Network Engineer

Network Engineer

SMS is seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support AFRL Enterprise networking at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This position focuses on the engineering, implementation, operation, and sustainment of AFRL's enterprise and laboratory networking infrastructure in support of research and development missions.

The Network Engineer will design, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize routed and switched networks, boundary protections, and encrypted transport services. The environment is Ruckus-centric with a transition toward Cisco, requiring a strong foundation in vendor-agnostic networking principles and hands-on experience with enterprise-class hardware.

As a dynamic systems integrator, SMS offers proven solutions in engineering, operations, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. With expertise in modernizing and optimizing legacy infrastructure and systems, ensuring operational efficiency, and designing, implementing, and managing secure environments, SMS supports business and mission goals with proficiency, quality, and integrity.

SMS has been serving the advanced information technology needs of the federal government since 1976, delivering talented teams and innovative, cost-effective solutions and services to support our customers' missions for more than 47 years. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, maintain, monitor, and support AFRL enterprise and laboratory network infrastructure.
• Ensure network availability, reliability, performance, and security for mission-critical research environments.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot Layer 2 and Layer 3 network components, including switching, routing, and wireless infrastructure.
• Implement and maintain secure network segmentation, ACLs, and boundary controls
• Support encrypted transport and secure communications using TACLANE / HAIPE devices.
• Monitor network performance, analyze traffic patterns, and optimize throughput, latency, and resilience.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues involving routing protocols, MTU, QoS, packet loss, and latency.
• Design and support IPv4 and IPv6 network designs and operational environments.
• Ensure compliance with DoD networking and cybersecurity requirements, including NIST and DISA STIG guidance.
• Collaborate with local, enterprise, and cybersecurity teams to ensure network solutions meet operational and security requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including network diagrams, topology maps, configuration standards, change records, and root cause analyses

Qualifications

Required Experience and Skills

Required Certifications

Experience That Will Make You Stand Out

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.