Network Engineer ; Onsite

Position: Network Engineer 3 (Onsite)
Job Title: Network Engineer 3 (Onsite)

Location: Richmond, VA

Duration: 06 Months with possible extension

Job Description:

The Client seeks a Network Engineer to support and maintain a secure, stable, and high-performing enterprise network environment. This role is responsible for administering and troubleshooting core networking infrastructure across multiple office locations, data centers, and remote access environments.

The Network Engineer is a hands-on technical role responsible for routing, switching, firewalls, VPN connectivity, wireless infrastructure, and network resiliency. The position works under the direction of the Director of Infrastructure & Operations and collaborates with Infrastructure, Information Security, End User Services, Application/Data Services, vendors, and service providers.

This role emphasizes operational discipline, secure network design, structured change management, and reliable service delivery within a government environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Network Infrastructure Administration

• Administer enterprise routing and switching infrastructure
• Configure and maintain LAN, WAN, wireless, and remote access environments
• Support hybrid MPLS and SD-WAN connectivity across multiple locations
• Maintain network availability, resiliency, and performance

Firewall & Secure Connectivity Management

• Administer firewalls, VPN solutions, and secure remote connectivity
• Implement and maintain network segmentation and access controls
• Support secure connectivity for cloud and hybrid environments
• Coordinate firewall rule changes and network security updates

Monitoring & Troubleshooting

• Monitor network health, utilization, and performance
• Respond to outages, connectivity issues, and infrastructure incidents
• Perform network troubleshooting across routing, switching, wireless, and VPN environments
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions

Security & Compliance Support:

• Support implementation of network security controls and standards
• Collaborate with the Information Security Office on vulnerability remediation and risk reduction
• Assist with logging, monitoring, and audit activities
• Support secure configuration and hardening practices

Change Management & Operations:

• Execute network changes through defined change management processes
• Validate planned changes and maintain rollback procedures
• Participate in maintenance windows and operational planning
• Maintain network documentation and diagrams

Vendor & Carrier Coordination:

• Coordinate with telecommunications providers and vendors
• Support circuit provisioning, troubleshooting, and escalations
• Assist with hardware lifecycle and support renewals

Cross-Team

Collaboration:

• Partner with Systems Administration on infrastructure dependencies
• Coordinate with End User Services regarding user-impacting network issues
• Support Application/Data teams with connectivity and performance needs
• Communicate operational risks and system impacts to leadership

Required Qualifications:

• Experience administering enterprise network environments
• Strong knowledge of routing and switching concepts
• Experience with firewalls, VPNs, and secure remote access
• Experience troubleshooting network connectivity and performance issues
• Familiarity with wireless networking technologies
• Understanding of structured operational and change management processes

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Cisco networking technologies
• Experience with SD-WAN and hybrid network environments
• Experience in government or regulated environments
• Familiarity with network monitoring and logging tools
• Knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA or CCNP

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple operational priorities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across technical teams
• Focus on reliability, security, and operational consistency

Working Conditions:

• Office-based environment
• Occasional after-hours support for maintenance or incident response
• Limited travel between office locations may be required

Additional Information: This position supports the agency's core network infrastructure and…