SteelGate is looking for a talented Computer Network Architect to join our team. We are seeking a creative and highly motivated professional eager to tackle real-world challenges within a collaborative and fast-paced environment. DoD is undergoing a significant technology refresh across its enterprise and seeks innovative individuals passionate about working with leading-edge technologies. This role focuses on modern Cisco Service Provider technologies, encompassing Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Segment Routing (SR), Traffic Engineering (TE), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and key underlay and overlay technologies such as Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) for high availability and load balancing, alongside Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) and Ethernet VPN (EVPN) for network virtualization and scalability. We also leverage automation with Ansible, Puppet, and Python within our core engineering team, where secondary knowledge of Juniper networks and experience in engineering projects are highly valued.

Typical duties include:

• Expertly manages and maintains the availability, performance, and reliability of voice, video, and data communication networks through comprehensive troubleshooting, configuration, upgrades, planning, design, evaluation, and selection, ensuring strict adherence to defined Service Level Agreements.
• Proactively monitors network service performance against defined metrics, identifying and resolving potential issues to maintain stability and optimal performance. • Analyzes customer requirements and provides technical solutions to meet a wide range of network needs.
• Implements and manages security controls for network services, adhering to organizational policies and industry best practices to ensure overall compliance with relevant IT and regulatory policies.
• Designs and implements network layouts, including the configuration of routers and switches in complex enterprise environments. • Analyzes network topologies, traffic patterns, and capacity demands to ensure efficient resource utilization and plan for future needs.
• Executes service requests related to network infrastructure changes and deployments.
• Participates in service continuity and disaster recovery planning and testing to ensure network resilience and maintain system backup and recovery capabilities.
• Provides clear and concise reporting on network service availability, capacity, and performance to stakeholders.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive network documentation, including topology diagrams and operational procedures.
• Supports procurement processes for network hardware, software, and subcontractor services.
• Leads technical teams or tasks, driving projects to successful completion and providing guidance to less experienced personnel.
• Provides technical support and problem resolution for network users as needed.
• Performs essential network administration functions to maintain system integrity and operational efficiency.
• Collaborates on and contributes technical expertise to special projects aimed at enhancing network capabilities.
• Evaluates new and emerging communication technologies to identify opportunities for network enhancement and improvement.
• Maintains current knowledge of relevant technologies and best practices in network engineering, particularly with Cisco and/or Juniper platforms.

Experience:

• 15+ years (Required)

Certification Requirements:

Cisco CCNA or equivalent industry-recognized networking certification. Security+ CE or equivalent security certification. Preferred: Cisco CCNP, Juniper JNCIP, or other relevant professional-level certifications. Preferred: Relevant security certifications such as CISSP. Preferred: ITIL Foundation certification (v3 or v4).

Required Skills:

Expert-level knowledge of routing and switching protocols and technologies (e.g., BGP, OSPF, VLANs, STP, QoS). Excellent skills in network analysis, troubleshooting, and problem resolution. Strong understanding of network security principles and technologies (e.g., firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection). Strong understanding of network design principles and best practices. Proficiency in network monitoring and management tools. Working knowledge of scripting/automation tools (e.g., Python, Ansible) is a plus. Soft Skills: Proven ability to analyze customer requirements and provide effective technical solutions. Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. Strong commitment to organizational and industry compliance policies. Experience with service continuity and disaster recovery planning and testing. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks. Experience in developing and maintaining comprehensive network documentation. Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology

Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI
Job Types: Full-Time, on-site

Benefits:
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

SteelGate LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran’s status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language at EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans and Labor Laws Posters.