Senior Network Engineer SME

Senior Network Engineer SMESAIC is seeking a Senior Network Engineer SME to support the AF TENCAP HOPE 2.0 contract. The AF TENCAP HOPE 2.0 contract bridges intelligence community collection architectures, capabilities, and technologies with DoD operational and tactical requirements. This effort will deliver rapid, innovative, and cost-effective capabilities to meet warfighter needs, and will include bringing national capabilities to bear cross all warfighting domains spanning intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, combat applications, battlespace awareness, command and control, multi-level security and mission programs. This next generation approach shall employ the latest advancements in geolocation and tagging, sensor and data fusion, unconventional / asymmetric warfare, situational awareness, cyberspace and spectrum warfare, large data analytics, data lake, jamming technologies, sensor technologies, geo-registration to deliver a cutting-edge approach. This position requires an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and is hybrid customer site in Colorado Springs. As a Senior Network Engineer SME on the AF TENCAP HOPE 2.0 contract, you will lead the design and architecture of advanced network solutions across multiple projects. Your role is critical in ensuring that all network systems comply with applicable standards and guidelines, supporting mission-critical operations and enhancing the overall network infrastructure for AF TENCAP's diverse mission sets. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in network engineering, including the design and implementation of complex network solutions. The candidate should have deep expertise in network protocols, security, and emerging technologies. Strong leadership and mentoring abilities are essential, as the candidate will be responsible for guiding junior engineers and ensuring network systems adhere to security and compliance requirements.Key Responsibilities:Lead the design and architecture of advanced network solutions.Design, implement, and optimize secure network architectures.Develop and document network designs, including physical and logical diagrams.Collaborate with systems engineering teams to optimize network performance and support DDIL operations.Evaluate and implement new and emerging network technologies and solutions.Provide architectural guidance for cloud-based network infrastructure.Perform network assessments and impact analyses to ensure robustness and security.Ensure network solutions meet accreditation requirements and support ongoing performance optimization.Develop secure solutions to customer requests, ensuring adherence to applicable standards.Mentor junior engineers in network architecture and design best practices.Qualifications Required Education and Experience:Active Top Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI.Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. Additional years of experience can be used in lieu of a degree.DoD 8570/8140 certifications or equivalent (e.g., Security+ or higher).14 years of experience in progressive Networking and IT roles.5 years of experience in Networking for classified DoD/IC networks & systems.5 years of experience leading technical teams.Expertise in network protocols and security (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VPNs, MPLS, SD-WAN).Experience with encryption technologies (TACLANE, CSfC).Experience with network transports (ISP, SATCOM (commercial and military), Cellular (LTE, 5G, NextG) or Free Space Optics (LiFi & Laser)).Experience with Deployed Network Operations in DDIL environments.Desired Experience:Experience with network automation and orchestration tools.Experience with advanced simulation tools and techniques.Experience with cloud-based solutions and cloud architecture (IaC, Containerization).Professional-level certifications from major network vendors such as Cisco Certified Network.Professional (CCNP), Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP), or VMware Certified.Professional - Network Virtualization (VCP-NV).Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.