Network Engineer - SME

Overview UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED MINIMUM INTERIM SECRET CLEARANCE WITH UPGRADE TO TOP SECRET ONSITE - ALEXANDRIA, VA NO THIRD PARTY VENDORS Salary is dependent upon the candidates skills, experience, certifications and education as it pertains to this specific position Soft Tech offers competitive BENEFITS in the areas of: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, PTO, AND Paid Holidays Soft Tech Consulting is seeking a highly motivated, self-directed individual to fill the role of Network Engineer SME for an existing government client.The place of performance for this contract is in Alexandria, VA. The Network Engineer SME will be responsible for ensuring the stable operation and efficient performance of data networks; monitoring and managing all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, and encryptors; analyzing network performance across the organization’s LANs and WANs; and identifying and developing remedies for network performance bottlenecks. The Network Engineer SME shall have a solid working knowledge of network security measures, experience with network management and analysis tools. Responsibilities Design, implement, and maintain robust network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, and VPNs. Provide expert analysis and advice on the feasibility of system designs and capacity planning. Perform technical analysis of IT alternatives in support of strategic modernization efforts. Perform detailed engineering to optimize enterprise network topologies and develop engineering design documentation to produce, install, test, integrate, and support a complete functional enterprise or processing system or subsystem. Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures and associated training plans for network resource administration, appropriate use and disaster recovery. Design, configure, troubleshoot, and expand IP address schemas for a WAN/LAN network Manage security measures, such as firewalls, access controls, and intrusion prevention systems. Manage, recommend, schedule, and perform network improvements, upgrades, and repairs. Monitor network traffic and performance, assist with troubleshooting connectivity issues, and optimize network resources to minimize downtime. Interact with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services. Develop functional, systems, and technical requirements documents based on operational and architectural requirements. Assist in troubleshooting and analyzing network and communication issue and assist in their resolution. Support/Oversee hardware and software upgrades for network equipment. Provide technical support and quality control checks to ensure information systems designs and specifications meet the necessary standards. Oversee/support firmware upgrades, apply patches, and conduct routine maintenance to keep network systems up to date. Assist with creating and maintaining detailed network documentation, espceially network topology, IP schemas, and firewall rules. Oversee/support the configuration of Juniper network devices (MX series routers, SRX firewalls and QFX switches). Oversee/support network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information. Work with other IT teams, such as security, system administrators, and applications, to ensure integrated network operations. Administer and maintain user accounts, permissions, and access rights. Inspect, maintain, and, where necessary, replace network cabling and other network-related equipment. Mentor more junior staff members. Available for rotating on-call support. Qualifications A degree in the field of computer science or other IT related discipline is preferred. Certifications: Juniper Networks Certified Specialist: Enterprise Routing and Switching (JNCIS-ENT), Juniper Network Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE) or the Cisco equivalent Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) is preferred. Experience with Juniper network solutions is preferred. Key Technical Skills: Juniper Hardware & Software: Proficiency with Juniper routers (MX), switches (EX), and firewalls (SRX). Junos OS: Knowledge of Juniper’s operating system for network device management. Protocols: strong understating of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, and OSPF. Security Tools: Experience with firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). Must have at least an Interim Secret clearance to start, that is upgradeable to Top Secret. Work location: Alexandria, VA. Candidate must live within 50-mile radius of Washington DC Area Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to work independently and support other team members in performing their respective operations. About Us Soft Tech Consulting, Inc. is a woman and minority-owned business headquartered in Chantilly, VA. With contracts in both the public and private sectors in the DC metro area and across the country, Soft Tech is an organization made up of highly successful and talented Information Technology professionals offering enterprise class solutions for any size organization at great value. Soft Tech’s mission is to help government organizations design, implement, and maintain mission critical Information Technology solutions. By focusing jointly on our employees and our customers, we are able to achieve our mission by providing each and every one of our customers with continuous quality customer support. Soft Tech Consulting, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr