Principal Network Engineer

MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN A DOD SECRET CLEARANCE

Principal Network Engineer

Location: Rosslyn, Virginia (Hybrid)

Role Overview

This is a hands-on network engineering role focused on designing and deploying networks from the ground up to support a United States Air Force initiative. This position requires an individual with technical project management skills, strong communication abilities, and the ability to work effectively within a team. The role involves designing network architectures, creating detailed diagrams, conducting site surveys, and performing installations in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement complex, scalable network solutions from scratch based on customer requirements.
• Create and maintain detailed network architecture documentation, diagrams, and configuration records.
• Conduct site surveys to gather requirements, identify constraints, and plan network deployments.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex network issues, identify root causes, and implement long-term solutions.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to procure and integrate network hardware and software.
• Participate in onsite installations, including physical network setup such as fiber cabling and Layer 1 connectivity.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure network solutions meet organizational goals and security requirements.
• Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior network engineers.

Required Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in network engineering, with proven experience in a leadership or principal engineer role.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and optimizing large-scale network infrastructures.
• Expertise in routing, switching, VPNs, firewalls, and load balancing.
• Hands-on experience with Layer 1 infrastructure, including fiber cabling and physical network installation.

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of networking protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, MPLS), TCP/IP, DNS, and
• Experience with network automation and scripting using tools like Ansible, Python, or similar.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker.
• Experience with Cisco networking technologies, including Cisco SDN, as well as Linux environments (Rocky Linux, RHEL).
• Knowledge of network security tools and techniques (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs).
• Experience with cloud networking concepts and integration (AWS, Azure).

Certifications:

• CompTIA Security+ certification is required.
• Core Network Certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP) or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree or equivalent experience.
• Cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP or CEH.
• Cloud or Virtualization certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, VCP, or CCSP.
• Experience with pfSense.

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

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Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

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