About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Position Description

Confidential Client seeks Network Engineers across levels (Entry → SME) to support an intelligence-sector IT mission. This role focuses on building, securing, and maintaining enterprise communication systems. You will work on a collaborative, outcome-driven team delivering scalable network solutions. The role is based in Arlington, VA with a hybrid work model acceptable. An active TS/SCI with polygraph is required.

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Your future duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities vary by level. Representative duties include:

• Entry Level

  • Install and configure routers, switches, cabling, and basic network hardware/software.
  • Monitor basic network performance and report anomalies.
  • Troubleshoot routine connectivity issues under senior staff supervision.
  • Apply software updates, security patches, and perform basic backups.
  • Maintain clear documentation of network layouts and changes.

• Junior Level

  • Monitor system performance with network management tools.
  • Act as initial point of contact for network tickets; resolve link failures, IP conflicts, and wireless issues.
  • Assist with device configuration and maintenance (routers, switches, access points).
  • Maintain inventory, perform cable patching, and update topology diagrams.
  • Escalate issues to L2/L3 when beyond L1 scope.

• Mid-Level

  • Serve as primary escalation for complex latency, connectivity, and hardware failures.
  • Configure and upgrade routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and VPNs.
  • Collaborate on network design and SD‑WAN/LAN deployments.
  • Implement security policies, apply firmware patches, and support compliance requirements.
  • Design and test disaster recovery and business continuity procedures.
  • Mentor junior staff.

• Senior / SME Level

  • Architect and implement highly available enterprise networks (LAN, WAN, SD‑WAN, Data Center, Cloud).
  • Lead Tier‑4 escalations, conduct root‑cause analysis, and coordinate with vendor TAC (Cisco, Arista, Juniper).
  • Develop and maintain network automation (IaC) and orchestration using Python, Ansible, Terraform, or similar.
  • Design security architectures (Zero‑Trust, SASE), manage NGFWs, IDS/IPS, WAFs, and enforce access/auditing policies.
  • Lead capacity planning, circuit analysis, and performance optimization.
  • Provide technical leadership across cross‑functional teams.

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Required qualifications

All candidates must hold an active TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph.

Core qualifications by level (examples):

• Entry Level

  • HS Diploma/GED with 4 years' relevant experience, OR Associate with 2 years, OR Bachelor's with no experience required.
  • Basic networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, OSI model, routing/switching).
  • Familiarity with CLI and Linux/Windows basics.
  • Preferred: CompTIA Network+ or CCST.

• Junior Level

  • HS +6 yrs / Associate +4 yrs / Bachelor's +2 yrs / Master's +0 yrs (as applicable).
  • Foundational TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and OSI knowledge.
  • Basic device configuration exposure.
  • Preferred: CompTIA Network+, CCNA.

• Mid-Level

  • Relevant experience (typical hires: Bachelor +4 yrs or equivalent).
  • Strong working knowledge of BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, TCP/IP.
  • Hands‑on experience with Cisco/Juniper/Arista platforms.
  • Preferred: CCNP, advanced networking certifications.

• Senior / SME

  • Extensive experience (typical hires: Bachelor +6–8 yrs or equivalent).
  • Expert command of BGP, MPLS, VXLAN/EVPN, SDN/SD‑WAN, QoS, IPSec.
  • Demonstrated automation/scripting skills (Python, Ansible, Terraform).
  • Preferred: CCIE/JNCIE, enterprise/security certifications.
  • Cloud networking experience (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid networking architectures.

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Compensation & benefits

Confidential Client provides a compensation range to comply with pay‑transparency guidance:

• Estimated U.S. base salary range: $89,600 – $204,000 per year (actual compensation depends on experience, level, and qualifications).

Benefits for eligible employees include:

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive insurance options
• 401(k) matching and share purchase plan participation
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick) and paid parental leave
• Learning opportunities, tuition assistance, and professional development
• Wellness and well‑being programs

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What you can expect from us

Confidential Client values ownership, collaboration, and growth. You’ll work on challenging national‑security IT problems, have opportunities for skill development and mentorship, and be supported by leaders invested in your health and career trajectory.

Confidential Client provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance to apply, please contact Careertakes and we will route your request to the recruiter supporting this posting.

Confidential Client’s hiring is contingent on successful completion of any required background investigation and the applicable government security clearance process.

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Key skills & technologies

• Enterprise routing and switching (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS)
• SD‑WAN, SDN, VXLAN/EVPN
• Firewalls, load balancers, VPNs (IPSec), IDS/IPS
• Network monitoring and packet analysis (Wireshark, NMS tools)
• Automation & scripting: Python, Ansible, Terraform, IaC best practices
• Vendor experience: Cisco, Juniper, Arista (and equivalents)
• Cloud networking: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud VPCs

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Location & work model

• Primary location: Arlington, VA (hybrid work model acceptable)
• Active TS/SCI with polygraph is required for consideration

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.