Network Administrator

SMS is seeking a dedicated Network Administrator to join our team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base. In this role, you will be responsible for the daily operations, maintenance, and support of AFRL's network infrastructure. You will work closely with network engineering teams to ensure smooth functioning and efficient troubleshooting of network issues. This role involves regular interaction with Ruckus, Brocade, TACLANE, and Cisco (fiber/copper), boundary, HAIPE, and wireless networking equipment.

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

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Job Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and support of the network infrastructure.
• Monitor network performance, ensuring network availability, reliability, and security.
• Proactively identify and resolve network issues, troubleshooting network problems as they arise.
• Collaborate with network engineering teams and other departments to ensure cohesive network support and management.
• Document network configurations, changes, and operational procedures.
• Participate in the implementation of network security measures in line with NIST and DISA standards.

Required Experience and Skills:

• 3+ years of experience in network administration or a related field.
• Familiarity with Ruckus/Cisco wired (copper/fiber) and wireless equipment, and boundary devices.
• Basic understanding of network protocols and services (e.g., OSPF, DHCP, BGP, IPSec).
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools.
• Good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective documentation and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and network performance metrics.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to keep up-to-date with the latest networking technologies and trends.

Required Certifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Ruckus Certified Networking Associate (RCNA) or Network+.
• DoD 8750 IAT Level II, CompTIA Security+ or equivalent (CCNA-Security, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, CND, SSCP).
• Ability to acquire and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, or higher

Desirable Experience:

• Industry Experience: Previous experience in a DoD environment.
• Certification: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Scripting and Automation Skills: Knowledge of scripting languages (like Python) for network automation tasks is increasingly valuable.
• Project Management: Experience with large-scale network deployment or upgrade projects.
• Security Skills: Understanding of network security measures, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and secure network architecture, and familiarity with certificate based authentication and encryption devices (e.g., TACLANE).

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.