Network Manager - Experienced Level (Maryland)

The NSA is seeking highly competent Network Managers to oversee the design and maintenance of its network of specialized hardware, which includes high-performance computers (HPCs) and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) servers. The selectee will be expected to provide a high level of service to a demanding workforce with specialized hardware and software needs (to potentially include large network storage hardware and networking infrastructure). Duties will include:
- Collaborate with team members and help prioritize requests from researchers and mission organizations
- Assist in the planning, design, and documentation of the compute, network, and storage environment
- Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of hardware and software, fault diagnosis, and restoration after faults.
- Establish and maintain professional relationships with partnering network managers and system administrators, customers, and professional colleagues both internal and external to the Agency.

The Network Manager will play a unique role in enabling NSA to effectively execute its mission, supplying customers with advanced computing resources, and global networking. The Network Manager assists in the planning, designing, managing the configuration, identifying network faults, restoring service after faults occur, and the performance and security of operational networks.

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology or related field (e.g., General Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Information Assurance, or Computer Security).
Relevant experience must be in using specialized test equipment and network analysis tools (e.g., ping trace-route, network management software, and loopbacks). Other experience can include network engineering (i.e., design/analysis of networks, routers, switches, firewalls, protocol), network system administration, or installing and configuring networks, routers, and firewalls.
SENIOR
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 8 years of relevant experience.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with network switches and firewalls, HPC and GPU systems, and customization of hardware and/or software components; recommending and scheduling security-related patches and ensuring compliance, at all times, with NSA's IT security, compliance, and oversight requirements; alerting system owners and Information Systems Security Officers to any security incidents or violations; and, examining network vulnerabilities and determining actions to mitigate them. Additional duties could include writing, editing, and maintaining network management documentation.
Holding any network and security certifications is desired (i.e. Linux, CompTIA, CISSP, CCIE, CCDE, etc.).
Specific technical responsibilities and competencies include:
- Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware, software, server and desktop visualization (to include HPC, GPU, Linux, and Windows)
- Troubleshooting networks (including network storage systems), computers, and peripheral devices to isolate causes of failures or problems
- Expertise with network communications and network security
- Proficiency in routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs
- Serving as the primary contact for network and system performance, availability, and security
- Managing, monitoring, and controlling networks (to include security, fault management, configuration, performance, and accounting of computer systems, processes, and networks)
- Coordinating and directing recovery and restoration activities for IT services
- Consulting, tasking, and coordinating with external organizations to resolve network, system, server, or other problems
- Monitoring and maintaining integrity of data, reports, and interfaces in Information Technology (IT) systems
- Providing timely and accurate responses to requests for assistance, information, products, or services
- Working in a help desk environment.
The ideal candidate is a customer oriented individual with a networking background and experience with project and configuration management. The NSA is looking for a candidate that has excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Non-Technical Competencies
- Complex problem solving
- Critical and analytical thinking
- Time management
- Customer service
- Initiative
- Organization
- Flexibility
- Balancing competing demands and multiple assignments.

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $129,239 - $187,662 (Senior)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.
Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. NSA is also committed to the promotion of diversity within its workforce. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/diversity-and-inclusion.

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.