Senior Network Engineer IPv6
Onsite 5 days per week Herndon, VA
Duration 6+ months
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Network Engineer with deep expertise in IPv6 technologies to join our team. This role is critical to driving our projects IPv6 Assessment, Design, and Testing initiatives across the network. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience with dual-stack environments, multicast routing, and Cisco platforms, ensuring a seamless and secure transition to next-generation IP networking.
Key Responsibilities
IPv6 Network Assessment
Conduct comprehensive assessments of the existing network infrastructure to evaluate IPv6 readiness across routers, switches, firewalls, and end-host systems.
Identify gaps in current IPv4 configurations and develop a prioritized roadmap for IPv6 integration.
Perform audits of hardware and software compatibility for IPv6 support, including IOS/IOS-XE feature validation.
Document current-state network topology and provide detailed findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
Network Design
Architect IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack solutions that ensure backward compatibility while enabling full IPv6 functionality.
Design scalable IPv6 addressing plans
Develop multicast routing designs for IPv6 environments.
Create high-level and low-level design documents (HLD/LLD), including topology diagrams, IP allocation schemes, and routing policy specifications.
Collaborate with security, systems, and application teams to ensure end-to-end IPv6 compatibility.
Testing & Implementation
Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for IPv6 deployment scenarios, including dual-stack, tunneling (6in4, GRE, ISATAP), and translation (NAT64/DNS64) mechanisms.
Perform lab-based proof-of-concept (PoC) testing prior to production deployment.
Validate multicast functionality, routing protocol behavior and QoS policies in an IPv6 context.
Troubleshoot complex network issues across dual-stack environments and provide root-cause analysis.
Develop production migration procedures, including change management documentation and rollback procedures.
General Duties
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for IPv6 and multicast technologies within the project.
Mentor junior engineers and provide knowledge transfer on IPv6 best practices.
Participate in change advisory board (CAB) reviews and provide technical input on network changes.
Required Qualifications
Category
Requirement
Experience
7+ years of progressive network engineering experience in enterprise or service provider environments
IPv6
Demonstrated hands-on experience with IPv6 addressing, routing, and migration strategies
Dual Stack
Proven experience designing and operating IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack networks
Multicast
Strong knowledge of multicast routing protocols (PIM-SM, IGMP, MLD) in both IPv4 and IPv6
Certification
Cisco CCNP (Enterprise or Service Provider) and/or equivalent industry experience
Routing Protocols
Proficiency with OSPFv2/v3, BGP (including IPv6 address families)
Platforms
Hands-on experience with Cisco routing and switching platforms
Documentation
Ability to produce clear, professional network design documents, test plans, and assessment reports
Preferred Qualifications
Cisco CCIE (Enterprise Infrastructure or Service Provider) certification
Experience with network automation tools (Python or Ansible) for IPv6 deployment at scale
Familiarity with SNMP, NetFlow, and monitoring tools in IPv6 environments
Experience with security policies in dual-stack networks (ACLs)
Prior experience leading or participating in large-scale IPv6 migration projects
Understanding of federal or regulatory compliance frameworks related to IPv6 mandates (e.g., OMB M-21-07)
Education
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work Environment;
On-site attendance is mandatory five days a week.
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