Cherokee Federal
Network Engineer - SME
This position requires an active
TS/SCI with Polygraph
clearance. The Network Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides advanced technical leadership in the design, implementation, and optimization of complex network infrastructures. This role requires deep expertise in network architecture, security, and troubleshooting, with a strong focus on high availability, performance, and compliance. The SME collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, scalable, and resilient network solutions that align with organizational and mission-critical objectives. Compensation & Benefits: Pay commensurate with experience. Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice. Network Engineer - SME Responsibilities Include: Design, implement, and manage advanced NAC solutions leveraging Cisco network devices, load balancers, Linux servers, and other Cisco appliances. Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot NAC policies and profiles to ensure secure and efficient network access control. Continuously monitor network traffic for anomalies or potential security threats, and implement timely remediation measures. Collaborate with cross-functional technical and business teams to align network security protocols with organizational objectives and compliance standards. Stay current with evolving industry trends, security threats, and NAC best practices, integrating new knowledge into system improvements. Provide expert-level technical support and guidance on NAC and broader network security issues to both internal stakeholders and external clients. Participate in the assessment, evaluation, and selection of emerging NAC technologies and vendors to enhance security posture. Performs other job-related duties as assigned Network Engineer - SME Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested: TS/SCI with polygraph
Minimum of 16 years' experience.
Bachelor's or Master's Degrees are preferred in one or more of the disciplines described below where specific skills may include the following:
Ability to translate customer requirements into enterprise network solutions
Proven SME level experience as a CISCO Network Engineer with a focus on Network Security
Strong proficiency with NAC platforms
In-depth knowledge of network protocols, TCP/IP stack, and OSI model
Experience with firewall management software such as Cisco FTD
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills: Knowledge of NAC management software such as Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE) is high desired
Industry certifications such as CCNA Security, CCNP Security, REDHAT Certified Architect (RHCA), or similar industry certifications are preferred
Demonstrated experience with Network Access Controls (NAC), CISCO profiling ISE
Experience with Linux Operating Systems (OS) and Python scripting
Experience with a wide variety of network technologies and solutions architectures is a plus
Broad understanding of technical principles, theories and concepts in the networking field
Knowledge of state-of-the-art systems engineering principles and network design concepts
Cloud Service Provider and hybrid cloud experience (extending on premise networks to cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, Oracle and Google)
Strong proficiency with Network Access Control (NAC) platforms is a plus
Company Information: Criterion
is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and
serving
the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about
Criterion , visit cherokee-federal.com. #CherokeeFederal #LI-CK4 #IntelCareers Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply. Similar searchable job titles: Network Infrastructure SME
Senior Network Consultant
Network Solutions Expert
Principal Network Specialist
Lead Network Engineer
Keywords: Network Design & Optimization
Cisco Technologies
BGP/OSPF/EIGRP Protocols
Enterprise Network Security
Infrastructure Automation
Legal Disclaimer:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
TS/SCI with Polygraph
clearance. The Network Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides advanced technical leadership in the design, implementation, and optimization of complex network infrastructures. This role requires deep expertise in network architecture, security, and troubleshooting, with a strong focus on high availability, performance, and compliance. The SME collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, scalable, and resilient network solutions that align with organizational and mission-critical objectives. Compensation & Benefits: Pay commensurate with experience. Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice. Network Engineer - SME Responsibilities Include: Design, implement, and manage advanced NAC solutions leveraging Cisco network devices, load balancers, Linux servers, and other Cisco appliances. Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot NAC policies and profiles to ensure secure and efficient network access control. Continuously monitor network traffic for anomalies or potential security threats, and implement timely remediation measures. Collaborate with cross-functional technical and business teams to align network security protocols with organizational objectives and compliance standards. Stay current with evolving industry trends, security threats, and NAC best practices, integrating new knowledge into system improvements. Provide expert-level technical support and guidance on NAC and broader network security issues to both internal stakeholders and external clients. Participate in the assessment, evaluation, and selection of emerging NAC technologies and vendors to enhance security posture. Performs other job-related duties as assigned Network Engineer - SME Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested: TS/SCI with polygraph
Minimum of 16 years' experience.
Bachelor's or Master's Degrees are preferred in one or more of the disciplines described below where specific skills may include the following:
Ability to translate customer requirements into enterprise network solutions
Proven SME level experience as a CISCO Network Engineer with a focus on Network Security
Strong proficiency with NAC platforms
In-depth knowledge of network protocols, TCP/IP stack, and OSI model
Experience with firewall management software such as Cisco FTD
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills: Knowledge of NAC management software such as Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE) is high desired
Industry certifications such as CCNA Security, CCNP Security, REDHAT Certified Architect (RHCA), or similar industry certifications are preferred
Demonstrated experience with Network Access Controls (NAC), CISCO profiling ISE
Experience with Linux Operating Systems (OS) and Python scripting
Experience with a wide variety of network technologies and solutions architectures is a plus
Broad understanding of technical principles, theories and concepts in the networking field
Knowledge of state-of-the-art systems engineering principles and network design concepts
Cloud Service Provider and hybrid cloud experience (extending on premise networks to cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, Oracle and Google)
Strong proficiency with Network Access Control (NAC) platforms is a plus
Company Information: Criterion
is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and
serving
the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about
Criterion , visit cherokee-federal.com. #CherokeeFederal #LI-CK4 #IntelCareers Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply. Similar searchable job titles: Network Infrastructure SME
Senior Network Consultant
Network Solutions Expert
Principal Network Specialist
Lead Network Engineer
Keywords: Network Design & Optimization
Cisco Technologies
BGP/OSPF/EIGRP Protocols
Enterprise Network Security
Infrastructure Automation
Legal Disclaimer:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.