Aruba Network Engineer ---DC

Aruba Network Engineer 6 months Located in the D.C. Metro Area and available to come onsite in D.C.
Need active Public Trust clearance.

We are seeking an experienced Aruba Network Engineer to support our federal government client using Aruba core and access switches. The role requires deep expertise in Aruba networking (including ClearPass, wireless controllers, switches) and working knowledge of Granite SDWAN and Zscaler. This position involves designing and implementing a 100% wireless solution for designated floors, managing interoperability with Cisco equipment, and adhering to federal security and compliance requirements. A current Public Trust clearance and demonstrated federal government experience are essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Aruba 6400/6300 Implementation & Migration

Phase 1: Deploy and configure Aruba 6400 core switches (VSX, VLAN routing, trunk links to Cisco Nexus 7Ks).
Phase 2: Implement Aruba 6300M switches for a 100% wireless environment on testing floors, then scale to all floors.
Configure VLANs, default routes to Granite SDWAN, and Active-Gateway (VSX) for redundancy and routing between VLANs.
Ensure compatibility and interoperability with existing Cisco Nexus 7Ks, verifying routing and transit VLAN functionality.

1. Aruba Solution Design & ClearPass
   Architect, configure, and deploy Aruba network solutions, including Mobility Controllers (Aruba OS 8.x), Access Points (AP-3xx/5xx), and CX Switches.
   Configure and manage Aruba ClearPass (Policy Manager, Guest, OnGuard, Onboard) for AAA, role-based access control, and NAC.
   Optimize wireless networks for high performance, secure 802.1X authentication, and PoE configurations.
2. SD-WAN Integration (Granite)
   Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate Granite SDWAN solutions, ensuring resilient and efficient connectivity.
   Manage WAN circuit upgrades and failover testing for multi-site deployments; verify default routes to Granite Edge for internet access.
3. Zscaler Configuration
   Deploy, configure, and maintain Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) for secure, cloud-based internet and SaaS access.
   Align Zscaler policies and configurations with broader cybersecurity strategies and federal regulations.
4. Network Security & Compliance
   Ensure compliance with federal security standards (e.g., NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP) and maintain documentation per Public Trust guidelines.
   Implement zero-trust security principles, including network segmentation, firewalls, role-based access, and NAC across all layers.
5. Testing & Troubleshooting
   Conduct comprehensive testing and validation (VLAN propagation, default routes, VSX failover simulations, end-to-end connectivity).
   Investigate and resolve complex network issues spanning Aruba, SDWAN, and Zscaler, providing root-cause analysis and effective remediation.
   Provide on-call support as needed to ensure the high availability of critical network infrastructure.
6. Performance Optimization & Automation
   Monitor network performance metrics, perform capacity planning, and recommend best practices for improved availability/security.
   Automate repetitive tasks using scripting tools (Python, Ansible, etc.) to streamline network management and operations.
7. Technical Documentation & Stakeholder Collaboration
   Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of network architectures, migration plans, configurations, and operational procedures.
   Communicate with internal/external stakeholders and vendors for project updates, technical requirements, and progress reports.
   Coordinate with helpdesk, server, and end-user teams to minimize disruptions during migration or system changes.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Configuring and optimizing internet routing.
• Firewalls Controlling and securing traffic across network boundaries; advanced rule management.
• Load Balancers Managing network traffic distribution for reliability and performance.
• Network Administration Provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting network devices and services.
• Network Architecture Designing, connecting, and implementing services and systems to achieve organizational goals.
• Network Engineering Building and maintaining complex networks to ensure performance, security, and scalability.
• Network Management Overseeing network infrastructure to maintain high availability and optimal use of resources.
• Network Security Ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data with tools like NAC, IPS, and firewalls.
• Networking Hardware Configuring and maintaining routers, switches, access points, and other hardware.
• Routing and Switching Implementing advanced LAN/WAN routing and switching protocols (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP, STP).
• Routing Protocols Managing protocols that determine the paths data follows (BGP, OSPF, etc.).
• Troubleshooting Diagnosing and resolving complex issues in a multi-vendor, multi-technology environment.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Federal Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience working on federal government contracts or in a federal agency environment.
• Aruba & Networking Expertise:
  Hands-on experience designing and deploying Aruba solutions (Controllers, AP-3xx/5xx, Aruba CX Switches).
  Strong proficiency with Aruba ClearPass (AAA, NAC, role-based access).
  Working knowledge of Granite SDWAN and Zscaler solutions.
• Education & Experience:
  Typically requires a BS degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related technical field with 8 12 years of relevant experience; OR
  A Master s degree with 6 10 years of prior relevant experience; OR
  A Doctorate in a technical domain with commensurate experience.
• Communication & Documentation:
  Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  Proven track record of producing clear, concise documentation, including detailed network designs and test results.