Network Engineer

Job#: 2071324

Job Description:

Apex Systems is seeking a Network Engineer to work onsite in Washington, D.C.

Summary:

The Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of our enterprise network infrastructure. This includes utilizing tools such as Nagios for network monitoring, Cisco Prime for network management, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for access control, and Splunk for network logging and analysis. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of network technologies and security protocols, along with hands-on experience with the aforementioned tools to ensure our network environment is efficient, secure, and continuously available.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the design, configuration, and maintenance of complex network environments, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and security.

Configure and manage Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls, ensuring they meet organizational needs and adhere to best practices.

Implement network protocols such as OSPF, BGP, VLANs, QoS, and IPSec to support complex enterprise network architectures.

Leverage Nagios to monitor the health, performance, and availability of network devices and services.

Develop and implement proactive monitoring strategies using Nagios to detect network issues, alerting on performance degradation or downtime.

Respond to network incidents, troubleshoot network issues, and provide timely resolution to minimize downtime and impact on the business.

Manage network configuration, inventory, and performance using Cisco Prime Infrastructure.

Optimize and automate network provisioning, configurations, and monitoring to enhance operational efficiency.

Manage and configure Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to enforce network access control policies for both wired and wireless environments.

Integrate Cisco ISE with other network security tools to provide centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA).

Troubleshoot and optimize Cisco ISE configurations to ensure smooth and secure access for end-users and devices.

Develop custom Splunk dashboards and alerts for network-related incidents, performance issues, and security events.

Maintain up-to-date documentation of network configurations, processes, troubleshooting procedures, and incident resolutions.

Identify areas of the network infrastructure that require optimization and implement solutions to improve performance and scalability.

Automate routine network management tasks (e.g., configuration backups, performance monitoring) to increase efficiency and reduce manual intervention.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications and work experience may be considered.

5+ years of hands-on experience in network engineering with a focus on large, enterprise environments.

Strong experience with Nagios for network monitoring, alerting, and performance analysis.

Expertise in Cisco Prime for network management, configuration, and automation.

In-depth knowledge of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for access control, network security, and user/device authentication.

Proficiency with Splunk for network log management, analysis, and creating custom dashboards and reports.

Advanced knowledge of networking protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VLANs, QoS, IPSec).

Hands-on experience with Cisco network devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls.

Knowledge of network security best practices, including ACLs, VPNs, and IDS/IPS.

Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for network automation tasks.

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members, management, and external stakeholders.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, providing guidance and mentorship to junior network engineers.

Desirable Skills:

Experience with cloud networking and integration of on-premise networks with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud environments.

Familiarity with SD-WAN solutions and network automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform).

Knowledge of ITIL or other IT service management frameworks.

Certifications: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or higher; Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is a plus. Additional certifications in network security or network monitoring (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Splunk Certified Admin) are desirable

Other:

• Current Public Trust preferred, but not required.
• All candidates must be willing to work on-site in D.C. for 5 days a week

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.