Network Engineer Principal (TS/Q clearance required)

Network Engineer PrincipalGDIT is seeking an experienced Network Engineer Principal to join our team supporting mission-critical operations for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). In this role, you will design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot complex network systems to ensure optimal performance, security, reliability, and scalability in a large-scale Cisco environment.This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in network infrastructure and security best practices to advance enterprise IT capabilities for critical government programs.Responsibilities:Infrastructure Design & Implementation: Design, build, and implement network systems for LAN, MAN, and WAN environments, ensuring they meet performance and scalability requirements.System Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor and diagnose network issues, performing root-cause analysis to address connectivity problems and optimize operations.Traffic Analysis & Capacity Planning: Analyze network traffic patterns and provide capacity planning solutions to support infrastructure growth and performance improvements.Vendor Coordination: Interface with vendor support services to ensure timely resolution of issues and proper escalation during outages or performance degradations.System Configuration: Perform system-level design and configuration, determining hardware, operating systems, and platform specifications to meet operational requirements.Quality Assurance: Evaluate and test new and existing network products and technologies, ensuring they align with organizational standards and quality protocols.Network Operations Oversight: Provide technical assistance and oversight across all network operations, including LAN/MAN/WAN administration, security protocols, and systems integration.Policy Input: Contribute to policy discussions by providing insights on standards, technical constraints, and budget considerations impacting network operations.Testing & Optimization: Conduct routine testing and analysis of network hardware, communications systems, and connectivity components.Performance Enhancements: Identify opportunities for network optimization and implement improvements to maximize system performance and security.Documentation: Create and maintain detailed documentation for network configurations, processes, and procedures to support operational consistency.Minimum Qualifications:Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience. Having a Cisco certification would be more valuableExperience: 8+ years of professional experience in network engineering, infrastructure design, and circuit troubleshooting involving routing & switching protocols.Security Clearance: DOE Q or TS clearance required.Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, wireless technologies, and network design principles. (Experience with Juniper and Palo Alto also a plus)Expertise in protocols like BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, STP, RSTP, VXLAN, and LACP.Understanding of network security practices, including system hardening and compliance with organizational standards.Preferred Qualifications:DOE Experience: Previous experience working with the Department of Energy or similar federal agencies.DNS & Configuration Expertise: Familiarity with Microsoft DNS and Unix BIND systems.Compliance Standards: Experience with DISA STIGs and other security frameworks required for federal compliance.CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, CCIE, or other Cisco certificationWork Location: Onsite in Germantown, MD or Albuquerque, NM Citizenship: US Citizenship required.Security Clearance: DOE Q or TS clearance required.Why Join GDIT?At GDIT, your contributions help deliver solutions that ensure national security and operational excellence.Professional Growth: Access internal mobility programs, paid certifications, and continuous learning opportunities to expand your career journey.Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, health and wellness packages, 401(k) company match, and paid time off.Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a diverse and innovative team that prioritizes teamwork and high-impact results.Mission Impact: Support critical government programs by advancing enterprise IT infrastructure and modernizing essential functions.The likely salary range for this position is $111,155 - $150,385. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.