Network security engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Location: Washington, DC
Clearance: Public Trust
Employment Type: Full-Time

Must be located in the DC Metro Area as this role requires onsite and remote support.


Company Description
Celestial Innovations Group (CIG) is a fast-moving, mission driven technology firm working at the intersection of innovation, national security, and digital transformation. We support forward-thinking government agencies with cutting edge capabilities in cybersecurity, cloud, AI/ML, and IT modernization. At CIG, we don’t just check boxes. We solve real-world problems that matter.


We’re building a culture where smart, curious, and driven people thrive. This is a place where your voice matters, your work has impact, and your growth is part of the mission. If you're looking for a team that values trust, clarity, and the power of innovation, this is where you want to be.


Overview
The Network Engineer provides mid-level support for enterprise network operations, infrastructure maintenance, and troubleshooting activities critical to government users and systems.


Key Responsibilities

• Document all network infrastructure components, including switching and routing equipment, IP-addressable devices, cabling interconnects, and associated configurations.
• Configure, install, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot routers, switches, firewalls, wireless systems, and related network hardware in support of day-to-day operations.
• Review and analyze current network processes, procedures, and configurations; develop, recommend, and implement approved network process improvements.
• Develop and implement quality assurance and quality control plans for network maintenance and reliability.
• Review, analyze, update, and implement network disaster recovery plans to ensure resiliency.
• Research, design, and implement network security solutions, including vulnerability mitigation, firewall administration, and secure routing/switching architectures.
• Monitor, review, analyze, and performance-tune the network using enterprise monitoring tools, recommending and implementing optimizations to ensure peak performance.
• Recognize, track, report on, and mitigate network security vulnerabilities, providing data for audits and compliance activities.
• Apply standards, policies, and best practices in network engineering, documentation, and change management.
• Utilize expertise in network protocols, subnets, VLANs, firewalls, VPNs, and multicast technologies to configure and maintain secure and resilient network operations.
• Conduct design reviews and prepare conceptual designs, schedules, and cost estimates for new or modified network systems.
• Lead projects as an Engineering Lead or Project Manager to support development of secure, resilient network systems and enhancements.
• Generate, maintain, and update network documentation, diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
• Support incident, problem, and change management processes to meet contract SLAs and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with senior network engineers, security teams, and system administrators to plan and implement network improvements, upgrades, and lifecycle management activities.
• Assist with vendor coordination and hardware/software procurement in support of network operations and modernization efforts.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in network operations, network engineering, or network administration.
• Extensive experience with networking equipment, software, programming, and design, including switches, routers, firewalls, VPNs, wireless systems, and multicast technologies.
• Proficiency with Cisco networking technologies, standard network protocols, VLANs, subnets, firewall administration, and VPN solutions.
• Experience implementing network changes, patches, upgrades, and process improvements in secure or regulated IT environments.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network infrastructure issues, including performance tuning and security vulnerability remediation.
• Experience contributing to or preparing network documentation, design artifacts, disaster recovery plans, and quality assurance processes.
• Certifications such as CCNA or Network+ preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required government clearance.
  
  

Flexible work from home options available.