Senior Network Automations Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Senior Network Automations Engineer with Security Clearance
GovCIO is currently hiring for a Senior Network Automation Engineer to determine and support Kubernetes platform service requirements for Platform as a Service architecture. This position will be located in Fort Bragg, NC, and is an on-site position. Responsibilities The Senior Network Automation Engineer serves as a hybrid Network & Systems Engineer and Tactical Communications SME, responsible for leading the collaboration of cross-functional stakeholders in designing, building, automating, testing, and sustaining mission-critical network infrastructure in support of deployed and enterprise operations.

This role integrates hands-on engineering, automation development, and operational support to deliver secure, scalable, and rapidly deployable network solutions

Key Responsibilities
* Network & Systems Engineer / Tactical Communications SME / Testing & Development
* Maintains subject matter expert-level awareness of current and emerging technologies through continuous research of technical manuals, vendor documentation, security advisories, and open-source resources.
* Leads evaluations and recommends hardware and software versions by validating:
* Minimum installation requirements
* Known defects and bugs
* Security bulletins and patches
* Compatibility with legacy systems
* Power constraints (including PoE considerations)
* Environmental and thermal limitations
* End-user interoperability (notably SFP module compatibility)
* Collaborates with the JEDI team to enable bare-metal provisioning of RHEL servers, leveraging Kickstart-based automation for PXE-style rapid deployments
* Oversees the building of secure, mission-ready network nodes from bare metal, including firmware/software upgrades, secure configuration baselines, tunnel establishment, and performance optimization.
* Conducts in-depth network connectivity testing, end-user behavior analysis, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal throughput and reliability.
* Coordinates with multiple J6 functional areas when deploying new sites.
* Works directly with customers to ensure installations are plug-and-play, enabling rapid deployment within constrained logistical timelines.
* Developed the initial MFS Medium v2 configuration and influenced the MFS Heavy baseline.
* Rapidly identifies and resolves network configuration errors; provides validated solutions to the network automation team for integration and code deployment.
* Possesses deep operational knowledge of network architectures, protocols, and failure modes, allowing for expedited fault isolation and resolution. Encryption Subject Matter Expert (SME)
* Holds strong working knowledge of encryptor configuration, firmware management, operational requirements, version enforcement, best practices, and troubleshooting.
* Diagnoses encryption issues based on customer-reported symptoms and operational context.
* Identified and resolved a critical encryption key failure affecting a forward-deployed Tier tactical node after multiple unsuccessful remediation attempts.
* Proficient with Gem One and Chimera management platforms. Additional Operational Support
* Performs off-site communications checks and equipment upgrades, including installation and airflow optimization to prevent overheating and equipment degradation
* Delivers expedited remote support to traveling customers, providing Cisco CLI commands to rapidly restore communications for senior leadership
* Detects and communicates probable hardware failures at distant ends during outage scenarios
* Assists with baselining and testing MFS kits under tight timelines or suspected hardware/software issues
* Collaborates with customers, ECS, and Tier units to troubleshoot connectivity issues and deliver targeted technical training
* Daily operational use of:
* Nautobot (IPAM and device management)
* AWX (administration and automation)
* Active Directory
* Forward Networks (topology and fault analysis)
* Splunk (detailed network/server logging)
* Service Now (ticketing and technical order tracking)
* Provides on-site support for emergent taskings, including after-hours operations Qualifications High School with 10+ years (or commensurate experience) Required Skills and Experience

* Clearance Required:

TS/SCI
* DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification
* Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
* Experience with Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure
* Experience with Containerization technologies
* Experience with microservice network architecture
* Experience with troubleshooting and resolving technical problems with both on-site and remote administrators
* Ability to communicate technical ideas and deliver briefings with cross-functional teams, work in a high-demand environment, and provide technical expertise on all phases of system engineering activities
* Active and current U.S. Driver's License Preferred Skills and Experience
* Supporting U.S. Special Operations organizations
* Cisco Dev Net Associate
* Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Network…