Network Engineer (NE3) (Government)

AT&T•Columbia, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

AT&T Global Public Sector is seeking a highly skilled Principal Network Engineer to serve as a senior engineer and Tier 3 technical lead on a large government contract. The role is the final escalation point for critical network incidents and handles deep-dive analysis and resolution of persistent or high-impact issues to support stable, secure, mission-critical IT infrastructure. The engineer collaborates with the PMO on cost-effective solutions, guides technology evolution, and mentors the network support team. This is a full-time onsite role based in Columbia, Maryland, performed at the designated work location five days per week. Relocation is not offered. The required clearance is TS/SCI with polygraph. The stated annual salary range is $108,000–$215,100; individual starting salary may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education or training.

Requirements

Twelve years of experience in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university, or four additional years of network engineering experience in place of the degree.
Current IAT Level II baseline certification under DoD 8570.01-M, such as Security+, GSEC, or SSCP; certification must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Current CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), equivalent certification, or higher; certification must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Deep familiarity with routers, switches, firewalls, and network services such as DNS and DHCP.
Demonstrated success leading large-scale, complex network architecture projects.
Proven ability to provide technical leadership and mentorship across multidisciplinary teams.
Superior communication, consulting, and documentation skills.
Experience interfacing with senior stakeholders, technical boards, and executive leadership.
Ability to work in high-tempo, mission-critical environments and respond to after-hours incidents as required.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds and work in tight spaces as necessary.
Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and eligibility to drive an AT&T company vehicle.
Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.

Nice To Haves

Experience installing and configuring network devices, including firewalls, switches, routers, and cabling, from vendors such as Cisco, Brocade, or Juniper.

Responsibilities

Assess, evaluate, and enhance existing networking infrastructure.
Architect, document, test, and implement network services and devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, DNS, and DHCP.
Develop, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures for network operations.
Lead capacity planning and modeling to support strategic decisions and network scalability.
Research and recommend cost-effective network solutions and emerging technologies.
Design and execute contingency plans for network software and hardware failures, including isolated and major outages.
Provide expert consulting, technical guidance, and leadership to technical review boards, configuration control boards, developers, engineers, and senior managers.
Lead network upgrade projects through design, testing, deployment, and optimization.
Ensure network activities comply with applicable standards and are documented in accordance with government and organizational policies.
Serve as the Tier 3 technical lead and final escalation point for critical incidents; analyze and resolve persistent or high-impact network issues.
Mentor the network support team and collaborate with the PMO on solutions for customer requirements and evolving business needs.
Respond to after-hours incidents as required.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) plan
Tuition reimbursement program
Paid time off and holidays, including at least 23 vacation days each year and 9 company-designated holidays, based on date of hire
Paid parental leave
Paid caregiver leave
Additional sick leave may be available beyond what state and local law require; it is unprotected
Adoption reimbursement
Short-term and long-term disability benefits
Life and accidental death insurance
Supplemental critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, and group legal programs
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Employee wellness programs
Employee discounts up to 50% on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet and fiber where available, and AT&T wireline phone