Principal Network Solutions Engineer

Overview

Na Ali'i is seeking a seasoned Principal Network Solutions Engineer, specializing as a CCIE Network Engineer, to play a pivotal role within the Facilities and Infrastructure Line of Business, across the Nakupuna Companies. This position is dedicated to supporting Department of Defense (DoD) Network Modernization initiatives, leading a dynamic service offering in the engineering, furnishing, installation, securing, testing, and modernization of Base/ Local Area Networks across multiple DoD Clients and locations. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in fostering strong relationships with both current and prospective customers, Nakupuna Network Engineering members, Project Managers, and partners. A key focus will be to cultivate a client advocate reputation, establish repeatable processes for network service offerings, and guide the professional growth of junior and mid-level engineers. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role is a cornerstone of leadership within the team, requiring not only technical expertise but also strategic foresight and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Strategy:

• Develop and maintain robust partnerships with current and future customers, alongside close collaboration with Nakupuna Network Engineering members, Project Managers, and industry partners to ensure aligned objectives and superior service delivery.
• Cultivate a client advocate reputation by establishing and nurturing strong relationships with key stakeholders in clients' operational and engineering departments, ensuring their needs and expectations are not only met but exceeded.
• Serve as the principal technical liaison between Nakupuna Companies and critical stakeholders, including external partners and clients, to ensure cohesive and strategic delivery of network solutions.
• Spearhead the creation and standardization of processes and service offerings for comprehensive surveys, design, engineering, furnishing, installation, security, testing, and modernization of BAN/LAN networks across various DoD installations, guaranteeing repeatable success and customer satisfaction.
• Direct the professional development of junior and mid-level engineers, ensuring their skills, knowledge, and abilities are continuously enhanced to meet the demands of their roles effectively.
• Lead by example in technical leadership and innovation across all infrastructure and network security projects, ensuring the application of rigorous information security principles.
• Establish benchmarks, metrics, and control mechanisms to monitor program progress and the health of network architecture, advocating for best practices and quality standards across the organization.

Tactical Project Support:

• Support Sr. Network Engineers and Project Managers with delivering network technology requirements and designs, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging technologies.
• Develop and support comprehensive network solutions that meet requirements and integrate into the overall enterprise network and security architecture.
• Support Lead IT network infrastructure project design, reviews and ensure network architecture goals and requirements are met.
• Support Sr. Network Engineers and Project Managers on the development, implementation and administration of processes and procedures to ensure the reliability, and optimum performance of network infrastructure systems and solutions.
• Develop templates and review test plans, implementation plans, and project timelines for various projects.
• Establishes best practices through collaboration with IT teams across the enterprise and external partners.
• Lead complex infrastructure deployment and troubleshooting efforts.
• Design, stage, configure, implement, secure, and support all network related equipment.
• Design and implement network architecture, equipment, and software in accordance with DISA security STIGs.
• Support Sr. Network Engineers in ensuring network remains operational during migration with minimal downtime.
• Support Sr. Network Engineers in troubleshooting and resolving any network related problems.
• Advise and oversee the develop and maintenance of documentation which will include but is not limited to Standard Operating Procedures and System Architecture Guides and Diagrams adhering to organizational templates, policies, and standards.

Qualifications

Work Experience/Skills:

• 10 or more years of experience in Network Engineering, demonstrating advanced knowledge and hands-on experience with networking and network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, routing, firewalls, DNS, DDNS, DHCP, Load Balancing, VXLAN, VPNs, IP routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, LISP, IP Multicast, and MPLS). This includes expertise in Policy Based Routing, Quality of Service, NetFlow, Wireless, virtual networks, Digital Network Architecture, ACI, NAT, ACL controls, IPv4 and IPv6. Additionally, experience with SDN, SD-WAN, SD-LAN products and services, and a working knowledge of structured cabling systems and network facilities.
• 10 or more years of progressive experience successfully leading the employment of network engineering techniques, methodologies, processes, and practices to design, engineer, implement, test, secure, and deliver a variety of enterprise-grade IT networking solutions (systems, applications, and/or services) across multi-platform (Microsoft, *nix, etc.) information systems (LAN, MAN, WAN, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience designing and deploying Cisco Software Defined Access and Cisco DNA Center (DNAC) with Cisco campus and data center routers and switches with associated technologies and protocols.
• Ability to work under pressure and to adapt quickly in a changing environment.
• Willingness to take action to overcome challenges or obstacles and look for ways to improve results.
• Strong communication skills. Ability to work with different stakeholders and devise innovative solutions for customer challenges.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science or in related field required
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE Certification) required
• PMP (preferred)
• Master's degree in related field (preferred) 

Military Installation Access: This position must be able to support clients residing on a military installation. Must be a U.S. Citizen and be able to qualify for and obtain a base access pass. Must be able to obtain a favorable National Security Agency Check (NACI) including a FBI fingerprint check.

Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain an active Top Secret security clearance. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Travel: 10% travel is required in support of this position.

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.

The Nakupuna Companies are dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment while providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require special assistance or accommodations during your job application process, please contact recruiting@nakupuna.com.