WAN Engineer

SMS Data Products Group, Inc.; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SMS Data Products Group, Inc. seeks a Sr WAN Engineer to design, engineer, and sustain enterprise WAN architectures supporting mission-critical network operations.

You will configure, monitor, and troubleshoot a National IP/MPLS backbone, implement BGP/OSPF/MPLS, analyze performance, and address QoS challenges while supporting datacenter modernization and providing O&M support in CONUS/OCONUS environments.

Qualifications

• BS in related field with 5+ years IT/networking experience.
• Experience with enterprise WAN architectures and 24/7 operations.
• Strong knowledge of BGP, OSPF, MPLS and QoS.
• Ability to produce technical reports and brief stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer enterprise WAN architecture.
• Configure and manage National IP/MPLS backbone network.
• Implement routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS) and QoS.
• Analyze network metrics and performance; resolve issues.

Skills

BGP

OSPF

MPLS

QoS

WAN architecture

Networking

Datacenter

IT management

Education

BS in related field

Tools

BGP

OSPF

MPLS

EIGRP

Cisco IOS

Job description

SMS is seeking a highly experienced Sr WAN Engineer to design, engineer, and sustain enterprise WAN architectures supporting mission‑critical network operations. This role will focus on configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting National IP/MPLS backbone networks; implementing advanced routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and MPLS; analyzing network performance; and resolving complex Quality of Service challenges involving policing, shaping, and queuing. The ideal candidate will bring strong WAN enterprise, LAN, and general networking expertise, along with the ability to support datacenter modernization efforts, produce technical reports and trend analysis, brief stakeholders, provide functional training, and deliver reliable O&M support in both CONUS and OCONUS mission environments.

AFCENT’s mission is to deliver combat‑ready air, space, communications, and cyberspace capability for USCENTCOM, helping maintain security and stability throughout Southwest Asia. We support the AFCENT Commander, USCENTCOM, coalition and joint partners, and warfighters who rely on NIPRNet, SIPRNet, partner networks, and other command‑and‑control systems. The AFCENT NOSC program is focused on running and protecting a 24/7 enterprise network and systems operations, including cybersecurity, engineering, maintenance, and technical support, keeping the AFCENT’s theater communications and IT infrastructure ready, secure, and available to effectively execute the AFCENT mission.

Since 1976, SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long‑term partnerships with our customers, we invest in our employees by providing the training, tools, and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance, and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on‑site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com .

Job Responsibilities

• Design and engineer enterprise WAN architecture.
• Configure, monitor and trouble‑shoot National IP/MPLS backbone network.
• Configure and implement internal, external, and service provider routing protocols including but not limited to Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS).
• Analyze a myriad of networking metrics and recognize sub‑par network performance.
• Configure and troubleshoot Quality of Service (QOS) involving policing, shaping, and queuing from partner owned routers.
• Develop reports and trend analysis documentation on bandwidth and network security incidents.
• Perform analysis for collaboration of network/system needs and participate in planning, designing, upgrading and deployment of enterprise datacenter hardware and software using a project‑based timeline.
• Provide General IT Management support.
• Provide General Networking support.
• Provide LAN support.
• Provide WAN Enterprise support.
• Provide technical and general O&M support as required.
• Provide documentation/reports support as required.
• Provide meetings/briefings support as required.
• Provide functional training support as required.
• Provide OCONUS deployment/TDY travel support as required.
• Provide CONUS TDY support as required.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in related field and 5 or more years’ relevant IT experience; or, 7 or more years’ relevant IT experience.
• Knowledge of what constitutes a “threat” to a network.
• Skill in providing feedback to enhance future collection and analysis.
• Must possess experience and demonstrate an understanding of Microsoft server installation, roles, active directory, storage, performance management, and maintenance.
• Must possess experience and demonstrate working knowledge in designing, engineering, implementing and troubleshooting enterprise WAN architectures utilizing External Gateway Protocols (EGPs) such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Interior Gateway Protocols (IGPs) such as Cisco’s Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP).

Certifications Required

• CCNP
• ITIL Foundation (candidate has up to 60 days to acquire ITIL Foundation certification)

Clearance Required

• Department of Defense Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance.

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.