Network Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities

Position Overview

We are seeking a Network Engineer to support mission-critical classified network operations within a federal intelligence environment. This role requires a highly experienced engineer with deep expertise in secure network infrastructure, cryptographic systems, VoIP technologies, and SCIF environment engineering. The ideal candidate will drive network modernization initiatives, maintain secure communications for senior executive leadership, and ensure continuous operational readiness of classified networks supporting national security missions. This position demands hands-on technical excellence combined with the ability to operate independently in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain secure network infrastructure supporting classified (TS/SCI) operations, including SCIF environments and executive-level secure communications
• Manage and maintain secure communication uplinks with senior government entities, ensuring link reliability during national security operations and crisis response scenarios
• Build and orchestrate secure Video Teleconferencing (VTC) for senior executive leadership, managing end-to-end call architecture, QoS, encryption synchronization, and real-time troubleshooting
• Harden network security and cryptographic integrity by deploying, replacing, and reconfiguring TACLANE encryption devices and other Type-1 cryptographic equipment to meet strict security mandates
• Lead network modernization efforts including full lifecycle management of network assets-from site surveys and facility layout optimization to rack builds, hardware integration, and decommissioning of end-of-life equipment
• Execute end-to-end fiber operations including installation, fusion splicing, termination, diagnostics, and OTDR testing to ensure low-latency, high-reliability connectivity for classified networks
• Transition legacy systems to high-performance architectures by building and integrating next-generation switches, routers, and servers with minimal service disruption to critical operations
• Lead large-scale VoIP deployments and migrations (Cisco endpoints, Call Manager, voice gateways), managing provisioning, asset tracking, and user integration across enterprise environments
• Maintain the integrity of classified communication systems including vIPER secure phones, Cisco Voice Gateways, and secure network drops within SCIF/Top Secret areas
• Manage deployment and maintenance of enterprise-level hardware including fiber/Cat6A cabling, Wireless Access Points (WAPs), PoE switches, and UPS power systems
• Conduct detailed site assessments and produce comprehensive network documentation, topologies, and infrastructure schematics to facilitate scalability and thermal management
• Represent technical interests at Maintenance Review Boards (MRB) to ensure infrastructure changes align with strategic goals and maintain mission continuity
• Coordinate planned outages and emergency restorations with the Network Operations Center (NOC), maintaining strict SLAs and minimizing service disruptions
• Implement and maintain DISA STIG hardening guidelines and security compliance standards across all network infrastructure
• Leverage ticketing systems (JIRA, ServiceNow, or equivalent) to streamline incident response and change requests, prioritizing mission-critical network issues to maximize system uptime
• Train and mentor junior engineers in network engineering techniques, enhancing team capabilities and improving project delivery timelines

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Active Q/SCI or TS/SCI clearance
• 12+ years of progressive experience
• 8+ years of hands-on experience supporting enterprise network infrastructure in classified federal environments
• Demonstrated expertise in cryptographic systems and TACLANE integration, deployment, and reconfiguration
• Strong experience with Cisco networking technologies including enterprise routing, switching, and VoIP (Call Manager, voice gateways, Cisco endpoints)
• Hands-on experience with fiber optic installation, fusion splicing, termination, and OTDR testing
• Experience with SCIF environment engineering and maintaining classified communication systems
• Knowledge of DISA STIG hardening guidelines and federal network security compliance standards
• Experience with enterprise hardware deployment including rack builds, PoE switches, WAPs, UPS systems, and structured cabling (Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A)
• Proficiency with network monitoring tools (SolarWinds or equivalent) for performance monitoring and operational reporting
• Strong troubleshooting skills across routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), Layer 2 switching, VoIP, Layer 1 physical connectivity, and IPSec tunnels
• Excellent documentation skills with experience producing network topologies, site assessments, and technical runbooks
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate across NOC, cybersecurity, facilities, and executive stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco certifications: CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Collaboration, or CCIE
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Direct experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE) missions, including NNSA, OCIO, or Intelligence & Counterintelligence (IN) offices
• Experience managing secure communications for senior executive leadership
• Experience with large-scale VoIP migrations (8,000+ endpoints)
• Familiarity with network automation and scripting tools (Python, Ansible, or equivalent)
• Experience with server farm consolidation, expansion, and data center infrastructure management
• Background in enterprise camera/security system installation and maintenance
• Experience coordinating with NNSA, Emergency Management, and inter-agency partners on infrastructure projects
• CompTIA Network+, Security+, or equivalent industry certifications
• Continuous tenure supporting federal classified environments

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME