Network Systems Engineer

House of Representatives • Washington, DC

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Network Systems Engineer works in the House Recording Studio (HRS), within the Immediate Office of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), U.S. House of Representatives. HRS provides live broadcast coverage of House proceedings, livestream coverage of Committee hearings, and television and radio studio services to Members of Congress. The role supports, maintains, and improves internal audio and video networks that transport uncompressed, real-time video, audio, and metadata. It administers and configures network hardware and software within HRS’ hybrid IP-SDI infrastructure and provides technical consultation on network analysis, integration, implementation, and maintenance.

The engineer collaborates on secure, high-performance, scalable networks for live video production across a multi-site campus; supports the transition of television operations from SDI to IP; and maintains and modernizes IP workflows. The position includes limited travel and a flexible schedule that may fluctuate biweekly to meet House service needs, including occasional weekends and late nights. Appointment grade depends on experience and level of responsibility. The position has no day-to-day supervisory or managerial responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional work experience.
• Five years of professional network engineering experience, with progressive professional development to maintain competence in evolving technology.
• Arista Campus Wired Engineering Specialist certification or Arista Data Center Engineering Specialist certification.
• Working knowledge of IP, Realtime Protocol (RTP), Precision Time Protocol (PTP), and Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP).
• Working knowledge of Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) Sparse Mode and Rendezvous Point redundancy (Anycast RP or Anycast IP with Multicast Source Discovery Protocol).
• Working knowledge of Network Source of Truth (NSoT) software, such as Infoblox, Nautobot, or equivalent.
• Must obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust determination.
• U.S. citizenship is required to be approved for the identification badge needed for unescorted access to secure offsite locations.
• Continued employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of a criminal history records check or other applicable security clearance and, for pre-identified positions, a pre-employment drug test.
• Limited travel and a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends and late nights, are required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Principal Engineer and Program Manager to design high-performance, scalable, secure full-mesh IP networks for live video production across a multi-site campus.
• Optimize network traffic routing for dynamic pathfinding, redundancy, and fault tolerance.
• Modernize television workflows by transitioning from SDI to IP and continually improve existing IP workflows.
• Implement encryption and security protocols to protect data integrity.
• Implement Layer 2 and Layer 3 Leaf-Spine technologies.
• Create and update technical drawings and schematics using industry-standard software.
• Manage deployment of ST-2110 systems, including -10 System Timing, -20 Uncompressed Video, -22 Compressed Video, -30 PCM Audio, and -40 Ancillary Data standards.
• Configure IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol for timing and synchronization.
• Use network analyzers and specialized monitoring tools to diagnose packet loss, jitter, and bandwidth issues.
• Verify network health daily; develop and maintain tracking, measurement, and quality-control processes; and provide reports as directed.
• Perform diagnostic testing to identify technical characteristics of complex broadcast, audiovisual, and network systems.
• Monitor software and firmware versions and install updates and patches as needed.
• Ensure audio and video broadcast standards are maintained.
• Apply project-management principles, including scope definition, deliverables, risk management, timelines, and collaborative communication.
• Research, review, and recommend solutions to meet service needs, improve performance, and modernize operations.
• Maintain and enhance customer experience and communicate respectfully with customers and coworkers.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair, decommissioning, and replacement of broadcast-production IP and network equipment in accordance with lifecycle maintenance standards.
• Oversee fiber-optic cable infrastructure design, testing, and installation.
• Administer Arista CloudVision on a day-to-day basis.
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and pursue professional development.
• Train and mentor junior staff and new employees.
• Perform miscellaneous clerical and administrative tasks and other assigned duties and projects.

Benefits

• The job posting states that federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package, but does not specify individual benefits.

What This Job Offers

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