Network Engineer with Security Clearance

Our client is looking to hire an experienced Network Engineer in Boulder, CO. This position will be supporting a government missile defense system program. Secret Security Clearance required to apply. Title: Network Engineer
Pay Rate: $70-75/hr
Compliance requirements: Background Check/Drug Screen
Security Clearance level: Secret security clearance Interview Process: 1 round, video interview to hire
Target start date: Late February/Early March Why is this position open: Looking to hire additional support for their Network team Duration: 9 month contract, likely to extend or convert to FTE
Location: Boulder, CO
Onsite requirements: 100% on-site Job Description:
Maintains smooth operation of local area, worldwide and virtual private networks (VPN). Plans, evaluates, and coordinates installation and/or reconfiguration of hardware and software elements of data and/or voice communication network. Maintains technical expertise in all areas of networks and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, multiplexers, firewalls, hubs, bridges, gateways, etc. May propose solutions to management to ensure all communications requirements based on future needs and current usage, configuring such solutions to optimize cost savings. Prepares or ensures that appropriate network documentation exists, including operational instructions. Provides regular monitoring and network analysis regarding short- and long-range planning for in-house systems. May coordinate third-party maintenance for network equipment. May design network or portion of network that include selection of hardware and software packages. Essential Functions:

• Maintain smooth operation of classified network.

• Plan, evaluate, configure, and install network hardware in accordance with customer requirements.

• Maintain technical expertise in all areas of networks and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, multiplexers, firewalls, hubs, bridges, gateways, etc.

• May propose solutions to management to ensure all communications requirements are based on future needs and current usage, configuring such solutions to optimize cost savings.

• Create and ensure that appropriate network documentation exists, including operational instructions.

• Provide regular monitoring and network analysis regarding short- and long-range planning for in-house systems.

• Perform troubleshooting analysis of network infrastructure and associated systems.

• Install and configure Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls.

• May coordinate third-party maintenance for network equipment.

• General knowledge of Windows and Linux required to help administrators as required with server and desktop tasks.

• Represent the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.

• The ability to multi-task and good communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

• Understanding of remediating security vulnerabilities; experience hardening network systems in accordance with RMF and STIGs.

• Travel may be required. Basic Qualifications:

• Associate's degree and 7 years of experience, or Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience, or Master's degree and 3 years of experience; a High School diploma or equivalent and 9 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree.

• IAT Level II certification is required on Day 1 (Security+CE, CCNA-Security, SSCP, etc.); maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment.

• Active DoD Secret security clearance

• Experience with Cisco hardware including routers, switches, and firewalls. Preferred Qualifications:

• Current CCNA

• Previous experience troubleshooting network procedures and best practices; experience with network challenges associated with systems integration, including COTS integration, capacity analysis, and system architecture design.

• Demonstrated experience in the use of network analysis tools (i.e. WireShark, Opnet, etc.).

• Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments - VMWare Systems Administration and/or Cloud Architect certification(s).

• Experience troubleshooting network procedures and best practices.

• Experience with network challenges associated with systems integration, including COTS integration, capacity analysis, and system architecture design.

• Experience designing LAN and WAN based networks.

• Experience performing operations in an Agile framework. Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.