Network Engineer

Network Engineer

Emerald Technical Solutions is seeking a Network Engineer to support a mission-critical defense networking environment. This is an approximately 6-month assignment with strong potential to transition into a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contract position as the follow-on contract is stood up.

The Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, configuration, and maintenance of Cisco-based network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls, while ensuring network security compliance in accordance with DoD and DISA standards. This is a Tier 2/3 engineering role requiring deep expertise in routing, switching, VLAN management, and network security hardening.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, configure, and maintain Cisco networking devices including routers, switches, and firewalls to ensure optimal data flow
• Perform network-adjacent administration tasks on Windows-based management servers, domain controllers, and network monitoring tools
• Handle comprehensive Tier 2/3 network engineering responsibilities including VLAN management, routing protocol optimization, and subnetting
• Collaborate closely with the ISSO to implement and maintain network-level security measures, access control lists (ACLs), and firewall rules
• Conduct regular patch management and firmware upgrades on routers, switches, and security appliances to eliminate vulnerabilities and maintain compliance
• Perform STIGs assessments on network devices and implement required security controls to harden network infrastructure
• Conduct regular network security audits, vulnerability scans, and traffic analyses, providing detailed reports to management
• Troubleshoot complex network routing, switching, and connectivity issues to provide rapid, definitive resolutions
• Ensure high availability, redundancy, and maximum throughput performance of critical defense networks and communication pathways
• Perform deep-packet inspections and fact-finding missions to pinpoint network latency or throughput bottlenecks and engineer solutions
• Build and maintain repositories of network diagrams, traffic trend analyses, configurations, and baseline data for operational continuity and archival purposes
• Assist with network expansion projects, hardware refreshes, and architecture modernization initiatives as assigned
• Monitor internal network deployment statuses to maintain operational accountability and communicate network readiness to management and stakeholders
• Work with systems and security teams to ensure seamless network-to-application integration and cross-team functionality

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance
• Active IAT Level II Certification (CCNA, SSCP, CND, Security+ CE) or above; CCNA highly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field; 10 years of relevant network engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree
• Strong knowledge of network-attached Windows systems, including the configuration, tuning, and troubleshooting of network services (DNS, DHCP, Active Directory)
• Knowledge of network virtualization technologies including virtual switches, distributed switches, and networking within VMware/KVM environments
• Proficiency in Linux server administration as it relates to network services, tools, and repository management
• Familiarity with DoD network security requirements, DISA guidelines, and network device STIG implementation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to document complex network topologies and brief leadership
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail regarding network configurations and IP address management (IPAM)
• Strong time management and prioritization skills with the ability to meet strict deployment deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with coworkers, mission partners, and defense customers

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Network Defender (CND) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification
• Experience working with defense networks within a secure DoD environment (e.g., SIPR, JWICS)
• Familiarity with network automation and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible for IOS/NX-OS, Puppet)
• Experience with containerization technologies and understanding of their underlying overlay networking requirements (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes networking)
• Network scripting skills in Bash and PowerShell to automate routine configuration backups and monitoring tasks
• Familiarity with a diverse array of enterprise networking products and next-generation firewalls (e.g., Juniper, Ubiquiti, Palo Alto)

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package and benefits.
• Professional development and certification opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• High potential for long-term placement on follow-on SETA contract.