Senior Network Engineer SME – Key (Active Top Secret Required)

Akima Data Management is currently seeking a Senior Network Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join the team and his responsibilities will include but not limited to the following:

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing complex network systems. As a subject matter expert, you will provide guidance and support to both technical and non-technical team members.

Responsibilities

Network Design and Implementation:

Design, implement, and maintain robust, secure, and scalable network architectures.

Ensure the network infrastructure meets performance and reliability requirements.

Network Management:

Oversee day-to-day network management, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.

Technical Leadership:

Lead network-related projects, providing guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.

Security:

Implement and maintain network security measures such as firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.

Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.

Documentation:

Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including design diagrams, configuration details, and standard operating procedures.

Collaboration:

Work closely with IT teams, departments, and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of network services with other systems and applications.

Continuous Improvement:

Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends.

Recommend and implement improvements to enhance network performance, security, and reliability.

Support:

Provide advanced technical support for network-related issues, including after-hours support as needed.

Serve as the SME for the installation, configuration, and administration of CISCO, Stratix, Juniper, and/or Aruba devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls.

Collaborate with team members to analyze and resolve user problems and perform preventative maintenance.

Possess advanced knowledge of TCP/IP network design and support, including LAN, WAN, and SDN networks, routing, and subnetting.

Perform duties associated with PWS section 5.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Telecommunications, or Management Information Systems.

Alternatively, candidates with 10 years of documented relevant experience will be considered.

Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in network engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior or lead role.

At least 8 years of documented experience relevant to this key position.

In-depth knowledge of networking protocols and technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS).

Experience with network hardware and software from major vendors (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet).

Proficiency in network design, implementation, and troubleshooting.

Strong understanding of network security principles and practices.

Familiarity with cloud networking (e.g., AWS, Azure) and virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.

A minimum of Top-Secret Clearance is required.

Desired Qualifications:

Certifications such as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), or similar.

Experience in large-scale enterprise environments.

Knowledge of scripting and automation tools (e.g., Python, Ansible).

Additional Requirements:

Demonstrate 8 years of experience in producing, managing, and maintaining network architectural drawings and schematic diagrams.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience providing installation support for network applications.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience performing network monitoring of the network to include all assets.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience providing technical support, advice, and troubleshooting for utility network operations with a 99.999% target network uptime.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience producing documentation for use in configuration, repair, and troubleshooting of hardware, software, and network operating systems.

Demonstrate 8 years working with TCP/IP in Software Defined Network (SDN) design.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience troubleshooting, resolving, and communicating networking issues to other employees and management.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience installing and configuring network equipment.

Document 8 years of experience regarding the ability to analyze and evaluate networks, identify issues, and provide solutions to ensure networks are operating efficiently.

Document 8 years of experience managing several projects simultaneously from design to implementation.

Document 8 years of experience communicating technical information to other technical team members and coworkers in other departments who may not have knowledge of networking technical terminology.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience developing and documenting processes and procedures for day-to-day operations.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience in task automation using scripting.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience implementing and maintaining patch versions and Department of Defense (DoD) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG) levels on all network servers and workstations.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience utilizing the DoD Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) to update, manage, and track the implementation of information security requirements for IT assets and resources.

Demonstrate 8 years of experience supporting DoD Information Assurance Risk Management Framework (DIARMF).

DoD 8140 IAT Level II Certification is required.