Network Engineer - Bowie, MD

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has an immediate career opening for a Network Engineer. This opening is located at IDA's Center for Computing Sciences in Bowie, Maryland (CCS). IDA offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a superior professional working environment. To the right individual, IDA offers the opportunity to have a major impact on key national programs while working on fascinating technical issues.

With minimal supervision, this position designs, administers, and maintains multiple data, voice, and video telecommunication networks, systems and software. The incumbent is a seasoned professional, able to solve a diverse range of complex problems within their function. Responsibilities include maintaining systems functionality, availability, security, and performance, as well as scheduling, planning, and execution of system deployments and upgrades. Manages program and project implementations that make a significant contribution to the directorates goals and objectives. Partners with Senior Network Engineers when multiple technologies are deployed. Mentors junior IT staff on systems integration and operations, ensuring system compatibility and configuration standards are maintained. Ensures adherence to IT best practices and corporate IT practices and security policy. Due to the nature of this position, and the requirement for extended coverage, this position may be required to work hours outside of a regular schedule. #ITatIDA

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $95,930 - $153,504. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Benefits at IDA

At IDA, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive benefits package that ensures the well-being and security of our staff and their families. We provide a range of medical plans as well as stand-alone dental and vision coverage. Our retirement plans are designed to secure the financial future of our staff, featuring a generous contribution of 11% of base salary to our Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance with a flexible work environment, an Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 11 paid holidays, and generous paid time off. IDA encourages professional development and offers tuition reimbursement and other learning opportunities. Learn more about our robust benefit offerings here.

Join IDA, where your health, career, and future are in great hands!

Responsibilities

1. Manages the implementation of IT technology initiatives. Provides formal project management documentation and partners with junior staff to ensure the successful deployment and transition of operational support to junior administrators.
2. Conducts systems analyses and research to develop integration plans for new systems and software in order to ensure compatibility with the current IT infrastructure and changing technologies. Builds new networks to design specifications.
3. Ensures all systems meet or exceed the business and security requirements in accordance with IDA, DOD, NSA, DISA and DSS directives and guidelines.
4. Mentors junior staff on work assignments to ensure project schedules are maintained.
5. Prepares technical documentation, to include standard operating procedures and processes.
6. Develops resolutions to a diverse range of complex problems. Coordinates resources to resolve problems when necessary.
7. Administers and maintains the classified and unclassified networks and telecommunication systems to ensure optimum performance, availability, security and functionality.
8. Maintains technical proficiency in new IT technologies; keeps abreast of industry trends, and makes recommendations to improve or advance services and system performance.
9. Communicates all computer network, system and service problems and outages immediately to the appropriate supervisors and/or managers.
10. Responds to critical after hours support issues.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience in related field.
• Six years minimum experience in Information Technology, which includes at least three years in network administration.
• Possess advanced knowledge in IP-based network and telecommunication system design, administration, and support, preferably Cisco.
• Experience with Cisco Nexus platforms and NX-OS, Cisco VoIP and components, ASA firewalls and network hardening, as well as a mastery of Cisco command line configuration preferred.
• Experience with switch image/code updates, backup/restore of configurations, VLAN configuration to include 802.1Q, configuring and troubleshooting Access Control Lists strongly preferred.
• Current relevant certifications such as CCNP and CCDP are preferred.
• Must be organized, self-motivated and able to work with low to moderate supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form and with all levels of employees; possess good interpersonal skills.
• Project management experience desired.
• Must be willing to work hours outside of a regular schedule.
• Position requires ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI with full-scope polygraph security clearance. Current TS/SCI with full-scope polygraph clearance preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOD 8570 IAT II certification.