Network Engineer

Peraton•Washington, DC

16h•$86,000 - $138,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Network Engineer to support mission-critical classified network operations within a federal intelligence environment. This role requires a highly experienced engineer with deep expertise in secure network infrastructure, cryptographic systems, VoIP technologies, and SCIF environment engineering. The ideal candidate will drive network modernization initiatives, maintain secure communications for senior executive leadership, and ensure continuous operational readiness of classified networks supporting national security missions. This position demands hands-on technical excellence combined with the ability to operate independently in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.

Requirements

Active Q/SCI or TS/SCI clearance
Minimum 8 years with BS/BA, Min 6 years with MS/MA, Min 3 years with PhD, 12 years with a HS Diploma
Demonstrated expertise in cryptographic systems and TACLANE integration, deployment, and reconfiguration
Strong experience with Cisco networking technologies including enterprise routing, switching, and VoIP (Call Manager, voice gateways, Cisco endpoints)
Hands-on experience with fiber optic installation, fusion splicing, termination, and OTDR testing
Experience with SCIF environment engineering and maintaining classified communication systems
Knowledge of DISA STIG hardening guidelines and federal network security compliance standards
Experience with enterprise hardware deployment including rack builds, PoE switches, WAPs, UPS systems, and structured cabling (Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A)
Proficiency with network monitoring tools (SolarWinds or equivalent) for performance monitoring and operational reporting
Strong troubleshooting skills across routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), Layer 2 switching, VoIP, Layer 1 physical connectivity, and IPSec tunnels
Excellent documentation skills with experience producing network topologies, site assessments, and technical runbooks
Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate across NOC, cybersecurity, facilities, and executive stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Cisco certifications: CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Collaboration, or CCIE
Direct experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE) missions, including NNSA, OCIO, or Intelligence & Counterintelligence (IN) offices
Experience managing secure communications for senior executive leadership
Experience with large-scale VoIP migrations (8,000+ endpoints)
Familiarity with network automation and scripting tools (Python, Ansible, or equivalent)
Experience with server farm consolidation, expansion, and data center infrastructure management
Background in enterprise camera/security system installation and maintenance
Experience coordinating with NNSA, Emergency Management, and inter-agency partners on infrastructure projects
CompTIA Network+, Security+, or equivalent industry certifications
Continuous tenure supporting federal classified environments
8+ years of hands-on experience supporting enterprise network infrastructure in classified federal environments

Responsibilities

Design, build, and maintain secure network infrastructure supporting classified (TS/SCI) operations, including SCIF environments and executive-level secure communications
Manage and maintain secure communication uplinks with senior government entities, ensuring link reliability during national security operations and crisis response scenarios
Build and orchestrate secure Video Teleconferencing (VTC) for senior executive leadership, managing end-to-end call architecture, QoS, encryption synchronization, and real-time troubleshooting
Harden network security and cryptographic integrity by deploying, replacing, and reconfiguring TACLANE encryption devices and other Type-1 cryptographic equipment to meet strict security mandates
Lead network modernization efforts including full lifecycle management of network assets—from site surveys and facility layout optimization to rack builds, hardware integration, and decommissioning of end-of-life equipment
Execute end-to-end fiber operations including installation, fusion splicing, termination, diagnostics, and OTDR testing to ensure low-latency, high-reliability connectivity for classified networks
Transition legacy systems to high-performance architectures by building and integrating next-generation switches, routers, and servers with minimal service disruption to critical operations
Lead large-scale VoIP deployments and migrations (Cisco endpoints, Call Manager, voice gateways), managing provisioning, asset tracking, and user integration across enterprise environments
Maintain the integrity of classified communication systems including vIPER secure phones, Cisco Voice Gateways, and secure network drops within SCIF/Top Secret areas
Manage deployment and maintenance of enterprise-level hardware including fiber/Cat6A cabling, Wireless Access Points (WAPs), PoE switches, and UPS power systems
Conduct detailed site assessments and produce comprehensive network documentation, topologies, and infrastructure schematics to facilitate scalability and thermal management
Represent technical interests at Maintenance Review Boards (MRB) to ensure infrastructure changes align with strategic goals and maintain mission continuity
Coordinate planned outages and emergency restorations with the Network Operations Center (NOC), maintaining strict SLAs and minimizing service disruptions
Implement and maintain DISA STIG hardening guidelines and security compliance standards across all network infrastructure
Leverage ticketing systems (JIRA, ServiceNow, or equivalent) to streamline incident response and change requests, prioritizing mission-critical network issues to maximize system uptime
Train and mentor junior engineers in network engineering techniques, enhancing team capabilities and improving project delivery timelines