Field Network Operations Engineer - Washington D.C.

Field Network Operations Engineer - Washington, D.C.

Role Description

We are seeking a Field Network Operations Engineer who is passionate about networking and is eager to tackle challenging technical issues across unique, independent environments. In this senior role, you will lead on-site network buildouts throughout the US, perform advanced network analyses and support challenging customer issues. You will be a key contributor to our mission of providing "Cybersecurity by Design," ensuring our clients' infrastructures are secure, efficient, and tailored to their needs. This full-time hybrid role offers remote work flexibility with Washington, D.C., as a home base, with routine travel within the Bay Area and throughout the US (estimated up to 50% travel) as required for client projects, along with participation in a rotation focusing on network operations, project management, and remote network support during non-travel periods.

Key Responsibilities

• Configuration and Management: Configure, install, and maintain network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls and wireless access points at unique locations throughout the US.

• Implementation & Design: On-site implementation / rack & stack, connection of network hardware in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Participate in the design, planning, and implementation of network infrastructure projects, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center networks.

• Project Lead: Act as a project lead / key stakeholder for network deployments, while delivering timely and detailed status reports to all project stakeholders.

• Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to optimize network efficiency and availability.

• Network Protection: Implement and manage network security solutions such as firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and prevention systems, SIEM tools, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and data loss prevention to safeguard client networks.

• Expert Troubleshooting: Lead the resolution of the most complex technical issues involving hardwired and wireless network problems, ISP & WAN connectivity, and security incidents.

• Incident Leadership: Coordinate and lead incident response efforts for critical security events, working closely with clients and internal teams.

• Client Consultation: Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic recommendations on cybersecurity best practices and infrastructure improvements.

• Documentation and Reporting: Produce comprehensive reports on security incidents, threat analyses, and recommendations for clients and internal stakeholders.

• Mentorship: Mentor and guide Tier 1 and Tier 2 technicians, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing within the team.

• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance our security processes, tools, and methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Location: Requires residence in the Washington D.C. area

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience configuring and maintaining network hardware with a strong emphasis on Ruckus, alongside Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, Cisco, Aruba, or Meraki. This must include at least 3 years leading LAN, WAN, and WLAN architecture and physical installation, as well as practical experience integrating network security measures, ideally within an MSSP or MSP environment.

• Wireless: Advanced understanding of Wi-Fi / wireless networking technologies, protocols, and RF design principles, including predictive and physical site survey operations/ processes/tools (Homina, Ekahau), radio optimization, and channel planning.

• Technical Mastery: Deep expertise with various technologies, including networking hardware, tools, and software. Ability to independently investigate, diagnose, and solve novel problems with minimal guidance.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a track record of efficiently resolving complex, critical infrastructure and routing/switching issues under pressure.

• Client Relations: Exceptional communication skills with experience in client-facing roles, capable of explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments, travel requirements, and participation in on-call rotations.

• Physical: Ability to lift and install IT equipment (up to 50 lbs), climb ladders for wireless access point installation, and work in varying indoor/outdoor physical environments.

Desired Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Networking, Cybersecurity, Computer Science or a related field.

• Certifications: Certifications such as the Network+, CCNP, CCIE, CISSP.

• Scripting Skills: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python or PowerShell for automation.