Lead Network Systems Engineer

Description Leidos is on the hunt for a skilled Lead Network Engineer to deliver vital network operations and engineering support for a mission-critical IP messaging and communications transport network. As a successful candidate, you'll not only grasp the services provided to external organizations but also play a key role in lifecycle systems engineering support for both development and operations. Utilize your blend of technical and functional expertise to recommend effective solutions that meet our customer requirements. Primary Responsibilities: Provide network integration, testing, security engineering, and implementation configuration support. Collaborate with network architects to establish and continuously enhance STIG compliant configuration baselines, versioning, and compliance tracking. Test and validate automation and best practice insertion opportunities. Lead the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Technical Task Procedures (TTPs). Drive Continuous Service Improvements (CSI). Support system performance tuning and enhancements. Create and uphold Engineering Implementation Plans (EIP). Assist in tier escalation for incident management support tasks. Actively participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for Problem Management activities. Engage in engineering meetings to foster collaboration between operations and engineering, ensuring operational readiness for deploying new solutions. Conduct highly technical maintenance on firewalls, VPNs, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and load balancers. Provide authoritative knowledge in network engineering and operations, large scale enterprise network solution implementation, and transition to Network Operations, along with test and evaluation activities. Core Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with 8 to 12 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 6 to 10 years of relevant experience. (Additional related work experience may substitute for a degree at the discretion of the Hiring Manager). Strong written and verbal communication abilities alongside excellent problem-solving skills. Active Top-Secret DoD clearance with SCI eligibility. Security+ Certification or another DOD 8570 IAT Level II Certification to be obtained shortly after starting, if not held at the time of hire. Comprehensive understanding of defense-in-depth principles, Network and Security architecture, network topology, IT device integrity, and essential security elements. Over 8 years of experience in engineering and troubleshooting networks, including in-depth routing and switching experience with protocols such as MPLS, VPNs, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and various switching protocols including Spanning Tree Protocol, VLANs, LLDP, VoIP, and Multicast protocols. Strong grasp of IP network/subnet addressing and adeptness at developing and maintaining technical documents and reports. Experience in presenting technical information to senior management and stakeholders effectively. Hands-on experience with deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting Cisco enterprise network routing, switching, and firewall/security devices. Willingness to travel up to 10% OCONUS. Preferred Qualifications: Expert-level knowledge of network engineering and operations, integration, test and evaluation activities, and processes related to implementation and transition to Network Operations. Cisco CCNP Routing/Switching and/or CCNP Security certifications. Experience and practical understanding of enterprise WAN principles. Familiarity with change, configuration, and performance management NetOps concepts. IAT Level III Certification (i.e., CISSP or equivalent). Come innovate with us and transform challenges into smarter solutions. We're the go-to tech company for tackling complex issues. We may not wear capes (they're a safety hazard), but we excel at resolving high-stakes problems with creativity and skill. Pay Range: Pay Range $89,700.00 - $162,150.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level serves as a guideline and is not a guarantee of compensation. Factors considered for offers include job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, and alignment with market data.