Lead Network Engineer – Public Sector

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a hands-on Network Engineer with strong leadership skills to support our customers by assessing current infrastructure, configurations, and developing a target-state vision with best-practice recommendations. This role requires applying advanced engineering and networking principles to solve highly complex challenges. The engineer will collaborate closely with vendors to address requirements, manage bug resolutions, oversee code upgrades, and guide vendor development as needed. You will troubleshoot and resolve critical production and interoperability issues, working cross-functionally and serving as a subject matter expert. In addition, you may lead projects, provide technical leadership, and guide both internal teams and customers. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, proactive, and accountable, with strong problem-solving abilities and a sense of urgency. This is a hybrid role requiring weekly on-site support.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Install, configure, and maintain Juniper network devices (MX, QFX, and new-generation SRX security platforms).
• Configure and support SRX-based security services, including firewall policies, filters, VPNs (IPsec/SSL), tunneled connections, and MACsec encryption.
• Implement and troubleshoot advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS/LDP), including complex policy configurations.
• Support high-speed fiber interfaces (10G, 40G, 100G), including LACP, diagnostics, and transceiver troubleshooting.
• Optimize network performance, security, and availability using CoS/QoS, traffic shaping, and policy-based routing.
• Design, implement, and maintain VPN tunnels and secure connections across data centers, cloud environments, and remote sites.
• Maintain thorough documentation of network configurations, IP management, and topology diagrams.
• Collaborate directly with customers, advising on requests and performing necessary configuration updates.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph eligibility (background investigation required).
• 7+ years of experience with Juniper platforms (MX, QFX, SRX).
• Expertise in BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and MPLS, with hands-on policy configuration experience.
• Strong background in tunneling and security protocols (MACsec, IPsec, GRE, firewall zoning/policies).
• Proficiency with 10G/40G/100G fiber interfaces, including troubleshooting and optical diagnostics.
• Advanced knowledge of JUNOS CLI; experience with automation tools (Ansible, Junos PyEZ, or similar).
• Familiarity with network monitoring/management tools (SNMP, syslog, NetFlow, centralized logging).
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work independently in field environments.
• Availability for after-hours maintenance and outage support.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juniper certifications (JNCIS-SEC or higher).