Network Engineer

Soft Tech Consulting - Alexandria, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Alexandria, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Soft Tech Consulting is seeking a highly motivated, self-directed individual to fill the role of a Network Engineer for an existing government client. The place of performance for this contract is in Alexandria, VA. This position requires a Top Secret clearance, with a Secret clearance considered if it is upgradeable to Top Secret. The work environment is hybrid, requiring three days onsite and two days remote. As a Network Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the stable operation and efficient performance of data networks. This includes monitoring and managing all network hardware and equipment, such as routers, switches, and encryptors. You will analyze network performance across the organization’s LANs and WANs, identifying and developing remedies for any performance bottlenecks. Additionally, you will provide network performance statistics and reports, install and configure network hardware, and maintain network cabling and related equipment. Your role will also involve administering hardware and software upgrades for network equipment, performing network design and capacity planning, and developing policies and procedures for network resource administration and disaster recovery. You will manage network assets, including maintaining an inventory of network components and related documentation. Interacting with vendors and contractors to secure network products and services will also be part of your responsibilities. You will design network architectures using Juniper routers and switches, troubleshoot network issues, and provide expert analysis on system designs. This position requires a strong background in network security measures, experience with network management tools, and extensive knowledge of LANs and WANs. You will also be expected to develop technical documentation and provide quality control checks to ensure compliance with necessary standards. Your ability to work independently and communicate effectively will be crucial in this role.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the stable operation and efficient performance of data networks.
• Monitor and manage all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, and encryptors.
• Analyze network performance across the organization’s LANs and WANs.
• Identify and develop remedies for network performance bottlenecks.
• Provide network performance statistics and reports.
• Install and configure all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, and encryptors.
• Inspect, maintain, and replace network cabling and other network-related equipment as necessary.
• Administer hardware and software upgrades for network equipment.
• Perform network design and capacity planning.
• 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.
• 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 network architectures with Juniper routers and switches.
• Configure and troubleshoot Juniper routers and switches.
• 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.
• Provide technical support and quality control checks to ensure information systems designs and specifications meet necessary standards.
• Develop and present technical information papers (e.g., White Papers, Technical Reports, etc.).
• Troubleshoot network and communications systems and equipment components.
• Analyze operational problems and assist in their resolution, making software and firmware modifications as required.
• Test and debug software and firmware and demonstrate that modifications will perform as requested.
• Monitor the execution of Engineering & Implementation contracts and provide expert advice on the quality of work provided by the Engineering & Implementation contractors.

Requirements

• A degree in the field of computer science or other IT related discipline is preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of experience installing, configuring, supporting network environments.
• Solid working knowledge of network security measures and experience with network management and analysis tools such as Solar Winds.
• Experience in supporting enterprise level environments.
• 3+ years of experience with Juniper network solutions required.
• 5+ years of experience with installing and configuring network hardware and software, including cables, routers, switches, encryptors, etc.
• Experience maintaining and performing upgrades to the network environment.
• Expert level experience with configuring and troubleshooting Juniper routers and switches.
• 3+ years of experience troubleshooting network hardware and software.
• Experience with developing, implementing, and maintaining network policies and procedures.
• Extensive experience working with LANs and WANs.
• Extensive experience working with firewalls.
• Experience in developing, reviewing, and editing technical information papers to include White Papers, Technical Reports, etc.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Able to work independently.

Nice-to-haves

• Juniper or Cisco network certifications are a plus.