(DoD SkillBridge) - Principal Network Communications Engineer

$93,000 - $139,600/Yr

Northrop Grumman - Baltimore, MD

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Baltimore, MD

10,001+ employees

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to missions that matter. As a Principal Network Communications Engineer, you will be at the forefront of technological advancements, working on systems that impact lives globally. This position is located in Linthicum, MD, and requires on-site work, with no telecommuting options available. You will be responsible for maintaining the efficient operation of LAN/WAN/VPNs, planning, designing, configuring, and installing network hardware to meet customer requirements. Your technical expertise will be crucial in ensuring seamless interconnection and interfacing of networks and computer hardware, including routers, multiplexers, firewalls, and switches. In this role, you will propose solutions to management to optimize communications requirements based on current usage and future needs, ensuring cost savings. You will create and maintain appropriate network documentation, provide regular monitoring and analysis for in-house systems, and perform troubleshooting of network infrastructure. Your responsibilities will also include installing and configuring Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls, implementing and troubleshooting LAN and WAN technologies, and providing third-level support for network issues. You will interface with customers to manage installation timelines and deliverables, ensuring successful deployments. This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments with diverse assignments and collaborative settings. You will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of technical professionals and contribute to Northrop Grumman's mission of "Defining Possible."

Responsibilities

• Maintain efficient operation of LAN/WAN/VPNs.
• Plan, design, configure, and install network hardware in support of customer requirements.
• Maintain technical expertise in all areas of networks and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, multiplexers, firewalls, switches, gateways, etc.
• Propose solutions to management to ensure all communications requirements based on future needs and current usage, configuring such solutions to optimize cost savings.
• Create and ensure that appropriate network documentation exists, including operational instructions.
• Provide regular monitoring and network analysis regarding short- and long-range planning for in-house systems.
• Perform troubleshooting analysis of network infrastructure and associated systems.
• Install and configure Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Implement and troubleshoot LAN technologies such as VLANs, Trunking (port tagging), Spanning-Tree, and Port Security.
• Provide third-level support and troubleshooting of network problems. Periodically provide after-hours and weekend support.
• Implement and troubleshoot WAN technologies such as EIGRP, BGP, OSPF, and telco circuits (T1, T3, OC3).
• Interface regularly with customers and manage customer installation timelines and deliverables to help facilitate successful deployments.
• Design and implement an enterprise network.
• Recommend data, voice, or video network investment options to management and customers based on results of independent assessment of current and future network performance, stability, and network management issues.
• Report project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts.

Requirements

• Associate's degree with 7 years of experience, OR a Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience, OR a Master's degree with 3 years of experience; a High School diploma or equivalent with 9 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree.
• Experience installing & maintaining Cisco brand networking equipment for both LAN & WAN configurations, including IOS updates, port security, VLANs, routing protocols, IP filtering, and event logging.
• Current Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP, or similar DoD 8570 security certification; maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment.
• Experience working on a team of IT professionals.
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work after hours and on weekends as needed.
• Current DOD Secret Level Security Clearance (or higher), with a closed investigation date completed within the last 6 years OR must be enrolled in the DOD Continuous Evaluation (CE) Program.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in IS related field.
• Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG.
• Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE certification.
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring tools (e.g., HBSS, Solar Winds, Splunk).
• Experience using network analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, Opnet, etc.).
• Experience with Certification & Accreditation process.
• Currently active DoD Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Experience giving technical presentations to technical and non-technical attendees.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• 401k matching program
• Flexible work arrangements
• Phenomenal learning opportunities
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers
• Friendly team environment
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for personal and professional development