Network Manager

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Donation matching
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources
  
  
  

Location: Maryland (Onsite / Hybrid)

Employment Type: Contract (Full-Time)

About AKIVA

AKIVA is an AI-native engineering firm specializing in enterprise services, domain-specific solutions, and high-performance infrastructure from strategy through deployment. We build innovative systems that drive measurable results for commercial enterprises and government agencies. AKIVA is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

Position Overview

AKIVA is seeking a Network Manager to serve as the primary technical authority responsible for the architecture, performance, reliability, and security posture of the client's statewide network infrastructure. This role ensures all engineering, maintenance, design, and optimization activities align with client objectives and comply with operational, security, and technical standards. AKIVA-provided AI-assisted telemetry analytics, predictive maintenance, and automated documentation tools may be leveraged to accelerate design reviews, capacity planning, and troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide end-to-end oversight for all WAN, LAN, MAN, firewall, and transport network components
• Serve as senior technical advisor to the client for all network engineering and network architect matters
• Lead engineering teams during troubleshooting of complex routing, switching, and transport-related issues
• Approve major configuration changes, design packages, and engineering recommendations
• Oversee capacity planning, performance analysis, and lifecycle management
• Ensure network resilience, redundancy, and failover designs meet State requirements
• Coordinate with vendors for escalated support cases, software upgrades, and hardware remediation
• Maintain mastery-level understanding of routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, MPLS, EVPN), security standards, and fiber transport systems
• Ensure network documentation is accurate, complete, and continuously updated; maintain architecture diagrams and implementation plans
• Support major incidents as Tier 3 escalation authority, including after-hours emergencies
• Lead development of network designs meeting performance, scalability, and security requirements; oversee implementation and enforce compliance
• Enforce network security policies; ensure adherence to state, federal, and industry compliance requirements
• Deliver Cost-Benefit Recovery Analysis, Last-Mile Redundancy Options Reports, and Strategic Project Summaries aligned to core network initiatives
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or other related discipline
• Senior-level network engineering certification (must be current) — Cisco CCIE, Juniper JNCIE, or equivalent advanced networking certification
• At least 10 years of experience demonstrating expertise in designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures
• Demonstrated experience with large backbone networks and fiber infrastructure
• Proven experience in design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex network architectures
• Full-time availability as dedicated Key Personnel; must be reachable 24x7x365 for Priority 1 and Major Incident escalations; must be available on-site when requested by the client
• Must be authorized to work in the United States
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field
• Additional security certifications (CISSP, CCNP Security, or equivalent)
• Cloud networking experience (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• SD-WAN, SASE, and zero-trust network architecture experience
• Familiarity with AI-assisted network analytics, telemetry, and predictive maintenance tools
  
  
  

Tools, Technologies & Frameworks

Network Architecture: WAN / LAN / MAN, backbone, fiber transport, firewall, SD-WAN | Protocols: OSPF, BGP, MPLS, EVPN | Certifications: CCIE, JNCIE | Systems: ServiceNow, configuration management, telemetry platforms | Design: capacity planning, resiliency and redundancy, last-mile engineering | Deliverables: Network Architecture Diagrams, Implementation Plans, Cost-Benefit Recovery Analysis, Last-Mile Redundancy Options Report, Strategic Project Summary | AI Assist: predictive analytics, telemetry analysis, automated documentation

What AKIVA Offers

• Professional development and skill-building opportunities
• Supportive management team with veteran-owned company values
• Opportunity to work on impactful state government technology programs
• Long-term contract engagement with potential for extension
• AI productivity tools and training provided at no cost to employees
  
  
  

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• 401(k) with generous company match
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Profit Sharing
  
  
  

Join Our AI Innovation Network

Interested in staying connected with AKIVA's AI initiatives, research, and opportunities?

Join our AI Innovation Network here: https://www.akiva.com/ai-network

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

AKIVA is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical disability, marital status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that diversity among our teammates is critical to our success as a company, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people within a qualified candidate pool.

AKIVA is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).