Independent Contractor Network Engineer Jobs in Texas

Job Summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is looking for an enthusiastic, well-qualified individual to fill the Network Engineer III position. This role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse and talented group of individuals committed to driving success. The Network Engineer works within a cohesive team environment and supports a large Government client with multiple locations.

The Network Engineer is responsible for maintaining industry and government IT compliance standards via scheduled deployments, patching managing and maintaining, configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting network routers, switches and encryption devices in Windows Active Directory environment. This position focuses on ensuring production systems are secure, tuned for optimum performance, delivering required information to end-users, and interacting properly with Wide Area networks (WANs). Maximize network environment monitoring performance; troubleshooting network problems and outages; scheduling upgrades; collaborating with System Integration network architects. The Network Engineer will interface with other stakeholders and attend meetings, generate reports, and provide recommendations for enhancements and improvements.

Key Responsibilities

The Network Engineer will:

• Hold a current Active Secret clearance
• 5-7 years of experience preferred in network administration working with networking equipment specifically, including maintenance and upgrades, and be familiar with the applicable NIST Special Publications 800-37, 800-53, and 800-53A
• Establishes network specifications by conferring with users; analyzing workflow, access, information, and security requirements; designing router administration, including interface configuration & routing protocols
• Establishes network by evaluating network performance issues including availability, utilization, throughput, and latency; planning and executing the selection, installation, configuration, & testing of equipment; defining network policies & procedures; establishing connections & firewalls
• Maintains network performance by performing network monitoring and analysis, and performance tuning; troubleshooting network problems; escalating problems to vendor
• Secures network by developing network access, monitoring, control, and evaluation, maintaining documentation
• Prepares users by designing and conducting training programs, providing references and support
• Upgrades network by conferring with vendors; developing, testing, evaluating, and installing enhancements
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations
• Protects organization's value by keeping information confidential
• Accomplishes organizational goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests, exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments
• Knowledge of information security principles and practices, as well as an advanced understanding of security protocols and standards
• Significant experience working with Linux and Windows servers and network monitoring tools
• Strong knowledge of networking, including TCP/IP, Vlans, Ethernet, SONET, switching, routing and routing protocols (BGP/OSPF), 802.1Q, and DNS.
• Proven experience in a network administrator role
• Hands-on experience in networking, routing and switching
• Excellent knowledge of best practices around management, control, and monitoring of server infrastructure
• Experience with firewalls, Internet VPN's remote implementation, troubleshooting, and problem resolution is desired
• Ability to set up and configure server hardware
• Familiarity with backup and recovery software and methodologies
• Experience and basic knowledge of networking components and various operating systems in a cloud environment, including UNIX and Microsoft is a plus.
• Expertise in other Security Frameworks (ISO, NIST, COBIT, HIPAA/HITECH, etc.) and regulatory requirements is a plus
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to research & solve complex issues independently.

Skills and Experience

The Network Engineer must have:

• Active Secret Clearance
• 5-7 years of experience preferred in network administration working with networking equipment specifically, including maintenance and upgrades, and be familiar with the applicable NIST Special Publications 800-37, 800-53, and 800-53A
• Strong experience with enterprise network management and monitoring tools (e.g., CiscoWorks, NetView, InfoVista, NetCool, Riverbed, SecureCRT, Chimera, Schnozz)
• Knowledge of wireless technologies and protocols (802.11 b/g/n) and authentication methods (EAP, PEAP, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS)
• Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting network devices, including:
• Cisco ASA 5500 Series firewalls
• Cisco 3000/4000/5000/6000 series routers and multilayer switches
• Juniper switches
• Cisco Unified IP Phones and VoIP systems
• Network encryption devices
• Strong understanding of networking protocols, services, and enterprise architectures
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience developing technical documentation and system design artifacts
• Proven ability to work within structured schedules and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent customer service skills with a professional demeanor

Education and Certifications

The Network Engineer must have the following:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related discipline
• Possess and maintain an IT I level certification IAW AR 25-2
• Possess and maintain IAT II certification IAW DoD 8570.01-M
• Juniper, Cisco, CWNA or BCNE training
• CCNA, CCNP preferred

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid federal holidays

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high-level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.

Company Summary

Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC, is an SBA-Certified NHO-owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services.

Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Our service commitment is simple - "Quality IT Solutions... On Time & On Budget."

Company Employment Statement

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.