Senior Network Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Senior Network Engineer with Security Clearance
Forge Forward is searching for a Senior Network Engineer to support a client in Charleston, SC. This position requires a minimum five (5) years of experience in networking and support for IT and C4I systems. US citizenship and an active Secret clearance current with SSBI/T5 investigation is required. Applicants not meeting both of these requirements cannot be considered. The Senior Network Engineer provides advanced engineering and operational support for Department of Defense (DoD) mission critical networks, with a specialized focus on Navy C4I environments.

This role is responsible for the design, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and sustainment of complex enterprise and transport networks utilizing Cisco and Juniper technologies. The position operates within a SAFe/Agile framework, collaborates across engineering, sustainment, and external teams, mentors junior staff, and briefs technical leadership on network health, risks, and performance Candidate will have privileged system access and must have CompTIA Security+ certification and ability to meet DoD Cybersecurity Workforce IAT Level II certification with an operating systems certificate (e.g., Linux+ and or Windows Server and or Network certifications).

Functional Skills and Responsibilities:
- Demonstrated hands on experience with Cisco and Juniper routing and switching platforms
- Experience supporting operational networks with strict security, availability, and performance requirements
- Design, configure, integrate, and validate enterprise and transport network solutions supporting Navy and DoD programs
- Engineer, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco and Juniper based networks, including routers, switches, firewalls, and transport platforms
- Monitor and maintain inter organizational and cross domain network connections, proactively identifying and mitigating risks
- Perform advanced troubleshooting and rapid restoration of network outages, minimizing downtime and mission impact
- Conduct lab-based testing, proof of concept development, and validation prior to production deployment
- Ensure all network solutions comply with DISA STIGs, RMF controls, and DoD cybersecurity requirements
- Utilize industry tools to analyze and optimize network performance and reliability
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including Network architecture diagrams and schematics, Configuration standards and SOPs, Test plans, validation reports, and integration procedures
- Participate in and support SAFe/Agile ceremonies, sprint execution, and cross team coordination
- Brief senior technical leadership and stakeholders on network status, operational risks, and recommended actions
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to support team development

Required Skills:

- Routing and Switching
- Firewalls
- Networking protocols Desired

Skills:

- Scripting and automation using tools like Ansible
- Familiarity with Navy and Joint networking architectures
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field desired