Network Engineer

Overview

The Network Engineer will provide engineering and operational support for an enterprise Cisco network environment. The primary objective of this support is to strengthen the security, reliability, and resilience of the network infrastructure while actively addressing identified Incident Response (IR) remediation requirements. The candidate will deliver critical Network Engineering Services that include designing, implementing, and maintaining secure network architectures that enforce Zero Trust principles, such as network segmentation, micro-segmentation, and least privilege access controls. Furthermore, the engineer will ensure that all network devices, including switches, routers, and perimeter systems, are configured, hardened, and continuously monitored in accordance with federal security standards and industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Enterprise Network Operations: Provide engineering and operational support for a Cisco-based network infrastructure, covering core, distribution, access, and edge environments.
• Network Security Architecture & Compliance: Implement and maintain network security controls aligned with NIST SP 800-53 (including AC, CM, SC, and AU control families), NIST SP 800-207 (Zero Trust Architecture), and Cisco security best practices.
• Access Control & Enforcement: Manage 802.1X port-based network access control to prevent unauthorized device connectivity. Design and implement least-privilege network access controls, ensuring role-based and identity-aware access across all network layers.
• Routing, Switching & Infrastructure Services: Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), Domain Name Systems (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocols (DHCP), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and related network services.
• Vulnerability Management & Monitoring: Conduct continuous monitoring and vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure (supporting 24/7 operations), identify risks, and coordinate remediation in alignment with NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) practices.
• Device Hardening & Maintenance: Harden all network devices using secure configuration baselines (e.g., Cisco Secure Configuration Guides). Maintain automated network patch management and firmware update procedures in accordance with Cisco best practices. Secure public-facing and perimeter network assets by implementing strict ingress/egress filtering and firewall rule optimization.
• Logging & Incident Response: Configure and maintain centralized logging and audit capabilities, ensuring logs are forwarded to enterprise SIEM platforms. Support incident response activities by providing network-level analysis, containment actions, and forensic data collection. Perform root cause analysis (RCA) for network incidents.
• Change Management & Documentation: Ensure all network changes follow formal change control processes with security impact analysis. Develop, maintain, and annually update Network Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), comprehensive network diagrams, and detailed hardware/configuration baselines to support audit readiness.
• Customer Service & Team Collaboration: Serve as a technical adviser for service desk ticket resolution and collaborate seamlessly with cloud, Microsoft engineering, and cybersecurity teams to support highly integrated technology operations.

Qualifications

• Clearance & Background: Must possess U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence Status. Candidates must be able to successfully pass a Public Trust Tier 2 background investigation, as well as FBI criminal checks and fingerprinting (explicitly required at Capitol Police HQ).
• Education: A Bachelor's degree in an IT-related field is required.
• Experience:
• A minimum of 5 to 6 years of professional experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructure, particularly within Cisco environments.
• Certifications: Candidates must hold active, relevant network or cybersecurity IT certifications. These certifications (or their prior equivalents) must have been continuously maintained for a minimum of 5 years. Expired credentials or those never utilized professionally will not be considered.
• Skills & Knowledge:
• Thorough knowledge of LAN/WAN systems, networks, and applications.
• Strong working knowledge of Cisco networking, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, 802.1X, and federal compliance frameworks (NIST 800-53, NIST 800-207, NIST RMF).

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, and standard office equipment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer workThe employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
• Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding)

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exposure to general office conditions while conducting office duties
• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)
• Ability to work in a confined area
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period

Working at Edgewater Federal Solutions:
Edgewater Federal Solutions is a privately held government contracting firm located in Frederick, MD. The company was founded in 2002 with the vision of being highly recognized and admired for supporting customer missions through employee empowerment, exceptional services, and timely delivery. Edgewater Federal Solutions is ISO 9001, 20000-1, 270001 certified, appraised at CMMI Level 3 Maturity for Development and Services, and has been named in the Top Workplaces in the Greater Washington Area Small Companies since 2018.

Edgewater Federal Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and continues to be our policy to provide equal employment to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status and/or other status protected by applicable law.