Sr. Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer

LOCATION: Columbia, MD (Onsite)

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret (TS/SCI Preferred)

TRAVEL: As Needed

SALARY RANGE: $145k - $165k

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, secure, and maintain mission-critical network infrastructures supporting Department of Defense/Department of War (DoD/DoW) environments. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Cisco and Fortinet technologies, extensive experience operating within classified networks, and a proven track record of implementing and maintaining systems in compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF), DoD STIG and Cross Domain / Comply-to-Connect (C2C) requirements. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Active Top Secret security clearance.
  • TS/SCI preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Network Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of experience in network engineering within Department of Defense/Department of War (DoD/DoW)  or classified environments
• Deep expertise in:
  • Cisco routing & switching (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, MPLS)
  • Fortinet solutions (FortiGate, FortiOS, VPNs, security fabric)
• Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining DISA STIG compliance
• Hands-on experience with C2C / Cross Domain architectures and security controls
• Strong understanding of:
  • RMF (Risk Management Framework)
  • DISA security requirements and accreditation processes
  • DCSA Accreditation Standards
• Active DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570) compliant industry certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP, etc.)
• Active DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570) compliant environment certification (e.g., minimum Cisco CCNP)
• Experience with C2C Requirements:
  • Network automation (Python, Ansible)
  • Zero Trust architectures
  • SIEM integration and log analysis
  • NetFlow monitoring

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Advanced network design and troubleshooting
• Security hardening and compliance enforcement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to operate in high-security, mission-critical environments

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• CCIE (Enterprise or Security)
• Fortinet NSE 4–7 certifications
• Project Management Experience
• Experience briefing Executive Leadership
• Prior experience supporting Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) programs
• Experience with cloud-based DoD environments (e.g., Azure Government, Azure Secret)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, implement, and maintain secure network architectures using Cisco (routing/switching, ISE) and Fortinet (FortiGate) solutions
• Design, implement, and maintain 802.1x compliance platform
• Engineer and support classified and unclassified network environments (e.g., MDA CNET, NIPR, SIPR, JWICS as applicable)
• Ensure compliance with DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and cybersecurity policies
• Implement and maintain Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) and Comply-to-Connect (C2C) architectures
• Perform network hardening, vulnerability remediation, and continuous monitoring in accordance with RMF controls
• Develop and maintain network documentation, diagrams, SOPs, and security artifacts
• Support Authority to Operate (ATO) processes, including STIG checklists, POA&Ms, and risk assessments
• Troubleshoot complex network and security issues across multi-vendor environments
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, systems engineering, and mission stakeholders to ensure secure, reliable operations
• Support audits, inspections, and compliance validation activities