Job#: 3058650 Job Description: Network Engineer
Location: Herndon, Virginia (On-site)
Role Overview
This organization is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to join the Tier 2 Operations and Implementations group. The successful candidate will provide advanced engineering support for a nationwide fiber optic transport backbone and manage operations across geographically separated facilities. This role serves as the primary technical point of contact for problem escalation, troubleshooting network devices, and optimizing system performance. The position requires a dedicated professional with deep expertise in layer connectivity and transport technologies to support a growing network infrastructure.
As an integral member of the Tier2 Operations & Implementations group, the IT Systems Engineer III (Lead Engineer) provides advanced Tier2 support of a nationwide diverse fiber optic OTN/DWDM transport backbone as well as two (2) geographically separated Network Operation Centers (NOC). The Lead Engineer serves as the NOC primary point of contact (POC) for problem escalations to include trouble shooting network devices, tools, and data services. The Lead Engineer will interact with Network Provisioners, IP Engineers and/or equipment vendors to identify and resolve escalated troubles. The Lead Engineer is expected to provide accurate documentation such as SOPs, Test Plans, Implementation Plans, Training Modules, Reports and Project Narratives. The position requires high level skills in Layers 1,2,3 inter-dependences and Transport proficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact and lead escalation path for operational issues.
- Lead configuration tasks and the integration and testing of new network nodes and devices.
- Perform advanced diagnostics using hardware and software tools to optimize performance.
- Provide technical guidance, training, and operational direction to junior technical staff.
- Develop and maintain technical operational documentation, standard operating procedures, and test plans.
- Create and update network design diagrams, routing schemes, and configuration drawings.
- Manage network monitoring applications to ensure maximum availability of services.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex physical and logical network issues.
- Provide support for continuous, around-the-clock operations and participate in on-call rotations.
- Travel approximately 15% to support various project sites and operational needs.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Experience: Minimum of six years of experience working in a complex network management and operations environment.
Clearance: This position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Certifications: Security+ or equivalent IAT/IAM/IASAE Level 2 of DOD 8570.1 is required. JNCIA or CCNA certification is required; working to progress for completion of CCNP certification or equivalent.
Technical Skills & Qualifications: Proficient with routing, switching, and security architectures in mixed-vendor environments. Expertise with network management tools such as SolarWinds, Cisco Identity Services Engine, Cisco Access Control Server, and network monitoring protocols. Must possess a valid Security+ certification or equivalent qualifying credential meeting standard industry benchmarks. Professional certifications such as CCNA or JNCIA are required, with progression toward advanced certifications expected.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced proficiency in Layer 2, 3, and 4 data networking architectures.
- Experience with high-assurance IP encryptors and associated secure communications equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to write comprehensive method of procedure documents and implementation plans.
Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth 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 ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
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Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth 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. Everforth 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, Everforth 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. Everforth 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 Everforth Apex team member can provide.
Everforth 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. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.
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