Principal Network Engineer

Job Description

Description

We are seeking a Network Engineer in Virginia to support the United States Air Force in its goal of developing an interoperable system of system in a cloud-based command and control (CBC2) environment. The Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS CBC2) goals include achieving alignment with the Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) vision of improved information sharing, layered security, common data and architecture standards, system resiliency, faster implementation, and more effective cross-domain capabilities, including the ability for any sensor to inform any shooter across all domains. The position requires an individual with strong technical project management skills. The successful candidate will have excellent communication, team skills and DoD Program Management experience. They will be expected to continually balance and adjust work priorities to meet short deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Network Design & Architecture: Lead the design and implementation of complex, scalable network solutions to support business and operational needs, ensuring high availability, security, and performance.
• Network Optimization: Continuously analyze and optimize the network infrastructure, focusing on performance improvements, cost-efficiency, and future-proofing network capabilities.
• Security & Compliance: Design and implement secure network architectures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and cybersecurity best practices (e.g., firewalls, VPNs, access control).
• Troubleshooting & Support: Lead efforts in troubleshooting complex network issues, identify root causes, and implement long-term solutions to minimize system downtime.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with cross-functional teams (engineering, IT operations, security) to ensure network solutions meet the organization’s needs, business goals, and security requirements.
• Technology Evaluation & Innovation: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and evaluate their potential impact on the network infrastructure. Recommend and implement new technologies to enhance network performance and scalability.
• Documentation & Reporting: Develop and maintain comprehensive network architecture documentation, network diagrams, and configuration records. Provide regular reports on network performance, issues, and improvements.
• Vendor Management: Collaborate with external vendors to evaluate, procure, and integrate network hardware/software solutions.
• Mentorship: Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior network engineers, helping them grow their skills and supporting their career development.

Qualifications

U.S. citizenship and an active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience is a plus.

Experience:

• 9+ years of hands-on experience in network engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or principal engineer role.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing large-scale, high-performance network infrastructures.
• Expertise in routing, switching, VPNs, firewalls, and load balancing.
• Experience with SDN (Software-Defined Networking), network automation, and cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of network security principles and best practices.

Skills & Competencies:

• Technical Skills: Deep understanding of networking protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS, etc.), TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, etc. Experience with routing and switching platforms (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, etc.) and working with Cisco SDN, VMware/KVM, Python.
• Security Expertise: Knowledge of network security tools and techniques, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs, and endpoint security.
• Automation & Scripting: Familiarity with network automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible, or similar).
• Cloud Networking: Experience in cloud network architecture and integration with public and private cloud environments (AWS, Azure, etc.).
• Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: Excellent troubleshooting skills, with the ability to resolve complex network issues efficiently.
• Project Management: Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Required Certification:

• CompTIA Security+.
• Core Network Certifications: CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP or equivalent.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Cybersecurity: CISSP, CEH.
• Cloud/Virtualization: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, VCP, CCSP.

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

Covid Policy: SAIC does not require COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters. Customer site vaccination requirements must be followed when work is performed at a customer site.

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Read Full Description