Senior Network Engineer

In anticipation of a contract award, Tantus Technologies is seeking a highly skilled Senior Network Engineer to manage, optimize, and secure a large-scale network infrastructure for a federal client. The primary focus will be on Cisco networking equipment, with additional responsibilities for integrating and supporting F5 BIG-IP services and Infoblox appliances, recently transitioned to the network team. The Senior Network Engineer will use SolarWinds for proactive monitoring and performance optimization, serving as a key technical expert to ensure high availability, performance, and security of the network, including DNS management and IP address provisioning. A CCNA or equivalent certification is required, with a CCNP certification highly desirable.

* US Citizen or Green Card holder with the ability to obtain a public trust.*

*This is a hybrid role in Durham, North Carolina.*

• F5 BIG-IP Management:
• Configure and support F5 BIG-IP services, including Local Traffic Manager (LTM), Global Traffic Manager (GTM), Application Security Manager (ASM), and Access Policy Manager (APM), as part of the network's application delivery and traffic management.
• Assist in the development and management of traffic policies using iRules to optimize application delivery within the broader network infrastructure.
• Oversee SSL offloading and certificate management in coordination with network security protocols, ensuring efficient and secure application delivery.
• Support load balancing strategies, integrated with the network’s high-availability requirements
• Network Design and Implementation:
• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of a large-scale Cisco network, including LAN, WAN, and wireless infrastructures, to support critical business operations.
• Develop and optimize network architectures, such as routing and switching, using tools like Cisco DNAC for predictive analysis and capacity planning.
• Manage and configure Cisco network hardware, including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs, and implement configuration management improvements with SolarWinds and Ansible.
• DNS and IP Address Management:
• Oversee DNS services using Infoblox appliances, ensuring reliable name resolution as part of the network's essential services.
• Manage IP address provisioning and maintain accurate IPAM records, optimizing the use of network address space.
• Address complex DNS and IP-related issues, ensuring minimal disruption to the network.
• Network Security and Compliance:
• Implement and manage network security measures, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and VPNs, leveraging SolarWinds for monitoring compliance and identifying potential vulnerabilities.
• Ensure the network infrastructure complies with federal security standards, including FISMA and NIST guidelines, by using real-time monitoring and alerting features.
• Conduct regular security assessments and audits with integrated tools to maintain a secure network environment.
• Performance Monitoring and Optimization:
• Monitor network performance using SolarWinds tools, including Network Performance Monitor (NPM), NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA), and Network Configuration Manager (NCM), to proactively identify and resolve potential issues.
• Use SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (NTM) to monitor network endpoints and visualize traffic flow, ensuring comprehensive visibility across the network.
• Leverage NetFlow Traffic Analyzer to optimize network traffic flow and improve overall network efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network problems to ensure quick restoration of services and minimal operational impact.
• Collaboration and Leadership:
• Provide guidance and mentorship to other network engineers, sharing technical expertise to support network projects and initiatives.
• Collaborate with other IT teams, including systems administrators and security specialists, to ensure the seamless integration of network services within the broader IT infrastructure.
• Serve as a senior technical resource in planning and executing network upgrades, migrations, and expansions.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain detailed documentation of network configurations, architectures, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring they are up to date and aligned with organizational standards.
• Develop and update SOPs to guide network management tasks, including troubleshooting, configuration changes, and compliance processes.
• Prepare and deliver reports on network performance, security, and project status using data from monitoring tools such as SolarWinds.
• Ensure that all documentation, including SOPs, complies with federal requirements and industry best practices, and is easily accessible to the network team for reference.

• B.S. in Computer Science, Information Technology Management, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in network engineering, with a proven track record of managing complex network environments in a large-scale enterprise.
• Extensive experience with Cisco networking technologies, including routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless networks. 
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor other network engineers, providing guidance to foster a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Expertise in troubleshooting and resolving complex network issues, with a focus on maintaining high availability and performance.
• Ability to ensure the reliability, security, and performance of the primary network infrastructure, which includes a broad array of Cisco networking equipment.
• Ability to support the management of F5 BIG-IP services for application delivery and Infoblox appliances for DNS and IP address provisioning.
• Ability to act as a senior technical expert, offering mentorship and support to the network engineering team, driving continuous improvement in network operations and support.
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance is required.

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) highly desired
• Experience with network monitoring tools such as SolarWinds (NPM, NTA, NCM) and Infoblox appliances is highly desirable.
• F5 Certified BIG-IP Administrator (F5-CA) or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices, with experience in implementing and managing security measures in compliance with FISMA and NIST standards.