Principal Network Operations Specialist

Job Description



Join a Team that's Shaping the Future of IT Support

At BAE Systems, we're passionate about delivering innovative IT solutions that enable our customers to achieve their missions. As a
Principal Network Operations Specialist, you'll play a critical role in providing exceptional IT support to the customer. You'll be part of a dynamic team that values innovation, teamwork, and customer satisfaction. If you're a motivated and skilled IT professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply.

As a Principal Network Operations Specialist, you'll be responsible for providing 24/7/365 Network Operations Center (NOC) monitoring and support for a large government enterprise's IT infrastructure. You'll identify and respond to potential security threats, outages, and performance issues, ensuring uninterrupted mission operations. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include monitoring network infrastructure, identifying and triaging potential security threats, and performing root cause analysis on incidents.

By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to work on exciting projects, collaborate with a talented team, and make a significant impact on the customer's operations. You'll be expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams during major events, contribute to post-incident reviews, and generate performance reports for senior leadership briefings. If you're a motivated and skilled IT professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply.


Location Requirement

The successful candidate must be located within 50 miles of Washington, DC.



Required Education, Experience, & Skills



Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field
• 6 years of experience in NOC operations, network monitoring, and support within large enterprise or government environments
• Hands-on expertise with network monitoring and security tools, including experience responding to threats, outages, and performance issues in 24/7 settings
• Active DoD Secret Clearance (must be current and transferable)
• Strong knowledge of federal IT standards (e.g., NIST 800-53, FISMA) and ITIL practices for service operations and incident management
• Proficiency in networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF) and troubleshooting methodologies for hybrid on-premises/cloud environments
• Excellent communication skills for shift handovers, stakeholder notifications, and technical reporting under pressure
• U.S. Citizenship required due to federal contract obligations
• Behaviors that will help someone excel in this role:
• Applies extensive expertise, and has full knowledge of other related disciplines
• Exercises considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignment
• May function in a project leadership role
  
  
  

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills



Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA Network , or GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Experience supporting DoD or large federal enterprises, including integration with SIEM systems (e.g., Splunk, ELK Stack) for threat hunting
• ITIL 4 Foundation certification, with emphasis on service operation and continual improvement
• Background in automation scripting (e.g., Python, Bash) for alert triage and reporting
• Master's degree in a relevant field or additional certifications (e.g., CISSP for advanced security monitoring)
  
  
  

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $77809 - $132275

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20 hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.



About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security


BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.