Director Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Introduction Do you enjoy solving complex networking challenges that directly support public safety, emergency communications, and critical government services. Are you passionate about designing resilient enterprise networks using modern routing, automation, software-defined networking, and wireless technologies. Prince William County Department of Information Technology is seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to help design, operate, and modernize one of Northern Virginia's largest local government enterprise networks.

This position supports critical infrastructure serving public safety, courts, libraries, schools, parks, and County government across more than 100 locations. Our Network Engineering team embraces innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration while supporting mission-critical services that operate around the clock. If you enjoy working with enterprise-scale networking technologies, leading complex projects, and solving challenging technical problems, we encourage you to apply.

This structure follows the style used in your recent position profiles. About This Role: As a Senior Network Engineer, you will serve as one of the County's senior technical resources responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting a large enterprise network that provides connectivity for public safety agencies, County government, and critical infrastructure. This position plays a key role in the continued modernization of the County network, including Cisco Software Defined Access (SDA), Catalyst Center, enterprise wireless, routing, network security, and data center connectivity.

You will lead implementation projects, troubleshoot complex issues, mentor other engineers, and provide technical leadership for network modernization initiatives. Responsibilities include: Design, deploy, and maintain Cisco Software Defined Access (SDA) fabrics across enterprise locations. Engineer and administer Cisco Catalyst Center for network automation, assurance, provisioning, software lifecycle management, and policy-based networking.

Configure and troubleshoot OSPF, BGP, route redistribution, and enterprise routing across Cisco and Juniper platforms. Administer Juniper routers running Junos supporting network and WAN connectivity. Design, deploy, and maintain enterprise wireless infrastructure utilizing Cisco 5520 Wireless LAN Controllers, Catalyst 9800 embedded Wireless Controllers, and SDA Fabric Wireless.

Support IEEE 802.1X network authentication utilizing Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). Engineer and maintain Infoblox DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management (IPAM) services. Manage a large dark fiber infrastructure and Metro-Ethernet WAN services connecting County facilities and regional data centers

Utilize Cisco ThousandEyes, SolarWinds, and Riverbed NetIM to monitor network health, perform root cause analysis, and improve service reliability. Perform advanced troubleshooting across Layers 1 through 7 using packet captures, routing analysis, optical diagnostics, and performance monitoring tools. Lead network modernization projects, technology refreshes, and infrastructure migrations with minimal impact to County operations.

Participate in after-hours maintenance windows supporting critical infrastructure upgrades. Provide Tier 3/Tier 4 engineering support and mentor junior engineers. Minimum Requirements: High school diploma or G.E.D

and 7 years of professional experience designing, implementing, and supporting large-scale enterprise network infrastructure. Preferences: The successful candidate will have experience with: 7 years of experience with large-scale network infrastructure deployments and support 7 years of experience with OSPF, BGP, route redistribution, and enterprise routing 7 years of experience with Cisco Catalyst enterprise switching 7 years of experience with Juniper Junos switching 5 years of experience with SolarWinds, ThousandEyes, and/or Riverbed NetIM Network Performance Monitoring 5 years of experience with Infoblox DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management (IPAM) 5 years of experience with Dark Fiber infrastructure and optical transport 3 years of experience with Cisco Software Defined Access (SDA) and Cisco Catalyst Center Special Requirements: A background check is required, including a Criminal History Check and a Credit History Check. Police background investigation to include fingerprinting Must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record Work Schedule: This position is classified as exempt, with the expectation that the candidate will complete duties within the required time frame.

The standard workweek is 37.5 hours, Monday - Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. After-hours, weekend, or additional hours in a week are occasionally necessary to provide services that cannot be performed during normal business hours. This is a telework-eligible position that may revert to in-office scheduling if business needs change

Self-directed as necessary to accomplish the mission through a combination of in-person, remote, and travel, including occasional evenings and weekends. Hiring Salary Range: $91,162.50 - $137,172.75 Annually We also offer great benefits, including: Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans Paid Annual Leave Paid Personal Leave Paid Sick Leave Paid Holidays Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans Optional Group Life Insurance An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Career Development Opportunities Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here for PSLF for additional information

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position assignments will vary depending on the department's business needs. To view the class description in its entirety, click here. Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SEE YOURSELF HERE!