Our client, an IT Services organization supporting commercial and federal clients, is seeking a mid-level Network Engineer with strong Meraki and Palo Alto experience. The successful candidate will be part of a team responsible for implementing and troubleshooting managing network environments, including on-premises infrastructure and cloud-based networks.

The initial contract is for 12 months with the potential to extend or convert based on job performance and business needs. The selected Network Engineer will need to be flexible to work onsite in Manassas, VA - initially on-site time will be heavier for onboarding, but it will taper off as the engagement progresses to as needed/occasional.

Key Responsibilities:
- Implement, troubleshoot and resolve network issues, ensuring high availability and performance across all network components including Meraki, Palo Alto Firewalls, Cisco Routers and Switches, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Cisco Secure Network Analytics (SNA).
- Develop and maintain network documentation, including diagrams, configuration guides, and operational procedures.
- Collaborate with other teams to support the integration of network solutions across the enterprise.
- Monitor network performance and optimize systems for improved efficiency and performance.

Required Skills

Required Qualifications:
- US Citizenship is required due to government requirement
- Ability to acquire a DoD Secret clearance (active secret is a plus)
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- One of the following Certification is a plus: CCNA, CCNP, PCNSE
- 3-5 years of experience in network engineering with a focus on Meraki, Palo Alto Firewalls, Cisco Switches, and other Cisco products
- Knowledge of routing and switching protocols, network security, and load balancing.
- Strong implementation and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Prior experience working in a fast-paced enterprise environment

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a Federal environment
- Familiarity with NIST 800-171 (CMMC) compliant network architectures.
- Experience with automation tools and scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible)
- Proven experience with AWS and Azure networking, including hybrid cloud integration.
- Familiarity with Zero Trust architecture and implementation.
- Knowledge of network monitoring tools and platforms (e.g., PRTG).