As Needed Network Engineer Cisco Juniper Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Job Summary:
Akima is a federal logistics contractor that supports mission-critical IT security programs within a Federal Government environment. They are seeking a Lead Network Engineer – Operations to manage network infrastructure, ensure security compliance, and mentor team members while collaborating with stakeholders to meet operational goals.
Responsibilities:
• Oversee the design, deployment, and maintenance of network infrastructure to support a secure and high-performance IT environment.
• Configure and install network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.), ensuring optimal performance and security compliance.
• Conduct network performance testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting to proactively identify and resolve issues.
• Implement and enforce network security measures to protect against vulnerabilities, unauthorized access, and cyber threats.
• Maintain network security policies and best practices in alignment with Federal IT security standards (e.g., NIST, FISMA).
• Ensure compliance with ITIL frameworks for incident response, change management, and service continuity.
• Develop and maintain network access controls, firewall rules, and intrusion detection systems.
• Support security audits and vulnerability assessments, implementing remediation actions as needed.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to network engineering and administrator team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Develop and deliver training sessions to ensure team members stay up to date with industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Assign and oversee team workload, ensuring timely resolution of network issues and project deliverables.
• Perform requirements analysis to assess current network capabilities and recommend improvements to optimize performance and security.
• Develop strategic plans for network expansion, modernization, and optimization to meet evolving program needs.
• Collaborate with Federal stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams to align network operations with mission objectives.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of network configurations, security protocols, and operational procedures.
• Prepare and present technical reports, incident summaries, and network performance assessments to leadership and Federal stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison between technical teams and non-technical personnel, ensuring clear and effective communication of network-related initiatives.
Qualifications:
Required:
• An active DOE Q clearance or equivalent is required for consideration
• Minimum 3 years as a Senior Network Engineer within the last 5 years
• 10+ years (MA/MS) or 12+ years (BA/BS) of experience in network administration, operations, and security
• Strong expertise in network infrastructure management, security measures, and performance optimization
• Hands-on experience with: Building network infrastructure from design to implementation
• Installation and configuration of network hardware (Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, etc.)
• Network security implementations, including firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS
• Conducting network performance testing and troubleshooting
• Scripting languages (Python, Bash, or PowerShell) for automation and network management
• Network operating systems and configurations
• ITIL Certification (Required)
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor junior engineers, and foster collaboration
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve network issues efficiently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
Preferred:
• Experience in Federal IT environments preferred
• Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or CISSP (Preferred)
Company:
Akima focuses on delivering services in the areas of logistics, IT, supply chain, systems engineering, construction and protective services. Founded in 1995, the company is headquartered in Herndon, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.