Network Engineer

Senior Network EngineerApex Systems is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to support the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific) by providing engineering and operational support for physical Combined Test Bed (CTB) network environments. This role is responsible for the integration, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, security, and optimization of enterprise network infrastructure supporting mission-critical operations.The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with network architecture, routing and switching, cloud connectivity, network monitoring, and cybersecurity best practices in complex government environments.Compensation: $64.90 on contract // $125,000-$135,000 annually upon conversionContract: 6 month to permLocation: San Diego, CA (100% Onsite)Clearance Required: Active Secret ClearanceKey ResponsibilitiesProvide engineering and day-to-day operational support for CTB network environments.Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade network hardware, software, and firmware.Ensure network devices comply with STIG requirements and cybersecurity standards.Monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot network performance at both the physical and IP packet levels.Utilize enterprise monitoring tools including inMON Traffic Sentinel and Zabbix to proactively identify and resolve issues.Provide on-call support for network outages during evenings, weekends, and holidays, with the ability to arrive onsite within two hours of notification.Design, implement, and maintain connectivity to cloud environments, including AWS and Azure.Manage IP address space, VLANs, route tables, VPCs, and virtual gateways.Build and maintain network test environments; develop and execute test plans and document results.Coordinate vendor support and conduct regression testing following issue remediation.Install, configure, and maintain routing, distribution, firewall, and boundary protection infrastructure.Support networking solutions including HPE Aruba and Palo Alto technologies.Configure and troubleshoot routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP.Implement secure connectivity solutions utilizing IPsec and other encryption technologies.Manage Network Access Control (NAC) solutions including Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager.Support Zero Trust initiatives and dynamic segmentation architectures.Required QualificationsActive Secret Security ClearanceMaster's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline10+ years of network engineering experienceExperience supporting enterprise routing, switching, firewall, and network security technologiesRequired CertificationsOne DoD 8570 IAT Level II CertificationSecurity+ CECySA+GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP)System Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)AND one of the following networking certifications:CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional)Preferred QualificationsExperience with inMON Traffic Sentinel and ZabbixExperience implementing and managing Network Access Control (NAC) solutionsHands-on experience with Aruba ClearPass Policy ManagerKnowledge of Zero Trust networking architectures and dynamic segmentationAruba networking experienceExperience supporting DoD or federal government environmentsExperience with AWS and Azure cloud networking