Contract Python Network Automation Jobs in Ashburn, VA

JOB TITLE: Senior Network Automation Engineer
AGENCY SUPPORTED: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - USCIS OIT Architecture Engineering Support (AES2)
LOCATION: Fully Remote
POSITION TYPE: Full-time
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability security clearance, which typically requires 2-4 weeks for processing and must be completed prior to the start date.

ITC Federal is an information technology and consulting company focused on servicing the needs of the Federal Government. ITC's mission is to apply earned expertise in information technology and information assurance/security to assist this client in achieving its mission. ITC is located in Fairfax, VA and offers outstanding compensation and benefits plan and a challenging and rewarding professional work environment.

The project supports USCIS's Office of Information Technology by delivering enterprise IT architecture, engineering, and solution development services. The team partners across OIT to design, implement, and optimize leading-edge technologies-including cloud, network, Zero Trust architecture, automation, and AI/ML-using agile and DevOps practices. The work enables USCIS to modernize IT systems, enhance mission delivery, and support major enterprise initiatives such as digitization, cloud migration, and software-defined networking.

The Senior Network Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated network solutions. This role requires deep, hands-on expertise with Cisco network infrastructure and Cisco IOS, as the candidate will be automating Cisco IOS-based devices, combined with a strong automation coding background and deep expertise in network automation, scripting, SDN/NFV, and CI/CD pipelines. The candidate must be able to optimize workflows and automate network provisioning using tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and other automation frameworks. This engineer will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure secure, scalable, and high-performance network environments across multi-cloud and on-premises systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, implement, and maintain network automation solutions to streamline provisioning, configuration, and management.
• Automate configuration, provisioning, and change management of Cisco IOS-based network devices, applying hands-on Cisco networking expertise.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts and workflows using Python, Bash, Ansible, Terraform, and similar tools.
• Integrate network automation with CI/CD pipelines to accelerate deployment and updates.
• Implement software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) solutions to support scalable and flexible network architectures.
• Collaborate with cloud and DevOps teams to ensure automation solutions are compatible with multi-cloud networking environments.
• Optimize network workflows to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance operational performance.
• Monitor and troubleshoot automation processes and network provisioning pipelines.
• Document automation workflows, standards, and best practices for ongoing enterprise use.

REQUIRED:

• 7-10+ years of experience in network administration, automation, or related roles, including senior-level responsibility for network design and automation initiatives.
• Required Cisco experience, with strong hands-on, production-level experience configuring, troubleshooting, and operating Cisco network infrastructure.
• Strong working comfort with Cisco IOS, including CLI configuration and troubleshooting, as this role will be automating Cisco IOS-based devices.
• Strong automation coding background, with demonstrated ability to write, test, and maintain production-quality automation code (e.g., Python, Ansible).
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field strongly preferred; Advanced degree preferred.
• Proven expertise in:
  • Hands-on Cisco networking and Cisco IOS configuration/automation
  • Network automation and orchestration
  • Scripting with Python and Bash
  • SDN, NFV, and cloud-native networking
  • Automation frameworks such as Ansible and Terraform
  • CI/CD pipelines for network automation
• Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Ability to design automation solutions that balance performance, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Must be eligible to obtain DHS Suitability clearance.

DESIRED:

• Experience with DevOps methodologies in multi-cloud environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position is fully remote. Candidates must have a dedicated workspace, reliable internet connectivity, and the ability to participate in virtual meetings and collaborate effectively with distributed teams.

ITC Federal is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any application for employment on the basis of age, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, disability, or sex including pregnancy and childbirth or related medical condition or on any other basis prohibited by law.