Network Engineer - Level 0

Location: Columbia, MD

Position Type: Full-Time

Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph

Salary Range: $65,000 – $78,000 (commensurate with experience, skills, and contractual requirements)

Position Overview

The Network Engineer (Level 0) performs maintenance, sustainment, and troubleshooting of existing networks. This role involves monitoring system networks, identifying operational issues, executing scheduled maintenance, and resolving routine network problems using standard procedures and work instructions.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Monitoring & Alerting: Monitor data and voice system networks for messages, alarms, or operational issues. Activate scripts upon alarm generation, confirm message accuracy, determine issue severity, and initiate appropriate resolution or escalation.
  

• Maintenance & Operations: Execute scheduled maintenance routines in accordance with standard procedures. Activate and deactivate network lines according to established schedules.
  

• Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution: Perform first- and second-level problem determination. Troubleshoot basic network issues using predefined scripts and routine procedures; document results and communicate actions taken to affected parties.
  

• Vendor & User Interface: Interface directly with users and network vendors to resolve network line or hardware issues.
  

• Equipment & Analyzer Operation: Operate network analyzers, WAN test equipment, and network simulators to support diagnostics and testing.
  

• Instruction Adherence: Follow detailed work instructions and procedures to maintain network integrity and security.
  

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Clearance: Active TS/SCI security clearance with a current polygraph.
  

• Certifications: DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II baseline certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, CND, SSCP).
  

• Education & Experience:
  

  • Associate degree in engineering technology from an accredited college, PLUS two (2) years of experience in programs/contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
    

  • Substitution: Two (2) additional years of network engineering experience (4 years total) may be substituted for an Associate degree.
    

Key Skills & Relevant Background

• Experience installing and configuring network devices (firewalls, switches, routers, cabling) across platforms such as Cisco, Brocade, or Juniper.
  

• Experience supporting WAN technologies (SONET [OC3, OC48, OC192], DS3, T1, etc.).
  

• Experience with Type-1 encryptors and inline network encryptors (e.g., TACLANES, KG-175).
  

• Familiarity with networking protocols and technologies including MPLS, BGP, and VPNs.
  

Desired Qualifications

• Network certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent.
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation plan ($65,000 – $78,000).
  

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health coverage.
  

• Basic life insurance and short/long-term disability coverage.
  

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holiday schedule.
  

• Paid parental leave.
  

• Tuition reimbursement for ongoing education and professional development.
  

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.