Network Support Specialist

Job ID: 2509444

Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US

Date Posted: 2025-09-09

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Network Engineer

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: Top Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work: No

Description

This is an opening for a Network Support Specialist to support a Department of State (DoS) Bureau of Diplomatic Technology (DT) program. This program provides transparent, interconnected systems and security supporting the DoS in successfully carrying out its U.S. foreign policy mission. DT provides enterprise architecture design, engineering, operations and maintenance support services for desktops, servers, networks, firewalls, and enterprise applications across the Department. Program is named "Vanguard" and is an IT consolidation consisting of the Department's servers, mainframes, network devices, network perimeter, anti-virus engineering, public key infrastructure (PKI)/biometrics/encryption, monitoring tools, telephony, mobile computing platform, virtual environment, and enclave design/security engineering.

This is a mid-level position within the Vanguard 2.2.1 Program's Network Operations (NO), acting as an LAN/WAN Support Specialist. This position directly supports DoS on-site to monitor the LAN/WAN network and assist in troubleshooting and resolution. Support the Secure Voice and Video networks. Individual will be responsible for providing Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support including, but not limited to the following: System equipment installation, maintenance and monitoring, performing in-service and out-of-service testing, documenting test results, performing fault isolation, troubleshooting circuit problems, re-keying cryptographic devices, reconfiguring equipment, tracking maintenance on equipment, reporting outages to the Technical Control Facility (TCF), fabricating cables (as needed), maintaining and testing equipment spares and supplies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Provides technical guidance for directing and monitoring information systems operations.
• Implements and maintains network systems.
• Monitors network infrastructures and performs troubleshooting as issues arise.
• Monitors and responds to complex technical control facility hardware and software problems.
• Escalates issues as required to Tier III staff, and monitors issues through the trouble life cycle.
• Assists with updating standard operating procedures, network topology documentation, and other documentation.
• Documents activities in ServiceNow requests and incident management system, as part of day-to-day operations and to support SLAs, reporting metrics, and key performance indicators.
• Performs minimal IOS and software upgrades on network infrastructures.
• Ensures the assigned shift SLAs are met and identifies trouble areas that could negatively impact the ability to maintain SLAs.
• Performs rack-mounting and de-installing communications equipment and associated cabling.
• Creates Visio drawings when tasked.
• Creates excel databases to streamline the working effort.
• Configure/Install/De-Install/Troubleshoot Cisco and CIS secure phones.
• Maintain a daily shift log.
• Perform and complete tasks assigned by management.
• Provides the best customer service to the customers of the Department of State
• Provide network access to those using the GSM 1 st floor Conference rooms.

Qualifications


Required Education/Experience/Skills/Certifications:

• Associates degree or equivalent training, and 4 years' experience with voice, data and LAN/WAN communications systems. May accept additional experience in lieu of degree.
• PMP is highly desired.
• Operator/maintenance training or experience on various crypto equipment such as General Dynamics: KG-175D, KG-175A, KG-175F, KG-175G, KG-175X, C100, ViaSat: KG-250, KG-250X, KG-250XS, KG-255, IPS-250, and L3: KG-245X, KG-240A, KG-240.
• Experience in the tech control environment.
• Basic electronics or computer repair skills.
• Technical writing skills.
• Ability to handle moderately complex assignments with little supervision and to determine methods to accomplish assigned tasks.

Clearance Requirements:

• ship.
• Active top secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI. Must have held an SCI clearance within the past 3 years.

Desired Education/Experience/Skills/Certifications:

• Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN) experience.
• Experience with Service Now (SNow) ticketing system.
• Experience with HAIPE operating software called CHIMERA (Common HAIPE Interoperable Manager for Efficient Remote Administration).
• Technical training in computer science or related field.
• CCNA certification.
• Network+ or comparable certification.
• Experience repairing and terminating fiber optic cables.
• AutoCAD or Visio experience.
• Radio/satellite background.
• ITIL Foundation certification.
• Familiarity with DoS environment (data and voice networks, IT security systems, policies and procedures), Foreign Affairs Handbooks (FAHs), Foreign Affairs Manuals (FAMs) preferred.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.