Network Engineer

Position Title: Network Engineer Position Type: Full Time Employee Location: APG, MD Clearance Requirement: Top Secret / SCI Salary Range: 130 – 160K Start Date: Immediate Opening Position Overview 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 Network Device Management 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 Cybersecurity & Compliance 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 Network Operations & Reliability 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 Documentation & Modernization 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 Cross-Functional Integration 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr