Weekend Network Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview: At ValidaTek, we modernize and optimize IT services to solve some of the most critical challenges facing federal civilian and defense agencies. From customers to partners to top-talent employees, ValidaTek puts people first, empowering them to exceed expectations and transform government organizations. Our success starts and ends with our people, so we built a company where great people can do great things, with the resources and autonomy to make decisions that transform organizations. We operate as one team of diverse people, united by a passion for continuous growth and optimization. Our commitment to quality and performance optimization is the reason why our IT Service Projects and New Development Projects have been appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5, positioning us as one of a handful of elite companies to receive the highest form of third-party validation. www.validatek.com Summary: The Senior Network Engineer serves as a key technical leader supporting the Defense Health Agency (DHA) mission, ensuring the performance, security, and reliability of enterprise LAN/WLAN/WAN infrastructure across CONUS and global medical treatment facilities. Responsibilities: * Serve as the primary network Subject Matter Expert (SME) and global (swap regional for 'global' for Pacific and Europe) point of contact for network operations, troubleshooting, and configuration management * Design, implement, configure, and maintain complex LAN/WLAN/WAN environments supporting DHA systems * Diagnose and resolve advanced network issues across all layers of the OSI model using tools such as SolarWinds, ARMIS, and Ansible * Lead network engineering efforts, collaborating with government stakeholders, contractors, and technical teams * Implement and maintain network security solutions including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems * Develop and enforce network standards, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with DoD and DHA requirements * Provide performance tuning, optimization, and recommendations to improve network reliability and minimize downtime * Support routing and switching protocols including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and enterprise-level network architectures * Document configurations, changes, and standards; communicate status and solutions to stakeholders Qualifications: * Active DoD Secret clearance * 8+ years of supporting complex network engineering experience and a Bachelor's degree in IT, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) * Must possess active CCNP and CISSP certifications * Experience supporting DoD Health Care Information Systems - highly preferred * Extensive experience with enterprise network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, SNMP, HTTP/S, etc.) * Deep expertise in routing, switching, and multi-protocol network environments * Experience with Cisco technologies, Windows networks, and Active Directory * Proficiency with network monitoring, diagnostics, and automation tools * Knowledge of network security principles and Zero Trust architecture (preferred) * Experience supporting DoD healthcare systems * Strong written and verbal communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences * Ability to support multiple sites, including potential travel to CONUS/OCONUS locations * Capable of operating independently and leading complex technical initiatives Salary Disclosure: Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, geographic location, contract affordability, internal equity, education, and certifications. The upper end of the salary range may be reserved for individuals who have demonstrated tenure with the company, seniority, and proven excellent performance. This includes factors such as education, certifications, and extensive/unique experience beyond what is required. EEO Statement: ValidaTek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to verify authorization to work in the United States. Offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a post-offer background check.