Network Engineer, Junior
The Network Engineer, Junior assists with implementation and support of enterprise network infrastructure that connects users, data centers, and cloud environments in a highly regulated government setting. The role works under the direction of senior engineers to deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot switches, routers, wireless access, and VPN connectivity across multiple sites. It helps maintain stable operations by applying standard changes, validating basic network health and performance, and updating documentation. The engineer contributes to incident response by gathering diagnostics, performing initial triage, and escalating complex problems as needed. This position also supports knowledge management so that network architectures, inventories, and procedures remain accurate and reusable.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in configuring and supporting network devices such as switches, routers, wireless controllers, and VPN endpoints under the guidance of senior staff.
- Perform initial troubleshooting of connectivity and performance issues by checking interface status, cabling, logs, and monitoring alerts, and document findings before escalation.
- Apply standard configuration changes, such as VLAN updates, access control list adjustments, and basic routing modifications, following approved change‑management procedures.
- Help monitor enterprise network health using dashboards, SNMP tools, and syslog or flow data, identifying simple anomalies and opening tickets or change requests when appropriate.
- Maintain and update network documentation including logical and physical diagrams, device inventories, IP address plans, and standard configuration templates.
- Support implementation and verification of network security measures such as segmentation, secure remote access, VPNs, and device hardening in accordance with established policies.
- Participate in small deployment efforts such as site turn‑ups, equipment replacements, and wireless expansions by staging hardware, loading baseline configurations, and validating connectivity.
- Assist with packet capture, basic protocol analysis, or simple scripting to support diagnostics, routine maintenance, and reporting tasks.
- Collaborate with systems, security, and service desk teams to resolve incidents, communicate status, and ensure consistent user experience across the environment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Typically 0–3 years of experience in network support, administration, or engineering roles in enterprise or government environments.
- Foundational understanding of IP networking concepts including subnetting, VLANs, routing, switching, and access control lists.
- Familiarity with common network equipment from major vendors (for example, Cisco, Juniper) and basic configuration and troubleshooting methods, processes, and tools such as packet analyzers.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively with solid problem‑solving, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Awareness of data security and network security best practices, including secure remote access and segmentation in highly regulated environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Progress toward or completion of entry‑level networking certifications such as CCNA or Network+.
- Exposure to software‑defined networking concepts, network assessments, or automated configuration tools.
- Experience using packet analysis tools or basic scripting (for example, Python, PowerShell) to assist with diagnostics and routine tasks.
- Familiarity with federal agency IT environments, standards, or compliance requirements.