Unified Communications Engineer - Principal

Gilder Search Group; Warrenton, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Input Technology Solutions seeks a Principal Unified Communications Engineer in Warrenton, VA. The role focuses on designing and implementing scalable UC solutions with strong security, interoperability with Cisco products, and seamless integration into existing IT infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years of telecom experience, TS/SCI eligibility, and deep knowledge of Cisco UC product suites, SIP signaling, and network security.

Qualifications

• Active Top-Secret clearance with SCI or the ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• 12+ years of telecom/UC infrastructure experience deploying Cisco UC appliances and converged networks.
• Knowledge of Cisco Unified Communications Manager, IM & Presence, Expressway, Video Teleconferencing, SBCs, and related Cisco products.
• Strong understanding of SIP signaling, VoIP, and Cisco call flows.
• Familiarity with network security, firewalls, and STIGs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement unified communications solutions with a focus on scalability, security, and performance.
• Install and configure UC systems including VoIP, video, IM, and collaboration platforms.
• Monitor and maintain UC infrastructure; apply updates and security patches.
• Integrate UC with network, AD, and cloud services for cohesive operations.
• Provide end-user support and create training to improve proficiency.

Skills

Top-Secret clearance

Cisco Unified Communications

VoIP

SIP signaling

Cisco IOS familiarity

Windows/Linux administration

VMware ESXi

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT

High School Diploma

Tools

Docker

Nutanix

ESXi

Job description

Input Technology Solutions is seeking a Principal Unified Communications Engineer for a great opportunity in Warrenton, VA!

Job Description:

In support of a challenging, critical, and rewarding program that provides integrated voice, video, and data services throughout the Information Technology lifecycle, we are seeking a Unified Communications Engineer - Principal to join our dynamic team of IT professionals dedicated to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. You must be a critical thinker, have a strong work ethic, and be able to work independently or as a member of a team in a dynamic environment. We value candidates who are detail-oriented while also being able to think and react quickly to emerging and unique problem sets. To be successful, you must be able to rapidly adapt and learn how to operate the front and back end of new products and processes.

Essential Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities of the Unified Communications Engineer - Principal include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and implement comprehensive unified communications solutions tailored to the specific needs of the organization, focusing on scalability, security, and optimal performance to ensure long-term effectiveness and adaptability to evolving business requirements
• Install and set up unified communications systems, encompassing VoIP, video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative platforms, to ensure seamless integration and efficient functionality across the organization
• Monitor and manage the performance and stability of unified communications infrastructure, proactively identifying and resolving issues, while conducting routine maintenance, updates, and security patches to maintain continuous, optimal operation
• Integrate unified communications systems with other IT components, including network infrastructure, Active Directory, and cloud services, to create a cohesive and efficient technological environment that supports seamless communication and collaboration
• Implement security protocols to safeguard communication channels, data, and endpoints, while adhering to security standards and regulations to maintain a secure and compliant environment
• Offer technical support to end-users, troubleshoot and resolve communication-related issues, and provide training as needed to enhance user proficiency and system effectiveness
• Develop and update comprehensive documentation for unified communications systems, covering configurations, procedures, and best practices to ensure clear guidance and consistency in system management and troubleshooting
• Work closely with vendors and suppliers to acquire hardware, software, and services, while managing vendor relationships to maintain timely delivery, quality, and alignment with organizational needs
• Create and uphold disaster recovery plans and procedures to maintain business continuity in the event of system failures

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Must have active Top-Secret clearance with SCI or the ability to acquire Top Secret/SCI
• At least 12 years of telecommunications technical experience installing, administering, and upgrading Cisco Unified Collaboration appliances and troubleshooting converged networks that leverage Cisco UC capabilities to interconnect Cisco, Tandberg, and Polycom endpoints, gateways, and teleconference bridge products
• Knowledge in Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Cisco IM & Presence, Cisco Expressway, Cisco Video Teleconferencing Systems, and Cisco Session Border Controller, Cisco Meeting Server, Cisco Contact Center Express, VQ Conference Manager, Cisco Unity Connect, MS SQL Databases, Integrated Room Video Teleconferencing Control Systems, ELK Stack, and NetScout
• Exceptional knowledge in Cisco Collaboration Call flow and SIP signaling
• Knowledge of network fundamentals such as firewalls, ACLs, simple network monitoring protocol, dot1x authentication, and dynamic routing protocols
• Experience with ESXi Virtualization, Nutanix, Docker.
• Familiarity with DISA STIGs and FIPS publications
• Must have the ability to independently deploy and maintain server-based dial plans, router-based dial plans, and the deployment and management of Cisco UC appliances
• Experience configuring Cisco routers to act as VoIP gateways and demonstrate a strong understanding of Cisco IOS 12.X/15.X command syntax
• Must be able to troubleshoot end-to-end performance issues associated with voice and video conferences involving IP and ISDN networks.
• Must be able to work a 40-hour work week, normally Monday through Friday
• Ability to work overtime during critical peaks and be available to meet last-minute requests for overtime if needed
• Ability to travel (5-10%) primarily within 75 miles
• Familiarity with MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Project and Visio
• Exceptional attention to detail; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong critical thinking, organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma
• Minimum Years of Experience:
• 12 years of relevant experience

Required Certifications:

Must possess a current Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification and one of the following 8140 IAT Level II or III baseline certifications:

• Level II certs include – CCNA Security, GISCP, GSEC, Security+ CE, SSCP
• Level III certs include – CASP CE, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP (or Associate), GCED, GCIH

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in IT related field
• Foundational knowledge and/or experience with Unified Messaging system, audio conference bridge systems and gateways, voice circuits, and crypto technologies for voice systems
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Certification

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.