Network Lead Operations Engineer

We are seeking a Network Lead Operations Engineer to oversee and support the enterprise campus and data center network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be an expert in Cisco network technologies, responsible for managing EIGRP and BGP routing protocols, operating VXLAN overlays in the data center, and leading day-to-day network operations and troubleshooting. This position plays a mission-critical role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and security of a hybrid enterprise infrastructure supporting high-availability government systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead network operations for enterprise campus and data center environments, ensuring high availability and compliance with operational SLAs.
• Administer and troubleshoot EIGRP and BGP routing configurations, ensuring optimal path selection and route convergence across multiple network segments.
• Operate and maintain VXLAN EVPN fabric within Cisco Nexus 9000 data center environments.
• Manage and configure Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 switches across all layers of the network.
• Utilize Cisco DNA Center for automation, software image management, assurance, and intent-based policy enforcement.
• Serve as the escalation point for critical network incidents; perform advanced root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Implement network changes through structured change management processes; document all configurations, diagrams, and topologies.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, server, and cloud operations teams to ensure network support for enterprise modernization and hybrid architectures.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and guide resolution of complex network issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain applicable security clearance.
• Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of enterprise network operations experience, with advanced proficiency in:
• Cisco EIGRP and BGP routing protocols
• Cisco Catalyst 9K and Nexus 9K switches
• VXLAN EVPN overlays in production environments
• Cisco DNA Center
• Strong knowledge of routing redundancy, network segmentation, high availability, and datacenter interconnects.
• Strong communication skills, Verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency with CLI-based configuration and common troubleshooting tools (e.g., NetFlow, SNMP, Cisco DNA Assurance, packet captures).

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) in Enterprise or Data Center track required; CCIE preferred.
• Experience with network automation tools (Python, Ansible) is a plus.
• Familiarity with ITIL processes and structured ticketing systems (ServiceNow, Jira).
• Experience supporting FedRAMP, FISMA, or other federal compliance standards is highly desirable.
• Certifications: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) in Enterprise or Data Center track required; CCIE preferred. Security+ -- Relevant certifications (e.g., Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, GIAC) are required or must be obtained