Network Engineer SME

UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED

MINIMUM INTERIM SECRET CLEARANCE WITH UPGRADE TO TOP SECRET

ONSITE - SPRINGFIELD/FRANCONIA, VA AREA

Salary is dependent upon the candidate’s skills, experience, certifications and education as it pertains to this specific position  

Soft Tech offers competitive BENEFITS in the areas of: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, PTO, AND Paid Holidays

Soft Tech Consulting is seeking a highly motivated, self-directed individual to fill the role of Network Engineer SME for an existing government client. The place of performance for this contract is in Alexandria, VA.

The Network Engineer SME will be responsible for ensuring the stable operation and efficient performance of data networks; monitoring and managing all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, and encryptors; analyzing network performance across the organization’s LANs and WANs; and identifying and developing remedies for network performance bottlenecks. The Network Engineer SME shall have a solid working knowledge of network security measures, experience with network management and analysis tools.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, implement, and maintain robust network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, and VPNs.
• Monitor network traffic and performance, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and optimize network resources to minimize downtime.
• Implement and manage security measures, such as firewalls, access controls, and intrusion prevention systems.
• Inspect, maintain, and, where necessary, replace network cabling and other network-related equipment.
• Administer hardware and software upgrades for network equipment.
• Create and maintain detailed network documentation, including network topology, IP schemas, and firewall rules.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures and associated training plans for network resource administration, appropriate use and disaster recovery.
• Perform network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information.
• Administer and maintain user accounts, permissions, and access rights.
• Recommend, schedule, and perform network improvements, upgrades, and repairs.
• Interact with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.
• Design, configure, troubleshoot, and expand IP address schemas for a WAN/LAN network
• Develop functional, systems, and technical requirements documents based on operational and architectural requirements.
• Perform technical analysis of IT alternatives in support of strategic modernization efforts.
• Provide expert analysis and advice on the feasibility of system designs.
• Perform detailed engineering to optimize enterprise network topologies and develop engineering design documentation to produce, install, test, integrate, and support a complete functional enterprise or processing system or subsystem.
• Provide technical support and quality control checks to ensure information systems designs and specifications meet the necessary standards.
• Troubleshoot and analyze network and communication issue and assist in their resolution.
• Perform firmware upgrades, apply patches, and conduct routine maintenance to keep network systems up to date.
• Work with other IT teams, such as security, system administrators, and applications, to ensure integrated network operations.
• Setup and configure Juniper network devices like MX series routers, SRX firewalls and QFX switches.
• The ideal candidate would also perform:
• Serve as the network team lead and subject matter expert for technical and resource management. Act as a conduit for communication between Network Administrators and the senior leadership and/or technical staff.
• Manage the daily activities of the network team - act on any technical faults or issues, maintain the on-call schedule, and ensure documentation is complete.
• Under the direction of the senior leadership, initiate, plan, delegate, execute, monitor, and complete projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Key Technical Skills:
• Must have 7 years of Network Engineering experience.
• Must obtain a Juniper cert within 6 months of employment.
• Protocols: strong understating of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, and OSPF.
• Security Tools: Experience with firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS).
• Strong communication and written skills. 
• Preferred Qualifications:
• A degree in the field of computer science or other IT related discipline is preferred.
• Certifications: Juniper Networks Certified Specialist: Enterprise Routing and Switching (JNCIS-ENT), Juniper Network Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE) OR the Cisco equivalent Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE).
• Juniper Hardware & Software: Proficiency with Juniper routers (MX), switches (EX), and firewalls (SRX).
• Junos OS: Knowledge of Juniper’s operating system for network device management.
• At least two years' experience supervising small technical teams comprised of at least 6 staff members.
• Experience with Juniper network solutions is preferred. 
• Minimum Interim Secret clearance with upgrade to Top Secret.

ABOUT US

Soft Tech Consulting, Inc. is a woman and minority-owned business headquartered in Chantilly, VA. With contracts in both the public and private sectors in the DC metro area and across the country, Soft Tech is an organization made up of highly successful and talented Information Technology professionals offering enterprise class solutions for any size organization at great value. Soft Tech’s mission is to help government organizations design, implement, and maintain mission critical Information Technology solutions. By focusing jointly on our employees and our customers, we are able to achieve our mission by providing each and every one of our customers with continuous quality customer support.

Soft Tech Consulting, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.