Cisco network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, configure, and maintain enterprise LAN and WAN infrastructure.
• Engineer and support Cisco routing and switching environments for mission-critical networks.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize enterprise routing and switching technologies (OSPF, BGP, VLANs, STP, HSRP/VRRP).
• Support WAN connectivity using MPLS, VPN, and Internet-based transport.
• Configure, administer, and maintain Palo Alto Networks next-gen firewalls.
• Design and support secure GlobalProtect remote access and site-to-site VPNs.
• Monitor network health, analyze performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement fixes.
• Develop engineering docs, plans, diagrams, and SOPs.
• Participate in technology refreshes, modernization, and upgrades.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity to ensure DoD RMF/STIG compliance.

Skills

Enterprise network design

Cisco routing & switching

LAN/WAN engineering

Security RMF/STIGs

Troubleshooting complex networks

Remote access VPN

Network monitoring/diagnostics

Documentation & SOPs

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or engineering

Active DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, or equivalent)

Active CCNA certification

Tools

Palo Alto next-gen firewalls

Cisco IOS / IOS-XE

GlobalProtect

MPLS/BGP/OSPF

Python/Automation (Ansible/IaC)

Job description

SarelaTech is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to support the design, implementation, modernization, and sustainment of enterprise network infrastructure within a fast-paced Department of Defense (DoD) environment in Fort Belvoir, VA or Albuquerque, New Mexico. The successful candidate will provide engineering expertise for mission-critical Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and secure network infrastructure supporting classified and enterprise operations. The ideal candidate is an experienced network engineer with extensive knowledge of Cisco networking technologies, Palo Alto Networks security solutions, and enterprise routing and switching. This individual will work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver secure, resilient, and scalable network solutions that support evolving customer mission requirements. Clearance: TS/SCI Security Clearance.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, configure, and maintain enterprise LAN and WAN infrastructure.
• Engineer and support Cisco routing and switching environments for mission-critical networks.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize enterprise routing and switching technologies, including OSPF, BGP, VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), HSRP/VRRP.
• Support WAN connectivity utilizing MPLS, VPN, and Internet-based transport technologies.
• Configure, administer, and maintain Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls.
• Design, implement, and support secure Palo Alto GlobalProtect remote access and site-to-site VPN solutions.
• Monitor network health, analyze performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions.
• Perform advanced Layer 1-7 network troubleshooting using industry-standard diagnostic tools.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, implementation plans, network diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in technology refreshes, network modernization efforts, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity personnel to ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity policies, RMF requirements, and applicable STIGs.
• Support scheduled maintenance activities, incident response, and operational troubleshooting in a high-availability environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Active DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, or equivalent).
• Active Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
• Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Extensive experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise Cisco network infrastructure.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • TCP/IP
  • IPv4/IPv6
  • DDI (DNS / DHCP / IPAM)
  • NAT
  • VLANs
  • Copper and fiber optic cabling standards
  • Quality of Service (QoS)
  • OSPF
  • MPLS
  • Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technologies
• Hands-on experience configuring and administering Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls, including security policies, NAT, threat prevention, and GlobalProtect.
• Experience implementing and supporting secure remote-access and site-to-site VPN technologies.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting enterprise LAN and WAN environments.
• Experience supporting networking solutions within a fast-paced Department of Defense enterprise.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working independently and as part of a technical team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification.
• Experience with Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and advanced Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) architectures.
• Experience deploying and supporting Versa Networks or similar SD-WAN solutions.
• Experience with network automation using Python, Ansible, and Infrastructure-as-Code (IAC) technologies.
• Familiarity with Network Access Control and Comply-to-Connect technologies such as Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and IEEE 802.1X authentication.
• Experience with enterprise network monitoring platforms such as SolarWinds or PRTG.
• Experience supporting hybrid cloud networking in Microsoft Azure and/or AWS environments.
• Knowledge of DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF), Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and Zero Trust networking principles including SD-WAN, micro- and macro-segmentation, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
• Familiarity with break-and-inspect, reverse-web-proxy, and other application-based firewall features.
• Experience reviewing packet capture data for troubleshooting and packet analysis.
• Experience supporting on-prem virtualization platforms such as vSphere.

Compensation: $125,000.00 - $132,000.00 per year

Sarela Technology Solutions, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on any basis or status protected under federal, state, or local law.