Network Specialist III; Sr-Level Security Clearance

Position: Network Specialist III (Sr-Level) with Security Clearance
Senior Network Specialist Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Network Specialist to support the design, implementation, optimization, and sustainment of complex enterprise network infrastructures. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader responsible for network architecture, advanced troubleshooting, security compliance, and strategic modernization initiatives. This position requires extensive experience supporting large-scale network environments and the ability to provide expert guidance to engineering teams, leadership, and customers.

Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise network infrastructure supporting mission-critical operations.

* Serve as the primary technical resource for complex routing, switching, wireless, and network security solutions.

* Analyze existing network architectures and recommend improvements to enhance performance, scalability, reliability, and security.

* Lead network modernization, migration, and technology refresh initiatives.

* Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues involving multiple technologies and environments.

* Develop and review network designs, engineering documentation, diagrams, implementation plans, and standard operating procedures.

* Conduct root cause analysis and provide recommendations to prevent recurring incidents.

* Support network security initiatives, including segmentation, access control, compliance, and vulnerability remediation efforts.

* Collaborate with cybersecurity, cloud, systems, and application teams to support enterprise-wide initiatives.

* Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and provide technical leadership across the organization.

* Develop and present technical briefings to government customers, executive leadership, and stakeholders.

* Participate in strategic planning and contribute to long-term network architecture roadmaps.

Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Additional years of experience may be substituted for education.

* 8-12+ years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network environments.

* Active CompTIA Security+ certification.

* Active Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.

* Advanced experience with Cisco routing and switching technologies.

* Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, MPLS, VLANs, QoS, STP, and network segmentation.

* Experience with enterprise firewall technologies, VPNs, NAC solutions, and network security best practices.

* Experience supporting highly available, redundant, and geographically dispersed network environments.

* Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and engineering teams.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills.

* Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or equivalent advanced networking certification.

* Experience with Cisco Catalyst, Nexus, ISR, ASR, Meraki, and SD-WAN technologies.

* Experience with Aruba wireless solutions and wireless network architecture.

* Experience with cloud networking in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

* Knowledge of network automation using Python, Ansible, Terraform, or Power Shell.

* Experience supporting federal, defense, intelligence, or other regulated environments.

* Familiarity with Zero Trust architecture and modern network security frameworks.

* Experience with network monitoring and performance management platforms.

* Active Secret clearance required.
Compensation
* Salary: $65,000 - 75,000
** depending on experience*
* * Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Plan, Holidays, PTO, sick leave as required by law
* Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.