Network Systems Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Network Systems Engineer to support enterprise network infrastructure, vulnerability remediation, and network modernization initiatives for a large-scale federal IT environment in Norfolk, VA
. The Network Systems Engineer will focus on network patching, Cisco IOS upgrades, routing and switching, and Tier III troubleshooting across a geographically distributed enterprise network. This individual will work closely with network operations, engineering, and automation teams to maintain network security, performance, and operational readiness.
This position is fully onsite in Norfolk, VA, five days per week, and requires an active Secret clearance!

• Perform network vulnerability remediation, security patching, and operating system upgrades across enterprise network infrastructure
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and other network appliances
• Execute Cisco IOS upgrades, firmware updates, and network configuration changes while minimizing operational disruption
• Provide Tier III network engineering support, troubleshooting complex routing, switching, firewall, VPN, and connectivity issues
• Support enterprise routing protocols including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and MPLS
• Configure and troubleshoot VLANs, network interfaces, IP addressing, and switching technologies
• Support firewall, VPN, and DMZ configurations across Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, and other network platforms
• Collaborate with network automation teams to streamline patching, configuration management, and vulnerability remediation processes
• Identify and resolve network vulnerabilities while supporting rapid deployment of security updates and infrastructure improvements
• Participate in daily network operations, engineering projects, incident resolution, and change management activities
• Develop and maintain network documentation, implementation procedures, and standard operating procedures
• Communicate technical issues, project progress, and remediation activities to engineering teams and stakeholders

• Active Secret clearance
• Active DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II certification, such as CompTIA Security+ CE, CySA+, or equivalent
• Active networking vendor operating system certification, such as Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIA, or equivalent
• 5+ years of hands‑on network engineering experience supporting operational enterprise networks
• Strong experience configuring and troubleshooting Cisco routers, switches, and network infrastructure
• Experience with enterprise routing and switching technologies including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS, and VLANs
• Hands‑on experience with network patching, Cisco IOS upgrades, firmware updates, and vulnerability remediation
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting firewalls, VPNs, and DMZ environments
• Experience providing Tier III network troubleshooting, incident resolution, and technical escalation support
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, subnetting, network interfaces, routing protocols, and network security fundamentals
• Experience supporting production network environments, change management, and infrastructure maintenance activities
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing technical priorities and support time‑sensitive network engineering initiatives

• Advanced Cisco networking experience, including Cisco IOS configuration, upgrades, and troubleshooting
• Experience with Juniper, Palo Alto Networks, Brocade, or other enterprise networking platforms
• Experience supporting large‑scale, geographically distributed federal or DoD networks
• Familiarity with network automation technologies such as…