Job description:

Adaptivestack Technologies is seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Senior Network Engineer to support enterprise-scale network design, operations, and security for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Information Technology (CIT).

This role ensures the stability, integrity, and performance of NIH’s voice, data, video, and wireless networks across LAN, WAN, and cloud infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in planning, designing, deploying, and managing secure network solutions in a high-availability, compliance-driven federal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize complex LAN/WAN and wireless network architectures, including data center, enterprise, and cloud connectivity.
• Ensure the stability and integrity of all network services, including voice (VoIP), data, and video traffic.
• Lead and support installation, configuration, and lifecycle management of enterprise network hardware and software (Cisco, Palo Alto, F5, Infoblox).
• Monitor, diagnose, and resolve complex network performance and security issues using enterprise tools (e.g., Cisco DNA Center, Grafana, Net LineDancer, Thousand Eyes).
• Maintain and manage core network services such as DNS, DHCP, VPN, BGP/OSPF routing, NAC, and firewall configurations across multi-vendor environments.
• Provide expert-level support for network architecture initiatives, including Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), Trusted Internet Connections (TIC), and hybrid cloud integration.
• Lead vulnerability remediation efforts and coordinate with cybersecurity teams on compliance with NIST and NIH IT security standards.
• Document and maintain network topologies, configurations, and standard operating procedures.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide end-user training as needed for escalated issues and new technologies.
• Participate in change control, incident response, and continuity of operations (COOP) activities.
• Actively engage in strategic planning to align network evolution with NIH’s mission and business requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in enterprise network engineering and infrastructure support
• Deep knowledge of Cisco routing and switching technologies, firewalls, VPNs, wireless networks, and load balancing
• Proficiency with network design principles, subnetting, VLANs, QoS, SNMP, and IPv4/IPv6
• Experience supporting federal IT environments and compliance with FISMA, NIST 800-53, and TIC requirements
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills in complex, distributed environments
• Ability to manage large-scale network projects and support 24x7x365 operational requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NIH, HHS, or other federal health/science agencies
• Familiarity with tools such as:
• Cisco APIC/ACI, DNA Center, Firepower, ISE
• Palo Alto Wildfire
• F5 Big-IP, AlgoSec
• ScienceLogic SL1, SecureCRT, Infoblox, ZEN
• Certifications such as:
• Cisco CCNP or CCIE
• CompTIA Network+, Security+
• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
• Experience implementing cloud-based networking (AWS/Azure hybrid connectivity)

Why Join Adaptivestack Technologies?

At Adaptivestack Technologies, we empower federal agencies with secure, scalable, and mission-driven IT services. As a WOSB and HUBZone-certified small business, we prioritize technical excellence, inclusion, and community impact.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Long-term growth on critical federal infrastructure contracts
• A collaborative, innovative, and technically focused team culture
• The opportunity to directly support the nation’s healthcare and scientific research missions