Junior Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Akira Technologies is seeking a skilled and experienced Network Operations Engineer to join our Network Operations Center (NOC) team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing and maintaining the enterprise network infrastructure for a DoD client, with a focus on Cisco SD-WAN and Palo Alto firewalls, ensuring high availability, performance, and security.

This is an onsite role to support the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) in Norfolk, VA five days a week.  Active Secret clearance or higher is required. 

This role requires familiarity with security frameworks and industry standards like NIST SP 800-82 Rev. A, ISO/IEC 27001, CIS Controls, DoD 8500.01, etc. The Network Operations engineer should also be familiar with cybersecurity tools such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, and vulnerability scanners i.e. Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS).

Job Requirements

• Proficiency in designing, deploying, and managing Cisco SD-WAN solutions.
• Expertise in configuring and managing Palo Alto firewalls.
• Understanding of network protocols, services, and security (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VPN).
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Cisco Prime).Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Job Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance or higher.
• Must have 3-5 years of relevant, Systems Engineering experience in performing system issue analysis, risk management, system troubleshooting, and system documentation.
• 3-5 years of experience in network support and network administration or combination of education, training, & experien

Preferred Certifications

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise
• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
• CompTIA Security+
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) (optional)

Salary Range:  $60,000 to $90,000

Akira’s pay range for this position considers various factors including skills, years of experience, training, licenses, certifications, alignment with market data, and internal equity in the organization.  This pay range estimate is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary, which Akira believes to be done in good faith in compliance with local laws.  The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

General Description of Benefits

Akira offers its employees multiple options for medical plans (some with Health Savings Account), dental plans, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan with employer match.  To promote work/life balance, Akira offers paid time off, including vacation and sick time, holidays, paid parental leave, military leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave.  We also offer short and long-term disability benefits to protect employee income in the event of sickness or injury, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and critical illness insurance.  Akira also offers tuition, training, and certification reimbursement for professional development and career advancement.

Akira regularly reviews our total rewards package to ensure our offerings remain competitive and reflect the values and needs expressed by our employees.

About Akira Technologies

Akira strives to meet and exceed the mission and objectives of US federal agencies. As a leading small business cloud modernization and data analytics services provider, we deliver trusted and highly differentiated solutions and technologies that serve the needs of our customers and citizens. Akira serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies across the intelligence, cyber, defense, civilian, and health markets. Every day, our employees deliver transformational outcomes, solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers.

Akira is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.