Title: Network Engineer 3
Location: Richmond, VA 23219 US United States (Onsite)
Interviews: In person interviews
Job Type: Contract
Job Duration: Approx. 06 months (Extensions highly likely)
Job Description:
Position Overview:
- The ***seeks a Network Engineer to support and maintain a secure, stable, and high-performing enterprise network environment. This role is responsible for administering and troubleshooting core networking infrastructure across multiple office locations, data centers, and remote access environments.
- The Network Engineer is a hands-on technical role responsible for routing, switching, firewalls, VPN connectivity, wireless infrastructure, and network resiliency. The position works under the direction of the Director of Infrastructure & Operations and collaborates with Infrastructure, Information Security, End User Services, Application/Data Services, vendors, and service providers.
- This role emphasizes operational discipline, secure network design, structured change management, and reliable service delivery within a government environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Network Infrastructure Administration:
- Administer enterprise routing and switching infrastructure
- Configure and maintain LAN, WAN, wireless, and remote access environments
- Support hybrid MPLS and SD-WAN connectivity across multiple locations
- Maintain network availability, resiliency, and performance
Firewall & Secure Connectivity Management:
- Administer firewalls, VPN solutions, and secure remote connectivity
- Implement and maintain network segmentation and access controls
- Support secure connectivity for cloud and hybrid environments
- Coordinate firewall rule changes and network security updates
Monitoring & Troubleshooting:
- Monitor network health, utilization, and performance
- Respond to outages, connectivity issues, and infrastructure incidents
- Perform network troubleshooting across routing, switching, wireless, and VPN environments
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
Security & Compliance Support:
- Support implementation of network security controls and standards
- Collaborate with the Information Security Office on vulnerability remediation and risk reduction
- Assist with logging, monitoring, and audit activities
- Support secure configuration and hardening practices
Change Management & Operations:
- Execute network changes through defined change management processes
- Validate planned changes and maintain rollback procedures
- Participate in maintenance windows and operational planning
- Maintain network documentation and diagrams
Vendor & Carrier Coordination:
- Coordinate with telecommunications providers and vendors
- Support circuit provisioning, troubleshooting, and escalations
- Assist with hardware lifecycle and support renewals
Cross-Team Collaboration:
- Partner with Systems Administration on infrastructure dependencies
- Coordinate with End User Services regarding user-impacting network issues
- Support Application/Data teams with connectivity and performance needs
- Communicate operational risks and system impacts to leadership
Required Qualifications:
- Experience administering enterprise network environments
- Strong knowledge of routing and switching concepts
- Experience with firewalls, VPNs, and secure remote access
- Experience troubleshooting network connectivity and performance issues
- Familiarity with wireless networking technologies
- Understanding of structured operational and change management processes
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Cisco networking technologies
- Experience with SD-WAN and hybrid network environments
- Experience in government or regulated environments
- Familiarity with network monitoring and logging tools
- Knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST
- Relevant certifications such as CCNA or CCNP
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
- Ability to manage multiple operational priorities
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively across technical teams
- Focus on reliability, security, and operational consistency