Senior Network Engineer

Soft Tech Consulting•Alexandria, VA

20d•$125,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Soft Tech Consulting is seeking a highly motivated, self-directed Senior Network Engineer to support an existing government client in Alexandria, Virginia. The role is responsible for stable operation and efficient performance of data networks, management of network hardware and equipment, analysis of LAN and WAN performance, and identification of remedies for performance bottlenecks. The engineer will apply knowledge of network security measures and network management and analysis tools. The position involves serving as a network operations and engineering subject matter expert; designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing enterprise network infrastructure; troubleshooting network and communication issues; advising on architecture and system design; and supporting network modernization and security. The engineer will work with Juniper routers, firewalls, and switches, collaborate with cybersecurity, systems, and application teams, and maintain technical network documentation. The role is onsite in Alexandria, Virginia, and requires U.S. citizenship and at least an interim Secret clearance, with an upgrade to Top Secret.

Requirements

At least 7 years of network engineering experience.
Must obtain a Juniper certification within 6 months of employment.
Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, and OSPF.
Experience with firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS).
Strong verbal, written, and communication skills.
U.S. citizenship required.
Minimum interim Secret clearance required, with upgrade to Top Secret.
Ability to work independently and support other team members.

Nice To Haves

A degree in computer science or another IT-related discipline.
Juniper Networks Certified Specialist: Enterprise Routing and Switching (JNCIS-ENT), Juniper Network Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE), or equivalent Cisco CCNP or CCIE certification.
Proficiency with Juniper MX routers, EX switches, and SRX firewalls.
Knowledge of Junos OS for network device management.
At least two years of experience supervising small technical teams of at least six staff members.
Experience with Juniper network solutions.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert for network operations and engineering activities, including issue resolution.
Design, implement, and maintain LAN, WAN, and VPN network infrastructures.
Design, configure, troubleshoot, and expand IP address schemas for enterprise WAN/LAN networks.
Provide expert analysis and guidance on network architecture, system design, and technical feasibility.
Perform network engineering to optimize enterprise network topologies and develop design documentation.
Analyze network and communication issues and provide technical solutions for reliable operations.
Develop functional, system, and technical requirements based on operational and architectural needs.
Monitor network performance, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and optimize network resources to minimize downtime.
Evaluate technology alternatives and recommend solutions in support of modernization initiatives.
Recommend, plan, and implement network improvements, upgrades, and repairs.
Implement and manage network security solutions, including firewalls, access controls, and intrusion prevention systems.
Perform firmware upgrades, patch management, and routine maintenance to maintain network reliability and security.
Support configuration, administration, and maintenance of Juniper MX routers, SRX firewalls, and QFX switches.
Collaborate with cybersecurity, systems, and application teams to support integrated enterprise operations.
Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and service providers on network products and services.
Create and maintain network documentation, including topology diagrams, IP addressing plans, and firewall rule sets.