Network Engineer Tier 3

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Tier 3 Network Engineer to join a federal program. The Network Engineer Tier 3 will implement, provide, and monitor technical support of customer environments, conduct, and maintain inventories of client systems, support operating systems, desktop peripherals, software, core desktop applications and imaging of computers. The Network Specialist Senior will have an in-depth knowledge of Cisco, Palo Alto, F5 and the maintenance of computer systems and computer environments. This position is fully onsite in Washington, DC.

Requirements:

• Install, configure, maintain, and optimize LAN and WAN infrastructure, including routers, switches, VPN appliances, load balancers, and security devices.
• Ensure timely application of security patches to all network infrastructure devices, including routers, switches, voice and video systems, and security appliances.
• Monitor and analyze network performance using network management tools, troubleshooting network issues, and optimizing performance based on industry best practices.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of network assets, including hardware and software components, and ensure efficient asset tracking and lifecycle management.
• Provide design recommendations, technical feedback, and support during engineering meetings to contribute to the planning and execution of network projects.
• Manage data center network infrastructure, assist with storage and virtualization systems, and collaborate with relevant teams on infrastructure expansion and improvements.
• Stay informed of emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in communications, networking devices, and system security.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network-related problems and outages, including those affecting voice, video, and data services, schedule necessary network upgrades and optimizations.
• Demonstrate expertise in routing, switching, and firewall configuration, supporting complex and secure LAN/WAN networks.
• Understand and support Linux/Unix and Windows operating systems, including system security management, to ensure smooth integration with network services.
• Submit detailed and accurate reports on network performance, incidents, upgrades, and infrastructure status as required.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, addressing software and hardware-related inquiries and troubleshooting issues promptly.
• Actively participate in team meetings to share updates, ideas, and solutions; lead or assist in network or related projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to objectives.
• Lead or assist in the execution of network or system-related projects, ensuring proper planning, coordination, and adherence to timelines.
• Implement and enforce security protocols for network infrastructure and systems to prevent unauthorized access, malware, and other security threats.
• Work with the team to plan and implement backup and disaster recovery solutions to ensure the resilience of network and data services.

Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service skills complemented by an ability to listen to and interpret client requests
•  Cisco Router and switch configuration (IOS/NX-OS), Palo Alto NextGen Firewall and VPN configuration experience, Experience with General Dynamics Taclanes and/or GEMOne  
• F5 Load Balancer Knowledge, GTM/Big DNS Knowledge
• Technically proficient and experienced with Windows and Unix/Linux operating systems, network security, network traffic analysis, incident response, vulnerability analysis, packet analysis, and systems hardening.
•  Possesses proficient knowledge of layer 2 switching and layer 3 routing protocols, encryption protocols, communication protocols. Examples include but not limited to: TLS/SSL, IPsec, SSH, BGP, VLAN, LLDP, LACP, ARP, 802.1x, DNS, AES, NTP, etc.
• Network Design and Implementation, Network Troubleshooting, Network Performance Tuning
• Active DOE Q or Top Secret clearance.

Compensation and Benefits:

·        $150,000 - $175,000 **depending on experience**

·        Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays.

This job opens for applications on 7/28/25. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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Washington, DC, DC Metro Area, Northern Virginia, Maryland, DMV area, DOE Q clearance, Top Secret clearance, LAN/WAN infrastructure, network optimization, network performance monitoring, network troubleshooting, asset inventory, network design, data center support, storage systems, virtualization, system integration, incident response, vulnerability analysis, packet analysis, systems hardening, disaster recovery, backup solutions, technical support, customer service, project management, Cisco, IOS, NX-OS, Palo Alto NextGen Firewall, VPN, General Dynamics Taclanes, GEMOne, F5 Load Balancer, GTM, Big DNS, Windows, Unix, Linux, network management tools, Layer 2 switching, Layer 3 routing, TLS, SSL, IPsec, SSH, BGP, VLAN, LLDP, LACP, ARP, 802.1x, DNS, AES, NTP