SD WAN Network Engineer

Description

This is an opening for an SD-WAN Senior Network Engineer to support the Department of State’s (DoS) Diplomatic Technology Operations Division. This program provides transparent, interconnected systems and security supporting the DoS in successfully carrying out U.S. foreign policy missions worldwide. The Operations Division provides enterprise operations and maintenance support worldwide. SAIC’s program is named "Vanguard" and is an IT consolidation consisting of the Department's data center, cloud, domestic and foreign network switch, routers and WAN devices.

Currently, the role is three days onsite and 2 days remote in Springfield, VA or Beltsville, MD. Typically M-F 0830-1700. (Hour's dependent on mission priorities to include potential on-call).

Description of Duties:

• Evaluates, designs, documents, implements, validation testing, and performs problem isolation and resolution, and performance monitoring, tunes, sets standards and maintains a range of network components and systems within the LAN/WAN environments at DoS posts and offices.
• Performs these functions across using COTS and GOTS tools to test/validate physical media, Operating Systems, TCP protocol stacks, routing protocols, routed protocols and network hardware components primarily on Cisco devices.
• Provides client consulting, and training on the best practices and use of the DoS networks, tools, and architectures.
• Uses monitoring, performance analysis systems, network management software, and hardware management software to troubleshoot and isolate problems, gauge WAN and LAN performance and activity.
• Devises solutions to operational problems within the capacity and operational limitations of installed equipment.
• Provides internal consulting, technical guidance, information and support to other team within DoS such as: application developers, tools developers, management, and inter-division stake holders.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelors and 9+ years experience; masters and 7+ years experience; may accept additional SD-WAN experience in lieu of degree.
• Active certifications: Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise SD-WAN Implementation.
• Network Technology Expertise:
  • Understanding SD-WAN Architecture: Familiarity with SD-WAN components such as controllers, edge devices, and overlay networks.
  • Routing Protocols: Proficiency in dynamic routing protocols like BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
  • Traffic Engineering: Knowledge of application-aware routing, path selection, and traffic prioritization.
  • Overlay and Underlay Networks: Ability to differentiate and manage overlay (logical) and underlay (physical) networks.
  • WAN Optimization: Skills in optimizing bandwidth usage and improving application performance.
  • QoS (Quality of Service): Ability to configure and manage QoS policies for traffic prioritization.
  • Network Security: knowledge of best practices using secure tunneling and device hardening and risk management.
  • Expert experience in one or more of the following: Cisco Nexus, Cisco Catalyst, Cisco ISR/ASR routers troubleshooting.
• Cloud Integration:
  • Cloud Networking: Experience with integrating SD-WAN solutions with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
  • SaaS Optimization: Skills in optimizing SaaS applications (e.g., Office 365, Salesforce) over SD-WAN.
• Soft Skills:
  • Communication: Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and team members.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to resolve complex network issues.
  • Project Management: Experience in managing SD-WAN deployment projects.
  • Writing and Documentation: Able to revise current work instructions or design documents and produce Visio drawing for infrastructure.
  • Customer service focused.
• Knowledge of cabling standards, fiber optic and copper cable termination.
• Experienced with network monitoring devices such as HP Openview, Nagios, Zenoss, NeuralStar or other similar monitoring tools.

Required Clearance:

• US Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain Top Secret Clearance.
• Must obtain interim secret prior to starting work.

Desired Experience, Skills & Attributes:

• Infoblox DDI operations and support v8.x and v9.x.
• Master’s degree in a computer science/computer engineering related discipline.
• Experience working with Service Now ticketing system.
• Familiarity with Department of State’s network environments.