Freelance Python Network Programming Jobs in Virginia

Job Summary:
The Swift Group, LLC is a mission-driven services and solutions company based in Reston, VA. They are seeking a highly experienced Network Engineer to design, implement, and manage complex enterprise networks, ensuring reliability and security for government and intelligence community environments.
Responsibilities:
• Network Architecture & Design: Design, implement, and manage enterprise and service-provider scale networks spanning LAN, WAN, data center, and cloud environments, ensuring reliability, scalability, and security at every layer.
• Routing & Switching: Configure and optimize dynamic routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS) and advanced switching technologies (STP, LACP, VTP, 802.1Q) across complex multi-site topologies.
• Cloud & AI Infrastructure: Architect and operate Cisco Cloud & AI Infrastructure (CAI) solutions, including data center fabric, AI/ML networking, and high-performance compute connectivity; support integration of AI workload infrastructure into enterprise and hybrid cloud environments.
• MPLS & Transport Services: Design and deliver MPLS/BGP transport services; manage integrations between service provider and customer environments.
• Network Security: Enforce security controls including next-generation firewalls, VPNs (IPsec/SSL), ACLs, network segmentation, and Zero Trust architecture; collaborate closely with Cybersecurity teams on policy and compliance.
• Cloud & Hybrid Networking: Architect and manage SD-WAN, SDN, and NFV solutions; design and support hybrid cloud networking across AWS, Azure, and/or GCP, including connectivity, routing, and security policy enforcement.
• Automation & Infrastructure-as-Code: Automate network provisioning, configuration management, and validation using Ansible, Python, Terraform, and similar tools; integrate with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code workflows.
• Network Access Control: Deploy and manage NAC technologies (e.g., Cisco ISE) to enforce endpoint compliance and control access to sensitive network segments.
• Network Management & Assurance: Administer enterprise network management platforms; leverage AI/ML-driven analytics, telemetry, and assurance tooling to proactively monitor performance, identify anomalies, and drive rapid issue resolution.
• Operations & Incident Response: Serve as the Tier 3/4 escalation point for complex network incidents; conduct root cause analysis, capacity planning, lifecycle management, and performance tuning.
• Documentation & Stakeholder Communication: Produce and maintain network designs, architecture diagrams, implementation plans, and change management documentation; deliver technical briefings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentorship & Standards Development: Mentor junior engineers and contribute to organizational standards, engineering playbooks, and best practices.
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience
• 8+ years of hands-on experience designing, implementing, and operating enterprise-grade IP networks
• Deep expertise in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS) and switching technologies (STP, LACP, VTP, 802.1Q)
• Expertise with Cisco Cloud & AI Infrastructure (CAI), including data center networking, high-performance compute fabrics, and AI/ML workload connectivity
• Proficiency with Cisco platforms across routing, switching, security (ASA/Firepower), and data center product lines; experience with additional vendors (Juniper, Palo Alto, Aruba) a plus
• Experience designing and operating secure network architectures including firewall policy, VPN technologies, ACLs, and network segmentation
• Hands-on experience with SD-WAN/SDN solutions and cloud networking (AWS, Azure, and/or GCP)
• Demonstrated proficiency with network automation tools and scripting (Ansible, Python, or similar) and familiarity with infrastructure-as-code practices
• Experience with NAC platforms (e.g., Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass) and endpoint access control policy enforcement
• Ability to produce technical documentation, network diagrams, and architecture presentations for diverse audiences
• US citizenship and an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance required
Preferred:
• Active CCNP, CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent professional-level network engineering certification
• Experience with Cisco data center technologies including Nexus switching, ACI, and UCS
• Familiarity with AI/ML infrastructure networking requirements including high-throughput, low-latency fabric design and GPU cluster connectivity
• Experience with MPLS transport services and inter-provider BGP peering
• Background operating satellite, wireless, or tactical communications networks in support of government or military missions
• Familiarity with VoIP/VTC infrastructure (SIP, H.323) and QoS engineering
• Experience supporting system accreditation processes (RMF/ICD 503) and hardening networks to applicable security standards
• Exposure to IPv6 design and dual-stack migration planning
• Experience with network forensics, packet analysis (Wireshark, tcpdump), and incident response or intrusion analysis support
• Experience operating large-scale, high-availability network environments in cleared government or IC contexts
• Familiarity with DISA STIGs and DoD/IC network security compliance frameworks
Company:
Swift is a privately held, mission-driven and employee-focused services and solutions company headquartered in Reston, Virginia. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in Reston, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.