Director Network Observability Jobs in Reston, VA

Acclaim Technical Services, founded in 2000, is a leading cyber operations, intelligence solutions and operations, network infrastructure, engineering and business enablement and enterprise operations company supporting a wide range of U.S. Federal agencies. We are an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, which is uncommon within our business sector. We see this as a significant strength, and it shows: ATS is consistently ranked as a top workplace among DC area firms and continues to grow.

We are actively hiring a Senior Network / Communications Engineer (Hybrid Cloud + OCONUS Connectivity) with a TS/SCI clearance and polygraph to support a program in Chantilly, VA.

In this role, you will design, deploy, and operate the program’s global communications network that connects AWS-hosted cloud hubs to country hubs and remote Points of Entry (POEs) across dozens of nations. This role is a hands‑on engineer/architect responsible for cloud networking in AWS (VPC design, Transit Gateway, routing, VPN/Direct Connect where applicable, security controls, virtual firewalls such as vASA, and infrastructure-as-code using Terraform) as well as field‑deployable connectivity solutions (VSAT, line‑of‑sight, and terrestrial ISP integrations) in austere environments. The engineer ensures secure, resilient, and observable connectivity for mission‑critical data flows, partners with NOC/SRE teams to implement monitoring and rapid incident response (including network observability tooling), produces network standards/baselines and as‑built documentation, and supports 30–40% OCONUS travel for site surveys, cutovers, and high‑priority restorations.

This role specializes in designing and deploying functional networks and communications systems in austere environments, utilizing non‑traditional methods such as satellite, broadband over powerline, and line‑of‑sight technologies.

• Design and develop communications products and network technologies to meet operational requirements.
• Configure and install communications and networking equipment, including VSAT, Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and interconnecting media such as Cat5/6, coaxial, and fiber optics (single and multi‑mode).
• Coordinate with telecommunications and Internet Service Provider (ISP) vendors to maintain and troubleshoot purchased technologies.
• Monitor and manage network performance using Network Operations Center (NOC) tools to ensure optimal functionality.
• Conduct testing of network designs and implement enhancements and upgrades to improve system performance.
• Develop standards and baselines for program network equipment, ensuring compliance with the latest security updates and guidance.
• Create comprehensive documentation for processes and procedures, including logical and physical network diagrams, for presentation to government stakeholders.
• Evaluate and report on emerging communications technologies to enhance network capabilities.
• Plan and execute temporary duty assignments (TDYs), including equipment procurement, shipping, and travel coordination for OCONUS network maintenance and installations.
• Provide training on network and VSAT systems to ensure team members are aware of cyber threats, mitigation techniques, and best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10+ years of related professional experience or equivalent experience in lieu of degree.
• Proficiency in configuring and installing network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other interconnection devices.
• Strong AWS networking experience (including IaC/Terraform), demonstrated global WAN/field deployment experience (VSAT/LOS/ISP coordination), and proven ability to troubleshoot complex hybrid network issues under uptime constraints.
• Experience working with various connectivity media, such as Cat5/6, coaxial, and fiber optics.
• Knowledge of network architecture design, including cost/benefit analysis and hardware/software selection.
• Familiarity with austere environment communications solutions, including satellite and line‑of‑sight technologies.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve network issues in real‑time.
• Strong documentation skills, including the ability to create detailed engineering specifications and network diagrams.
• 30–40% International Travel
• Must possess an active passport or ability to obtain immediately upon hire.

• Experience traveling to OCONUS locations, particularly developing countries and conflict zones, for network installation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and techniques for mitigating threats.
• Familiarity with VSAT systems and training methodologies.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT

ATS is committed to a program of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion/creed, hairstyles and hair textures, handicap/disability, genetic information/history, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable law. We support the employment and advancement in employment of individuals with disabilities and of protected veterans, and we treat qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of their physical or mental disability or veteran status.