Network Engineer

Network EngineerThe IRS Enterprise Computing Center in Martinsburg is seeking a highly skilled Network Engineer to join our data center operations team. This role is focused on supporting, designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced data center networking technologies critical to IRS mission success. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in Cisco enterprise and data center platforms, routing and switching protocols, network automation, and hands-on cabling and optics work. This is a hands-on engineering role requiring deep technical skills across multiple domains.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, Implementation, and Operations Deploy, configure, and manage Cisco Nexus (NX-OS) platforms (e.g., Nexus 9000 series) and Catalyst IOS-XE platforms (e.g., 9400, 9300, 8500, 9606).Engineer and support spine-leaf and collapsed core architectures, as well as hierarchical aggregation and access topologies.Manage Cisco ACI/APIC fabric, including spine/leaf configurations, and policy-based networking. Additionally, support and configure vPC domains in both ACI fabrics and traditional NX-OS environments.Configure and maintain routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP), including redistribution, route summarization, tagging, and convergence optimization.Network Resiliency and Performance Implement and troubleshoot QoS policies to ensure application performance.Configure redundancy and failover technologies, including STP, port-channels/LACP, HSRP, StackWise Virtual, BFD, and dual-homing designs.Optimize IPv4 and IPv6 coexistence and transitions, including NAT64 and dual-stack deployments.Infrastructure and Cabling Deploy and manage copper and fiber cabling (Cat6e, MMF, SMF, DAC, Client, MPO). Experience with patch panels (reading/testing connections), extending POTS lines for modem-based OOB access, and use of cable testing tools is also required.Select and validate optics/transceivers appropriate for various data center interconnects.Security and Access Control Apply ACLs and prefix-lists for both security and routing protocol functions, including route-maps for redistribution and QoS.Support compliance and change management processes with thorough documentation and adherence to standards.Automation, Tools, and Monitoring Utilize Ansible and Linux for network automation and orchestration.Leverage Cisco Nexus Dashboard, Insights, and Data Broker for visibility and optimization.Manage monitoring platforms (SNMP-based) and troubleshooting tools, including Wireshark for packet capture analysis. Experience with physical TAPs and SPAN technology for network visibility and monitoring is also required.Collaboration and Documentation Collaborate with data center teams on virtualization technologies (VMware vSphere, VRFs, hypervisors). This includes exposure to Nutanix AHV as the organization transitions toward hyperconverged infrastructure.Document designs, configurations, and changes; produce diagrams and technical documentation.Support ticketing and ITSM workflows (ServiceNow) and contribute to effective change management.QualificationsExtensive experience with Cisco Nexus NX-OS and Catalyst IOS-XE platforms.Hands-on experience with Cisco ACI fabric technologies.Strong knowledge of routing and switching protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, STP).Experience with high-availability designs and redundancy protocols (HSRP, vPC, StackWise Virtual, etc.).Practical experience with copper and fiber cabling standards and optics.Familiarity with network automation (Ansible, Linux scripting).Proficiency with monitoring tools, SNMP, and troubleshooting utilities (e.g., Wireshark).Strong documentation, diagramming, and change management skills.Experience with VMware vSphere, virtualization, and VRFs.Exposure to IPv6 transition mechanisms (dual stack, NAT64).Familiarity with Nexus Dashboard applications and modern data center monitoring tools.Knowledge of ServiceNow or similar ticketing systems.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.