Network Engineer - 174167 with Security Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Network Engineer to support a premier aerospace and defense program in Colorado Springs, CO. This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on networking professional with experience supporting complex enterprise and DoD network environments. The selected candidate will be responsible for the implementation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of mission-critical network infrastructure supporting national defense initiatives. This is a fully onsite role. Candidate must hold an active Top Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities Include

• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure in LAN/WAN environments.
• Support network operations to ensure high availability, reliability, and performance.
• Configure and administer routers, switches, and firewalls, including Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, and Palo Alto technologies.
• Monitor network performance and proactively resolve latency, connectivity, and packet loss issues.
• Implement and support routing protocols including BGP and OSPF.
• Configure and maintain VLANs, GRE tunnels, multicast networking, and TCP/IP architectures.
• Perform root cause analysis and resolution of network incidents and outages.
• Support infrastructure upgrades, technology refreshes, and network modernization initiatives.
• Travel to remote locations to perform network installations, troubleshooting, and sustainment activities.
• Document network changes, troubleshooting efforts, and technical solutions.
• Provide status updates and technical communication to program stakeholders and leadership.
• Support mission requirements outside normal business hours when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of network engineering or related experience.
• Active Secret Security Clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Valid U.S. Passport.
• Current IAT Level II 8570-compliant certification such as:
• Security+
• SSCP
• CISSP
• GSEC
• CISA
• SCNP
• SCNA
• GSE
• Current CCNA or JNCIA certification.
• Experience supporting enterprise network design, implementation, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of:
• OSI Model
• TCP/IP
• BGP
• OSPF
• VLANs
• UDP Multicast
• GRE Tunnels
• Experience administering firewalls, particularly:
• Juniper
• Fortinet
• Palo Alto
• Experience with multi-vendor routing and switching environments, including Cisco and Juniper.
• Hands-on experience with WAN optimization technologies, TACLANEs, and optical transport equipment.
• Strong network analysis, troubleshooting, and diagnostic skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and Visio.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret Clearance.
• CCNP or JNCIP certification.
• Experience with VMware technologies including NSX, vSAN, and Aria.
• Experience with network automation using Ansible.
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity requirements, including STIG compliance and accreditation processes.
• Prior experience supporting large-scale command and control, military communications, or defense programs.

Technical Environment

• Cisco & Juniper Networking
• Palo Alto & Fortinet Firewalls
• BGP & OSPF Routing
• VLANs & GRE Tunnels
• UDP Multicast
• TACLANEs
• Optical Transport Systems
• VMware NSX, vSAN, & Aria
• Ansible Automation
• Enterprise LAN/WAN Infrastructure

• Salary Range: $120,000-180,000 **depending on experience**
• Full Benefits: Cigna Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave if required by law, and Holidays