Jr. Cisco Network Engineer

Our client is a minority-owned, founder-led cybersecurity and IT infrastructure firm headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metro area. We serve Federal Civilian, Higher Education, and SLED clients across consulting, engineering delivery, and technology resell, generating over $57M in annual revenue across a lean, high-performing team. Our work touches mission-critical infrastructure for institutions including Georgetown University and multiple federal agencies.

Role Overview

We are hiring a Jr. Network Engineer to support our hardware staging, configuration, and on-site delivery practice. This is a hands-on, technical role focused on the physical and logical preparation of network infrastructure — primarily Cisco Catalyst switches, Meraki access points, and associated gear — before and during deployment at client sites.

Primary Responsibilities

Hardware Staging & Pre-Configuration

• Receive, inventory, and inspect inbound hardware shipments against purchase orders; document discrepancies and condition on arrival
• Unbox, label, and physically prepare Cisco Catalyst switches, Meraki access points, and related infrastructure for staging
• Apply base configurations to switches and access points including hostname, management IP, VLANs, spanning tree, and NTP settings per project-specific runbooks
• Register and claim Meraki devices to client dashboard organizations; apply network and device-level templates
• Stage and validate configurations in a lab environment prior to shipment, simulating production network conditions where possible
• Update and maintain accurate asset records throughout the staging lifecycle including serial numbers, firmware versions, and configuration status
• Perform firmware upgrades and verify software versions against project requirements before equipment leaves the staging facility

Smart Hands Delivery & On-Site Support

• Coordinate repackaging and outbound logistics for staged equipment, ensuring hardware is protected and properly labeled for transport to client premises
• Travel to client sites across the DMV to support scheduled cutover windows, working alongside senior engineers and project managers
• Physically install and rack equipment at client locations including mounting switches, running patch cables, and labeling infrastructure per as-built standards
• Assist with on-site bring-up: connecting devices to production networks, verifying management access, and confirming that pre-staged configurations load correctly
• Support structured cutover activities including pre-maintenance checklists, port-by-port validation, and post-cutover health checks
• Serve as the on-site point of contact for hardware logistics during active deployment windows, coordinating with the PM and senior engineer remotely or in person
• Document as-built changes and site observations for inclusion in project closeout deliverables

Lab Operations & Quality Control

• Develop and follow staging runbooks and checklists to ensure consistent, repeatable configuration and validation outcomes across projects
• Conduct pre-shipment quality checks against project requirements and flag any configuration gaps or hardware issues before equipment is dispatched
• Coordinate with senior engineers and project managers to receive, interpret, and execute project-specific configuration requirements
• Track and report staging progress against project milestones, escalating blockers to the PM or lead engineer immediately

Platform Familiarity

• Work with Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches as the primary platform for staging and configuration activities
• Operate within Cisco Meraki dashboard for device claiming, template application, and network provisioning
• Maintain working familiarity with basic IOS-XE CLI for configuration verification, troubleshooting, and runbook execution

Required Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience in network engineering, IT infrastructure, or a hands-on technical role involving physical hardware
• Comfort with physical hardware handling: unboxing, racking, cabling, and labeling in a professional environment
• Basic understanding of networking fundamentals: VLANs, switching, IP addressing, and management protocols
• Ability to read and execute configuration runbooks and technical checklists accurately and independently
• Strong attention to detail; able to work methodically through multi-step processes without skipping steps
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel to client sites across the DMV
• U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain a federal clearance if required by client engagements

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Cisco Catalyst switches (9300/9500 series) or Cisco Meraki access points
• Familiarity with Cisco IOS-XE CLI for basic configuration and verification tasks
• Experience in a staging, integration, or lab environment — even in an academic or homelab context
• Exposure to structured cabling, rack building, or data center physical infrastructure
• Experience with Cisco Meraki dashboard administration including device claiming and template management
• Prior experience supporting cutover or deployment windows in client-facing environments
• Familiarity with Federal Civilian, Higher Education, or SLED client environments