Overview

Axle Informatics is a scientific research and information technology company that offers innovative computer services, informatics, and bioresearch solutions to research centers and healthcare organizations around the globe. With experts in software engineering, bioinformatics, molecular research, and program management, we focus on developing and applying technological tools and scientific techniques to empower the world of research. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of health (NIH), which means candidates will be receiving the best on-the-job training possible in this field.

Axle is seeking a highly ambitious, adaptable, structured, and detail-oriented Sr. Network Engineer to join our vibrant team at Bethesda, MD. (MUST be local to MD, VA, or DC area. This position is full time on site.)

Benefits We Offer:

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
• Healthcare (FSA)
• Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
• Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Responsibilities:

• Perform mission critical data center Network management oversight including input into the planning, design, and implementation of NCATS Network in order to meet growth capacity demands and maintain reliability and access to critical Scientific equipment.
• Design, deploy, manage, and maintain a multi-vendor / multi-protocol datacenter network requirements supporting enterprise and high-performance computing systems.
• Draft and review complex network topology diagrams and architectures including migration plans.
• Lead the planning, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.
• Define and develop optimized network systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess network requirements and implement scalable solutions that align with business objectives.
• Participate in the development, support, and optimization of High-Performance Computing network performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve escalated network issues, working closely with other IT teams to ensure minimal disruption to operations.
• Consistently monitor performance and overall health of InfiniBand fabrics, including network switches, host adapters, and nodes.
• Perform network monitoring and performance analysis, implementing proactive measures to prevent potential bottlenecks or outages.
• Diagnose network monitoring problems, identify, and resolve performance bottlenecks, and effectively address any errors or failures within network topologies including HPC network fabrics.
• Participate in capacity planning, ensuring network resources are adequately provisioned to support growing demands.
• Evaluate emerging networking technologies and make recommendations for their integration to enhance overall network efficiency.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior network engineers, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with NIH’s CIT (Center for Information Technology) on network maintenance and upgrades.
• Act like an Owner.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience in configuration and maintenance of network fabrics supporting High-Performance Computing clusters.
• 7 years of proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise-level networks.
• Proficient in InfiniBand and/or OmniPath configuration and management
• Experience developing and understanding network device configuration for NVIDIA/Mellanox, Arista/Broadcom, among others vendors.
• Experience supporting the technical tools and configurations such as CISCO network products, Juniper, F5 and Palo Alto
• Proficiency in network protocols and technologies such as TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, VLANs, VPNs, and MPLS.
• Proficiency in firewall technologies and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Experience with network segmentation, VLANs, and DMZ design.
• Knowledge of network monitoring and analysis tools.
• Experience understanding and mitigating network hardware and topology failures.
• Solid understanding of network architectures, topologies, best practices, and techniques for high-performance and availability.
• In-depth knowledge of security principles, best practices, and industry standards.
• Understanding of threat modeling and risk assessment methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of network security principles and best practices.
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP, or equivalent
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with colleagues at all levels.
• Knowledge of Azure and Azure network security features are a plus.
• Experience with NIH highly desired.
• Experience in Linux Systems Administration desired.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting language desired.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individual’s assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.