Network Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a Network Engineer to support mission-critical classified network operations within a federal intelligence environment. This role requires a highly experienced engineer with deep expertise in secure network infrastructure, cryptographic systems, VoIP technologies, and SCIF environment engineering. The ideal candidate will drive network modernization initiatives, maintain secure communications for senior executive leadership, and ensure continuous operational readiness of classified networks supporting national security missions. This position demands hands-on technical excellence combined with the ability to operate independently in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain secure network infrastructure supporting classified (TS/SCI) operations, including SCIF environments and executive-level secure communications
• Manage and maintain secure communication uplinks with senior government entities, ensuring link reliability during national security operations and crisis response scenarios
• Build and orchestrate secure Video Teleconferencing (VTC) for senior executive leadership, managing end-to-end call architecture, QoS, encryption synchronization, and real-time troubleshooting
• Harden network security and cryptographic integrity by deploying, replacing, and reconfiguring TACLANE encryption devices and other Type-1 cryptographic equipment to meet strict security mandates
• Lead network modernization efforts including full lifecycle management of network assets—from site surveys and facility layout optimization to rack builds, hardware integration, and decommissioning of end-of-life equipment
• Execute end-to-end fiber operations including installation, fusion splicing, termination, diagnostics, and OTDR testing to ensure low-latency, high-reliability connectivity for classified networks
• Transition legacy systems to high-performance architectures by building and integrating next-generation switches, routers, and servers with minimal service disruption to critical operations
• Lead large-scale VoIP deployments and migrations (Cisco endpoints, Call Manager, voice gateways), managing provisioning, asset tracking, and user integration across enterprise environments
• Maintain the integrity of classified communication systems including vIPER secure phones, Cisco Voice Gateways, and secure network drops within SCIF/Top Secret areas
• Manage deployment and maintenance of enterprise-level hardware including fiber/Cat6A cabling, Wireless Access Points (WAPs), PoE switches, and UPS power systems
• Conduct detailed site assessments and produce comprehensive network documentation, topologies, and infrastructure schematics to facilitate scalability and thermal management
• Represent technical interests at Maintenance Review Boards (MRB) to ensure infrastructure changes align with strategic goals and maintain mission continuity
• Coordinate planned outages and emergency restorations with the Network Operations Center (NOC), maintaining strict SLAs and minimizing service disruptions
• Implement and maintain DISA STIG hardening guidelines and security compliance standards across all network infrastructure
• Leverage ticketing systems (JIRA, ServiceNow, or equivalent) to streamline incident response and change requests, prioritizing mission-critical network issues to maximize system uptime

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum of 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 6 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 3 years with PhD, 12 years with a HS diploma
• Active Q/SCI or TS/SCI clearance  
• Demonstrated expertise in cryptographic systems and TACLANE integration, deployment, and reconfiguration
• Strong experience with Cisco networking technologies including enterprise routing, switching, and VoIP (Call Manager, voice gateways, Cisco endpoints)
• Hands-on experience with fiber optic installation, fusion splicing, termination, and OTDR testing
• Experience with SCIF environment engineering and maintaining classified communication systems
• Knowledge of DISA STIG hardening guidelines and federal network security compliance standards
• Experience with enterprise hardware deployment including rack builds, PoE switches, WAPs, UPS systems, and structured cabling (Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A)
• Proficiency with network monitoring tools (SolarWinds or equivalent) for performance monitoring and operational reporting
• Strong troubleshooting skills across routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), Layer 2 switching, VoIP, Layer 1 physical connectivity, and IPSec tunnels
• Excellent documentation skills with experience producing network topologies, site assessments, and technical runbooks
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate across NOC, cybersecurity, facilities, and executive stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco certifications: CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Collaboration, or CCIE
• Direct experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE) missions, including NNSA, OCIO, or Intelligence & Counterintelligence (IN) offices
• Experience managing secure communications for senior executive leadership
• Experience with large-scale VoIP migrations (8,000+ endpoints)
• Familiarity with network automation and scripting tools (Python, Ansible, or equivalent)
• Experience with server farm consolidation, expansion, and data center infrastructure management
• Background in enterprise camera/security system installation and maintenance
• Experience coordinating with NNSA, Emergency Management, and inter-agency partners on infrastructure projects
• CompTIA Network+, Security+, or equivalent industry certifications
• Continuous tenure supporting federal classified environments