Network Engineer
Location: Newark, NJ (Local candidates required) Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 days onsite per week Position Type: Contract (6 Months) Security Clearance: None required
Role Summary
Leidos is seeking a Network Engineer to support enterprise network infrastructure projects for a client based in the New Jersey area. This role will participate in the full lifecycle of local area network (LAN) infrastructure, including design, configuration, implementation, and operational support. The Network Engineer will architect and support enterprise networking solutions, ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of network infrastructure while supporting business operations and technology initiatives. The position requires expertise in multiple networking technologies, including Cisco networking infrastructure, F5 load balancers, and network access control technologies.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide daily support by resolving escalated network tickets and performing operational break/fix maintenance until permanent solutions are implemented.
* Support and participate in software deployments, including new modules, upgrades, and fixes to production environments.
* Architect, design, configure, test, implement, review, and support on‑premise and cloud networking solutions.
* Maintain the enterprise network infrastructure portfolio through lifecycle management and technology roadmaps.
* Identify technical requirements and cost‑effective solutions to support business outcomes and improve operational productivity.
* Identify opportunities for automation of operational tasks.
* Validate new technical requests against existing network architecture to ensure compatibility and alignment with business requirements.
* Develop and communicate architecture policies, standards, procedures, guidelines, and metrics.
* Ensure networking solutions comply with security and quality assurance standards.
* Conduct root cause analysis of network issues and recommend corrective solutions.
* Maintain and support existing Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
* Stay current on emerging networking technologies and industry trends.
Required Technical Skills
* 6+ years of experience working as a technical engineer or architect designing, developing, implementing, operating, supporting, and managing network projects and IT systems.
* Experience working with at least three of the following networking technologies:
o Cisco Switches
o Cisco Routers
o Cisco Firewalls
o F5 Load Balancers
o Cisco Wireless Controllers
o Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
o Cisco Network Access Control (NAC)
* 2–3 years of experience in network operations support and troubleshooting.
* 2+ years of experience consulting with internal or external clients, analyzing end‑user requirements and translating business requirements into network solutions.
* 1+ year of experience applying architectural principles, methods, and tools, including:
o Defining solution and architecture roadmaps
o Managing product lifecycle plans and replacement projects
o Business case development
o Evaluating new technologies and developing proof‑of‑concepts
Preferred / Nice‑to‐Have Skills
* Experience with scripting or Infrastructure as Code, including tools such as Ansible.
* Advanced technical certifications such as:
o Cisco CCT
o CCNA
o CCNP
o CCDA
o CCIE
o Project Management Professional (PMP)
o ITIL
o Lean Six Sigma
* Knowledge of technologies including:
o Cloud Services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
o Directory Services (LDAP, ONS, DNS, Active Directory)
o Configuration Management Databases (CMDB)
o ServiceNow
o SolarWinds
o Cybersecurity technologies
* Knowledge of the utility industry.
Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelor’s degree in a related field (additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
* 6+ years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise networking solutions.
* Proven experience working in network operations, architecture, and infrastructure environments.
* Strong communication, leadership, and consultative skills, including teamwork, facilitation, and negotiation.
About the Team / Project
This role supports enterprise IT initiatives for a New Jersey‑based utility client, focusing on LAN infrastructure design, deployment, and operational support. The Network Engineer will work on a range of networking initiatives including architecture design, system lifecycle planning, infrastructure upgrades, and network troubleshooting to ensure reliable and secure enterprise connectivity.
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