Network Engineer II (NE2) (Government)

AT&T • Columbia, MD

23h • Onsite

About The Position

AT&T Global Public Sector is seeking a Network Engineer to provide secure, IP enabled, cloud-based, network solutions and professional services to the Federal Government. This role supports high-performance computing (HPC), infrastructure maintenance for HPC systems, networking, office automation, and the development of specialized software. The IT infrastructure primarily utilizes Linux and includes various network devices, server interconnections, mass storage solutions, and essential supporting infrastructure services. The Level 2 Network Engineer will provide enterprise network engineering support across data center and campus environments, encompassing system-level design, security boundaries, virtualization platforms, and storage networking. Key responsibilities include installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and operational support for routing, switching, load balancing, firewalling, and VPN capabilities. The position requires a minimum of 5 days per week office presence at a government customer site, with no relocation offered. Work is performed within a structured ticketing and change environment, potentially involving hands-on activities in data centers or network closets, live operational support, and participation in an on-call rotation.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of the TCP/IP protocol stack and common routing and switching protocols.
• Strong working knowledge of Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols and associated troubleshooting practices.
• Experience administering and troubleshooting stateful firewalls and Layer 3 access controls.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco routing/switching platforms and network operating systems (IOS/NX-OS).
• Ability to work effectively in operational environments requiring live support, documentation, and disciplined change practices.
• Ability and willingness to support on-call requirements.
• TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.
• Five years demonstrable experience (with degree, or 7 without) in network engineering (LAN), architecture, monitoring, security, and protection.
• Datacenter network design and architecture experience to include installation and configuration of Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and IPSEC virtual private networks.
• IAT level II Required (SEC+; CCNA; GICSP; GSEC; SSCP).

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with CatOS.
• Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware and Solaris Containers.
• Familiarity with network access control and AAA solutions (e.g., TACACS+).
• Experience with firewall and security platforms such as Cisco ASA and FWSM.
• Experience with monitoring/management tooling (e.g., CiscoWorks, HP OpenView) and ITSM workflows.
• Experience with load balancing technologies (e.g., F5 and Cisco load balancers).
• Familiarity with Juniper networking platforms; Arista exposure is a plus.
• Knowledge of storage networking/fabrics, including Fibre Channel (FC) SAN and high-performance interconnects (e.g., InfiniBand).
• Experience configuring and administering Lustre file systems; exposure to DDN Exascaler appliances is a plus.
• Experience with benchmarking and diagnostic tools (e.g., IOR, iperf, FIO, lnet_selftest).
• Working knowledge of Atlassian tool suites (e.g., Jira/Confluence) is a plus.
• Demonstrated curiosity and continuous learning mindset; familiarity with emerging technologies (e.g., E1000s, ESNs, DAOS, Weka) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and troubleshoot network routers, switches, load balancers, and security devices in production environments.
• Support enterprise security boundaries and access controls, including stateful firewalls and Layer 3/Layer 4 access control policies.
• Provide operational support for LAN/CAN/MAN infrastructure, routing/switching services, and VPN technologies (IPsec).
• Analyze network performance and reliability using packet capture and benchmarking tools; support incident response and root-cause analysis.
• Work in a live call and ticketed environment; document work and track tasking in Remedy or similar systems.
• Participate in on-call rotation and support after-hours operational requirements as needed.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
• Adoption Reimbursement
• Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Extensive employee wellness programs
• Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level