Tier 1 Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tier 1.5 Federal Network Support Engineer – Swing Shift Clearance: Secret clearance
Location: Fairfax, VA – fully onsite Intermediate Federal Network Support Engineer to provide intermediate-level technical infrastructure and software services support for the Azure Core Networking team within Government Cloud environments. This role bridges Tier 1 operational support with Tier 2 specialized technical expertise, supporting 24x7 operations (shift work) for critical networking infrastructure across secure federal facilities including PhysNet, FPN, ExpressRoute, VPN, and advanced network services. Work hours are 5PM-1:30AM - On-Site Only. Key Responsibilities Advanced Operational Support
Lead triage and mitigation of moderate complexity Livesite incidents, customer-reported incidents, and deployment incidents
Perform optical SPAN monitoring and mitigations for network performance optimization
Support WAN incidents and coordinate resolution activities
Execute end-to-end deployment of Microsoft ExpressRoute devices for specific sites, including onboarding to GWM
Validate and troubleshoot buildout configurations before production deployment
Support PulseVPN and Webportal implementations for Fairfax environments
Coordinate HWProxy and Scripting Framework work supports for AZN Systems
Technical Problem-Solving
Conduct root cause analysis on recurring incidents and develop preventive measures
Issue Letters of Authorization (LOAs) and perform operational readiness tests with Microsoft partners
Support Decom activities including networking decom for federal cloud environments
Provide technical guidance to Tier 1 engineers during complex incidents
Contribute advanced troubleshooting guides and technical documentation to knowledge base
Collaboration & Escalation Management
Serve as primary escalation point for Tier 1 support teams
Coordinate with Microsoft partners (ATT, BT, Verizon, Equinix, etc.) on capacity planning and onboarding
Manage end-to-end contract sign-off process for new Microsoft Partners
Escalate highly complex or specialized issues to Tier 2 with comprehensive documentation
Participate in post-incident reviews and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
Minimum Qualifications
Associates Degree or equivalent relevant experience; Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field preferred.
4+ years of experience in network operations or technical support
Fiber optic operations experience
Security Requirements
Active Secret level clearance
Able to obtain CJIS background check
US Citizenship; no dual citizenship.
Active U.S. Passport booklet.
Required Certifications (One or more)
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
Azure AZ-900
Preferred Qualifications
Microsoft Azure certifications (Azure Network Engineer Associate or equivalent)
Experience with federal government cloud environments
Cisco CCNP or equivalent networking certification
Prior experience in managed service provider (MSP) or cloud operations environment
Primary Job Specific Skills
Understanding of enterprise networking concepts including routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), MPLS, VPN technologies
Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure networking services (ExpressRoute, VPN Gateway, Virtual WAN)
Experience with network monitoring tools and SPAN/packet capture analysis
Experience with ticketing systems and incident management processes
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently in a 24x7 operational environment
Strong attention to detail and commitment to documentation standards
Customer service orientation with ability to manage multiple priorities
Familiarity with network automation concepts and scripting (PowerShell, Python) preferred
Other Job Skills
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Operating Systems and products that include Microsoft Windows, Windows Servers, Microsoft Office365 and SharePoint, Microsoft Teams.
Applies standard methodology, techniques, procedures and criteria.
Ability to analyze, troubleshoot and resolve intermediate level system hardware, software or networking related problems.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and to translate technical terminology into terms understandable to non-technical employees.
Exceptional customer service skills.
Experience preferred with cloud infrastructure, digital workspace, and storage technology Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Secret clearance is required Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $108,000 - $117,000 (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.