Freelance Network Operations Center Noc Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

NOC Engineer, Mid – 3 openings
Location: Remote
Clearance: Secret cleared
The NOC Engineer, Junior monitors and supports enterprise network infrastructure from a network operations center to help maintain high availability and performance for mission?critical services. The role focuses on real?time surveillance of network devices, links, and services, performing initial troubleshooting, and escalating issues to senior engineers when necessary. 
Working within a structured 24x7 operations model, this position follows standard operating procedures for routine checks, basic changes, and shift handoffs. The engineer documents incidents, actions taken, and outcomes to support trend analysis, knowledge capture, and continuous improvement in a federal IT environment. 
 
Key Responsibilities 

• Monitor enterprise network devices, circuits, and services using network management and monitoring tools, acknowledging alerts and prioritizing response based on impact and severity. 
• Perform first?line network troubleshooting, including verifying device reachability, interface status, link utilization, and basic configuration items before escalating to senior engineers. 
• Execute standard operating procedures for routine NOC tasks, such as scheduled health checks, device restarts, and low?risk configuration tasks under direction. 
• Document incidents, changes, and resolutions in ticketing systems with clear descriptions of symptoms, diagnostics performed, escalation paths, and final outcomes. 
• Participate in 24x7 operations coverage by following shift schedules, maintaining accurate shift logs, and ensuring concise handoff communications between shifts. 
• Collaborate with senior NOC or network engineers by gathering diagnostic data, implementing directed troubleshooting steps, and learning advanced techniques. 
• Support adherence to change management and incident management processes, ensuring that network activities are properly recorded and approved. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. 
• 4-6 years of experience in network operations, NOC, or junior network engineering roles focused on monitoring and first?line troubleshooting. 
• Foundational understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, switching, and basic firewall behavior in enterprise LAN/WAN environments. 
• Exposure to network management tools and technologies (for example, Cisco or Juniper devices and tools such as SolarWinds or similar platforms). 
• Strong analytical and problem?solving skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast?paced operational environment. 
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including accurate documentation of incidents, changes, and resolutions. 
• Candidates must be US citizens and possess a current secret security clearance (active within past 24 months).
• Current Security+ or other DoD 8180 IAT-II certification required.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Hands?on experience working in a NOC or similar 24x7 operational environment with formal procedures and shift structures. 
• Entry?level networking certifications such as CCNA, Network+, or equivalent that validate baseline network operations knowledge. 
• Familiarity with ITIL practices and experience working within formal incident and change management processes. 

Clearance
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Requires Secret Clearance. 
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $110,000 to $126,000 (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.)
Benefits: Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron’s benefits programs.
Gridiron IT Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status.
Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies. Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.