Federal Network Support Engineer Senior

The Senior Federal Network Support Engineer will provide expert-level technical infrastructure and software services support for the Azure Core Networking team within Government Cloud environments. This role serves as the highest tier of operational support for 24x7x365 operations, providing specialized expertise in complex network architectures, advanced troubleshooting, and architectural guidance for critical networking infrastructure supporting PhysNet, FPN, ExpressRoute, VPN, optical networking, and emerging network services across air-gapped and secure federal facilities. This salaried role will be executed 8x5 on weekdays with on-call support after core business hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Operational Support
• Serve as final escalation point for complex / critical Livesite incidents, customer-reported issues, and deployment incidents
• Lead resolution of high-priority incidents affecting PhysNet and FPN network operations with 24x5 onsite coverage and 24x7 oncall requirements
• Perform advanced root cause analysis and develop comprehensive remediation strategies
• Design and implement solutions for complex networking scenarios involving federal cloud buildouts
• Provide technical consultation on ExpressRoute Direct architecture, capacity planning, and optimization
• Lead optical SPAN monitoring initiatives and develop advanced mitigation strategies for network performance
• Advanced Network Engineering
• Architect end-to-end deployment solutions for Microsoft ExpressRoute devices across multiple sites
• Develop and optimize network automation workflows contributing to PNAAS automation initiatives
• Design and validate complex configuration implementations for production environments
• Lead technical evaluation and integration of Microsoft partner services (ATT, BT, Verizon, Equinix, etc.)
• Technical Problem-Solving
• Develop advanced troubleshooting methodologies and comprehensive knowledge base articles
• Create operational readiness frameworks and testing protocols for new service deployments
• Lead post-incident review sessions and drive systemic improvements
• Provide technical mentorship to Tier 1 and Tier 1.5 engineers
• Contribute to capacity planning and infrastructure scaling strategies
• Participate in architectural review boards and technical governance activities
• Operational Excellence
• Issue and manage Letters of Authorization (LOAs) with Microsoft’s infrastructure partners
• Oversee contract sign-off processes for new Microsoft Partner integrations
• Lead complex decom activities for networking infrastructure in federal cloud environments
• Manage relationships with Microsoft product groups and partner organizations
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operational workflows
• Participate in on-call 24x7 expert-level support

Required Qualifications

• Work onsite in Fairfax, Va
• Must be a US citizen currently residing in the United States
• Must hold an active US Passport
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret and CJIS background check      
• 7+ years of experience in network operations or technical support
• Strong understanding of enterprise networking concepts including routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), MPLS, VPN technologies
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Azure networking services (ExpressRoute, VPN Gateway, Virtual WAN)
• Experience with network monitoring tools and SPAN/packet capture analysis
• Experience with ticketing systems and incident management processes
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently in an operational environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to documentation standards
• Customer service orientation with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with network automation concepts and scripting (PowerShell, Python) preferred

Required Certifications (One or More)

• Net+ (CompTIA Network Plus)
• CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft Azure Certification
• ACE-P (Arista Certified Engineer – Professional)
• ACE-E (Arista Certified Engineer – Expert)
• JNCIP-SP (Junos, Professional)
• JNCIP-ENT (Junos, Professional)
• JNCIE-SP (Junos, Expert)
• JNCIE-ENT (Junos, Expert)
• CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)