Overview

SMS is seeking a highly skilled Network Engineer to join the team providing Engineering services to the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Experiments and Programs Branch (AFRL/RVEP) at Kirtland Air Force Base. In this role, you will be responsible for the configuration, management, and operation of mission-critical network systems. This includes ensuring network availability, reliability, security, and compliance with DISA STIGs and DoD cybersecurity requirements. The position involves occasional 24/7 support capabilities during critical satellite mission events.

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 40 years. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com.

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Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain robust and scalable network infrastructures for ground-to-satellite communications
• Ensure uninterrupted and secure network operations for ground station satellite control and data reception
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, ensuring minimal impact on satellite communications
• Monitor network performance, optimizing for latency, bandwidth, and data throughput requirements
• Collaborate with other teams (Local and Enterprise) to ensure the network infrastructure supports their needs
• Documentation of topologies, change requests, root cause analysis, and knowledge bases

Qualifications

Required Experience and Skills

• 5 years of experience in network engineering
• Knowledge of Cisco wired(copper/fiber), wireless, and boundary equipment
• OSPF and static routing, mGRE Tunnel, QOS, DHCP, ACLs, BGP, IPSec. (as implemented with HAIPE devices)
• Experience maintaining 802.1x wired/wireless
• An understanding of the use and configuration of encryption devices (TACLANE).
• Experience working within NIST and DISA standards in a DoD environment
• Experience with network troubleshooting, monitoring, and management tools
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly diagnose and resolve complex network issues.
• Strong documentation skills
• Ability to provide 24/7 support during high-tempo operations and emergencies.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Required Certifications

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent level of vendor certifications - Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) preferred
• DoD 8750 IAT Level II, CompTIA Security or CCNA Security, or higher certification. (e.g., CISSP)
• Candidate must possess or have the ability to acquire an active DoD Secret security clearance, or higher.
• Note: The above list of qualifications and certifications is not exhaustive, and other relevant certifications may also be considered.

Experience that will make you stand out

• General scripting experience
• Automation tool experience (Ansible, SolarWinds, etc)
• Previous work in a DoD environment
• Working knowledge of certificate-based authentication
• Software/Program Experience: NMCI, RDT&E, NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS
• Experience in a DoD environment, particularly with satellite mission networks or similar high-criticality environments

SMS is a veteran-owned network integrator established in 1976. With an employee retention rate averaging over 5 years, our ability to hire quality people and retain them in a rapidly evolving IT market proves why we are a world-class information technology company. At SMS, we place a high value on quality of service, customer satisfaction, and best-of-breed policies and practices. As a result, SMS is proud to be ISO 9001:2008 Registered and a CMMI Level 3 certified company, ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers, partners and employees. 

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.