Network Engineer Principal (TS/Q clearance required)

Description

The work supports critical National Nuclear Security Administration programs within the Department of Energy, and this is a principal-level role on the government IT infrastructure team.

You will design, implement, run, and fix complex networks in a large Cisco environment, aiming for strong performance, security, uptime, and room to grow.

The company is a global technology and professional services firm serving US federal agencies, defense, and the intelligence community. It has about 26,000 staff across more than 50 countries and focuses on AI, cloud, cyber, and software development.

Responsibilities

• Plan and build LAN, MAN, and WAN networks that meet performance and scale targets.
• Diagnose network issues as they arise, find root causes, and fix connectivity problems and slowdowns.
• Monitor network activity and flag problems early.
• Study traffic trends and recommend capacity plans for growth.
• Work with vendor support to get issues resolved quickly, and escalate during outages or performance drops.
• Set system-level designs and configurations, choosing hardware, operating systems, and platforms that fit operational needs.
• Test new and current network products and technologies against organizational standards and quality rules.
• Advise on and oversee all network operations, including LAN, MAN, and WAN administration, security controls, and systems integration.
• Give input on policy by explaining standards, technical limits, and budget effects on the network.
• Run routine tests and analysis on network hardware, communication systems, and connections.
• Find ways to optimize the network and carry out changes that improve speed and security.
• Write and keep current detailed records of configurations, processes, and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience.
• 10+ years of professional experience in network engineering and infrastructure design, including circuit troubleshooting with routing and switching protocols.
• At least 5 years of related experience.
• DOE Q or TS clearance required.
• Deep knowledge of Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, wireless technologies, and network design principles.
• Expertise in BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, STP, RSTP, VXLAN, and LACP.
• Understanding of network security, including system hardening and meeting organizational compliance standards.
• Experience with network firewalls, network infrastructures, and network routers.
• Experience with Juniper and Palo Alto is also a plus.
• A Cisco certification would be more valuable.
• Preferred: previous experience with the Department of Energy or similar federal agencies.
• Preferred: familiarity with Microsoft DNS and Unix BIND systems.
• Preferred: experience with DISA STIGs and other security frameworks, which are required for federal compliance.
• Preferred: a CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, CCIE, or other Cisco certification.

Conditions

Onsite at the client site in Albuquerque, NM, or Germantown, MD (19901 Germantown Rd).

Scheduled for 40 hours per week, with travel under 10%.

Work model is onsite only.

US citizenship required.

DOE Q or TS clearance required.

Hiring includes an identity verification process using biometrics and AI, and you must be on camera for virtual interviews.

The company is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Benefits

• Medical plans, some with Health Savings Accounts, plus dental and vision plans.
• 401(k) with pre-tax and post-tax contributions up to IRS annual limits, and a company match.
• Full flex work weeks where possible.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement, and jury duty leave.
• Short and long-term disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness, and business travel and accident insurance, provided or available.
• Paid certifications, internal mobility programs, and continuous learning.
• Likely salary range of $122,275 to $165,431. This is not a guarantee. Pay is set by experience, geographic location, and possibly contract requirements, and may fall outside this range.