Network Communications Engineer

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) has an opportunity for a Network Communications Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in Suffolk, Virginia supporting our Joint Staff J7 team. We offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development. As part of our team, the selected candidate will contribute to the security of critical Joint Environments, ensuring that our systems remain secure and compliant with the highest standards.

The Joint Training Enterprise Network (JTEN) Network Operations and Security Center (NOSC) is seeking a skilled and dynamic Network Communications Engineer to maintain, manage, and troubleshoot the JTEN, a critical worldwide network supporting the warfighter’s training events. This position operates within a 24/7/365 environment, ensuring the stability, security, and integrity of JTEN services.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities of the Network Communications Engineer will include, but not limited to:

• Network Operations: Administer and maintain the JTEN, ensuring seamless operation of a global communications infrastructure. This includes Juniper and Cisco routers, switches, and ancillary equipment.

• Problem Solving: Develop innovative solutions to complex technical problems, ensuring maximum uptime and efficiency of JTEN services.

• COMMS Support for Warfighter Events: Provide hands-on support for communications establishment, monitoring, and troubleshooting during training events. Support includes configuring and optimizing network equipment to meet event-specific requirements.

• Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Perform real-time network monitoring and diagnostics. Address and resolve routing, IP switching, and LAN/WAN protocol issues. Troubleshoot and resolve hardware/software problems to minimize service disruptions.

• Customer Interaction: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to identify, analyze, and resolve network issues. Provide timely, professional communication and guidance to customers, ensuring that technical challenges are addressed swiftly and effectively.

• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and troubleshooting procedures. Prepare and deliver reports on network performance and security posture.

• Security and Compliance: Ensure compliance with all security policies and protocols. Implement and monitor network security measures to protect the JTEN from potential threats.

Basic Qualifications:

• One of the following:

  • Associate’s degree in Computer Science (CS), Information Technology (IT), Cybersecurity, or a related field, with a minimum of 4 years of technical experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in CS, IT, Cybersecurity, or related field, with a minimum of 2 years of experience

  • Master’s degree in CS, IT, Cybersecurity, or related field

• Must hold active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance

• Must be capable of working shift work (Essential Personnel identifier)

• Must have experience with the resolution of problems related to hardware and software, both application and operating systems

• CompTIA Security+ CE

• One of the following: CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA, JNCIS, or equivalent certifications obtained on FedVTE Cisco CCNA Security Self-Study Prep

• Must have an Operating System (OS) Training Certificate or Certifications such as any Junos, Cisco IOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, MacOs, Unix, or VMware

• Must be able to work on-site in Suffolk, Virginia

• Must be able to travel as needed (up to 25% of the time)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must be able to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment

• Strong customer service orientation

• Proficiency in Juniper and Cisco Networks

• Network Operations Center Experience

• Tier 1 and 2 Helpdesk Experience

• Highly self-motivated with a keen attention to detail

• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues

• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.