Associate Network Engineer Jobs in Suffolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description

NexGen Data Systems is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to serve as key personnel and technical authority for CONUS region network operations, providing expert-level troubleshooting, technology evaluation, and strategic guidance for approximately 70+ MTF locations across continental United States.

The scope of this project is to provide LAN/WLAN network sustainment and operations services to the MHS MTFs and related activities, including DHA headquarters and training locations, inside the continental United States. This includes functions such as network performance measurement and monitoring, assistance with network design and development, network measurement. It also includes customer service in the form of trouble tracking and troubleshooting, at the Tier 2 and Tier 3 level, for escalated trouble tickets and maintenance and sparing support.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Serve as CONUS regional point of contact for complex network issues and escalations.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting for LAN/WLAN/WAN problems across CONUS facilities.
• Lead technology evaluation initiatives and assess new networking products/solutions.
• Develop network requirements analysis for data, voice, and video infrastructure.
• Create implementation strategies and enhancement proposals for network improvements.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Referral Engineers, Network Engineer Associates, and Network Specialists.
• Participate in technical working groups and strategic planning sessions.
• Coordinate with DHA Network Modernization Team on infrastructure upgrades.
• Support emergency operations and provide on-call expertise for critical issues.
• Lead complex change management and network architecture decisions.
• Ensure compliance with DHA network standards and Zero Trust Architecture principles.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Desired/Required Skills:

• Active Department of Defense Secret level security clearance required.
• DoD Approved 8570 / 8140 OS and Cybersecurity certifications required.
• REQUIRED: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Preferred: CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent; 5 years with degree OR 10 years with technical/vocational certification
• 10-14 years' relevant technical experience required.
• Mastery of TCP/IP, routing protocols (EIGRP, BGP, OSPF), VLAN management
• Expert-level Cisco IOS/IOS-XE configuration and troubleshooting
• Advanced knowledge of 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.1w, 802.11 wireless standards
• Extensive experience with SolarWinds Orion NPM, ARMIS, and Ansible automation
• Deep understanding of network security: firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, Cisco ISE
• Advanced performance tuning using MRTG, SNMP, and MIB analysis
• Experience with Zero Trust Architectures and segmentation strategies
• Proficiency with OTDR, cable certification, and network analysis tools
• Synchronous/asynchronous communications, Ethernet, Gigabit, FDDI, ATM
• Windows Active Directory, DNS, DHCP in enterprise environments
• 10+ years progressive network engineering experience in enterprise environments
• DoD Healthcare Information Systems experience strongly preferred
• Proven expertise in complex multi-site network operations (50+ locations)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for executive-level reporting

About the Company:

NexGen Data Systems is an emerging technologies focused company providing expert systems and network engineering solutions to the Department of Defense. NexGen Data Systems promotes a culture of knowledge and career advancement through continued learning, keeping our team current on the latest advances in systems and networking, and enabling our team to provide the best available solutions to our clients.

Benefits:

• Company covers 100% of premiums for the employee's medical, dental, and vision insurance and subsidizes premiums for spouse and dependents.
• Company provides short and long term disability plans.
• 401(k) match up to 10% of the employee's salary contributions to 401(K) plan.
• Comprehensive training and development program.
• 11 paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) accrual level starts at 15 days annually.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

NOTE: US Citizens and those authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply. In order to be qualified for this position, you must be able to obtain and maintain a United States Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. We are unable to sponsor Visas at this time. NexGen Data Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.