Network Engineer I (Pipeline)

Location: Missoula, MontanaEmployment Type: Full-Time, HourlyClearance: Public TrustStatus: Contingent Upon Contract Award

Join Our Pipeline for Future Opportunities! This is a pipeline posting intended to identify qualified candidates for upcoming opportunities. Employment is contingent upon contract award and successful completion of any required background or security processes.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated Network Engineer I to join our on-site IT operations team supporting federal research facilities in Missoula, Montana. This role is ideal for a technically skilled individual who enjoys working directly with users and systems in a dynamic, mission-focused environment. The Network Engineer I will handle help desk support, routine system maintenance, patching, and troubleshooting activities while developing expertise in federal network security and infrastructure management.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage help desk intake, ticket tracking, resolution, and escalation in accordance with established procedures
• Assist users with network access issues including account unlocks, password resets, and onboarding support
• Perform routine patching and OS updates for servers, workstations, and infrastructure devices in compliance with ATO requirements
• Conduct trouble isolation, root cause analysis, and port clearance activities to maintain network performance
• Assist with monitoring of network infrastructure including NAS, UPS, switches, wireless access points, and servers
• Support quarterly and annual log audits, account reviews, and inventory maintenance activities
• Notify stakeholders of outages and service disruptions via email and Microsoft Teams
• Assist with documentation updates including VLAN assignments, IP address records, and system diagrams
• Support vulnerability scanning and remediation activities under the direction of senior team members
• Respond to zero-day threat mitigations within required timeframes as directed

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Security Clearance: Must be eligible for a federal Public Trust Background Investigation
• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, or related field (relevant certifications and/or equivalent work experience will be considered in lieu of degree)
• Minimum 2 years of IT support, network operations, or systems administration experience
• Working knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, and standard network troubleshooting
• Familiarity with patch management, ticketing systems, and OS update processes
• Basic understanding of networking concepts including VLANs, IP addressing, and DNS/DHCP

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a government IT environment or with federal security compliance requirements
• Familiarity with vulnerability scanning tools (e.g., Tenable/Nessus)
• Experience with Cisco switches, firewalls, or wireless access point administration
• Cisco Certified Field Technician or equivalent entry-level Cisco certification

Required Certifications

• CompTIA Network+ (required or must obtain within 90 days of start)
• CompTIA Security+ (required or must obtain within 90 days of start)

Work Environment

• On-site full-time position located in Missoula, Montana.
• Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Requires emergency after-hours availability and occasional travel may be required