Senior Principal Network Engineer/Specialist

Concurrent Technologies Corporation•Linthicum, MD

3d•$189,882 - $250,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Principal Network Engineer/Specialist independently leads and delivers multiple highly complex network projects that are critical to the organization’s technical direction. The role applies advanced principles, theories, and concepts to solve challenging technical problems, develop innovative solutions, and advance network engineering. Recognized as a top expert, the position contributes to functional strategic planning and may include department-level leadership and supervision. The position leads enterprise-wide, mission-critical network architecture and strategy; advises executive leadership; and guides technical innovation, cybersecurity compliance, risk management, and operational resilience. It also leads cross-functional projects, manages department-level resources, budgets, and timelines, and represents the organization to government agencies and industry partners. The engineer develops technical documentation, executive reports, and standards; mentors senior engineers and technical staff; and contributes to training, knowledge sharing, and organizational policies. The role also involves hands-on administration and support across network infrastructure, Windows and Linux environments, security operations, virtualization, storage, and enterprise applications, including in closed or non-internet-connected networks.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
12 or more years of relevant experience or equivalent work experience.
Expert-level knowledge of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, DNS, VLANs, subnetting, and routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP.
Extensive experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools such as SolarWinds and Wireshark.
Advanced understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, including firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and vulnerability management.
Previous military experience, civilian government experience, or experience supporting a government customer.
Strong communication skills, including eliciting technical requirements, explaining technical concepts appropriately for the audience, communicating candidly about difficult technical challenges, and providing remote end-user support and troubleshooting.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, define and execute tasks with limited direct oversight, and contribute effectively as a member of a small team.
Experience working in an Agile development context and defining sprint goals, epics, and tasks.
Experience maintaining Ethernet networks and IPv4 addressing; configuring Cisco switches and routers; defining and routing IP VLANs; administering and tuning firewalls; administering RSA; and working with multiple VPN technologies.
Experience with PowerShell, Bash, Python, and scripting.
Experience establishing and administering virtualization using VMware (VxRail, vSphere, ESXi, vCenter), Microsoft Hyper-V, and Proxmox.
Experience administering storage services such as vSAN, TrueNAS, and Sonatype Nexus.
Ability to establish, document, and test backup and recovery plans.
Experience administering Windows domains and services, including Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, Kerberos, user accounts, and Group Policy.
Experience maintaining Windows workstation endpoints, including accounts, certificates, device encryption, patching and updates, SCCM, WSUS, and Remote Desktop.
Experience deploying, administering, and maintaining on-premises Microsoft Office productivity tools, SharePoint environments, and Exchange services and email clients.
Experience deploying, patching, and maintaining endpoint applications and tools, and auditing, logging, and managing events in Windows environments.
Experience installing, configuring, hardening, operating, and supporting RHEL 7, 8, 9, and 10 servers, including LEAPP and Red Hat license management.
Experience with Red Hat Satellite and Ansible, and building and maintaining software package repositories in closed networks, such as yum/dnf repositories.
Ability to harden and demonstrate or test hardening of Linux-based systems using technologies and practices such as SELinux, fapolicyd, and SCAP.
Experience with network and information system security assessment and vulnerability management, SIEMs such as Splunk, ELK, and Wazuh, Tenable Security Center, Nessus, OSCAP, Satellite, incident identification and response, MS Defender A/V, and Clam A/V.
Ability to work with non-internet-connected networks and their operational challenges.
Ability to contribute to planning and milestone setting and provide perspective and analysis of alternatives.

Nice To Haves

Certifications such as CCIE, CISSP, or equivalent.
Extensive experience with DoD network environments, protocols, and compliance standards such as NIST 800-171 and RMF.
Expertise in SD-WAN, VPNs, cloud-based networking solutions, and zero-trust architectures.
Proficiency in network management automation and scripting tools such as Python and Ansible.
Demonstrated ability to lead department-level projects and interface with senior stakeholders, government agencies, and industry partners.
Experience with Veeam.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and implementation of enterprise-wide, mission-critical network architectures that meet organizational and DoD requirements.
Define and drive long-term network strategy aligned with business objectives and emerging technologies.
Identify and integrate cutting-edge technologies in network engineering.
Solve complex technical problems and develop innovative solutions in network engineering and cybersecurity.
Advise executive leadership on network-related decisions and strategies.
Ensure network systems comply with DoD cybersecurity standards, including NIST 800-171, RMF, and other applicable regulations.
Lead development and implementation of security measures, including zero-trust architectures, intrusion prevention systems, and encryption protocols.
Oversee risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to address vulnerabilities and support operational resilience.
Lead cross-functional teams on large-scale projects and ensure delivery of objectives.
Manage department-level resources, budgets, and timelines in alignment with organizational priorities and customer expectations.
Represent the organization to government agencies and industry partners on network-related initiatives.
Develop and maintain documentation of network designs, configurations, and processes.
Prepare executive-level reports and presentations on network performance, project outcomes, and strategic initiatives.
Establish and enforce technical standards and best practices for network operations and security.
Mentor senior engineers and technical staff and lead training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Contribute to organizational policies and procedures that improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Independently address network administration and support needs, defining, planning, and executing tasks with limited direct oversight.
Administer network infrastructure, including Ethernet, IPv4, Cisco networking equipment, VLANs, firewalls, RSA, and VPN technologies.
Establish and administer virtualization and storage services, and document and test backup and recovery plans.
Administer Windows domains, network services, endpoints, on-premises productivity tools, SharePoint, and Exchange.
Install, configure, harden, operate, and support RHEL servers and Linux package repositories in closed network environments.
Perform security assessment, vulnerability management, incident identification and response, auditing, logging, and event management.
Administer and maintain applications and systems such as GitLab, Confluence, Jira, Nexus, and Wazuh, and track and manage software and system licenses.
Contribute to Agile planning, including sprint goals, epics, tasks, and milestone setting.