
Systems Engineer
- Chantilly, VA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Architect, implement, and manage a scalable, secure, and resilient spine/leaf datacenter network infrastructure.
- Lead Tier 3 troubleshooting and escalation for complex routing and switching issues (~10% of time).
- Develop designs that integrate external connectivity to enterprise systems, coordinating closely with enterprise architects and security teams.
- Perform systems engineering functions including requirements analysis, timeline and trade studies, interface definitions, and verification/validation.
- Work directly with INFOSEC to ensure hardened systems, compliant with security directives and standards.
- Evaluate solutions based on cost, risk, performance, and supportability.
- Serve as subject matter expert in network architecture, supporting executive briefings and stakeholder engagements.
- Mentor and lead junior engineers and technical staff, overseeing technical output and project delivery quality.
- Support datacenter operations including cable plant management and systems integration.
- Must have an active TS/SCI with Polygraph
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline and at least 12 years of relevant experience or Master’s with at least 10years or a 10 years and a PhD OR 16 years + relatable work experience in lieu of degree
- Must pass or have a current Customer Medical Screening.
- Extensive experience with routing and switching protocols: EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, MP-BGP, MPLS, VPLS, LDP, VRFs, ECPM.
- Deep understanding of network infrastructure technologies: VLANs, VXLAN, EVPN, RSTP, vPC.
- Proficient in Cisco hardware: routers, switches, firewalls.
- Experience with Juniper firewalls and datacenter management.
- Strong background in systems engineering: design, integration, verification & validation, and fielding.
- Demonstrated experience resolving highly complex network and system problems.
- Proven ability to lead technical teams and interface with executive leadership.
- Certifications (strongly preferred):
- Cisco CCNP / CCIE (Routing & Switching, Data Center, or Security)
- Juniper JNCIS / JNCIP / JNCIE
- CompTIA Security+ / Network+
- VMware VCP-NV (NSX-T)
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions
- Automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Python scripting for network tasks)
- Network monitoring platforms (e.g., SolarWinds, NetScout)
- Experience supporting mission-critical, classified environments
- Experience leading trade studies and capability assessments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and executive presentations
- Ability to adapt and innovate in a dynamic and fast-paced environment