Technical Expert - Network Engineer

Location: Annapolis Junction, MarylandCategory: TechnicalClearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with PolygraphCertification Requirement: DoD 8570 IAT IIEducation Requirement: B.S. in technical disciplineExperience Requirement: A degree in a related field and 10+ years of experience or 15+ years of experience without a degreeCompensation Range: $150,000-$185,000Position OverviewTAP Engineering is seeking a Technical Expert - Network Engineer to provide senior-level network engineering expertise supporting high-performance computing (HPC) servers, clusters, and specialized processing environments. You’ll design, implement, and troubleshoot complex data center networks across multi-vendor infrastructure, with a focus on reliability, performance, and security.This role is ideal for an experienced network engineer who enjoys solving complex infrastructure challenges, working across diverse technologies, and contributing technical leadership to mission-critical environments supporting national security.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, architect, install, and configure data center network infrastructure supporting HPC environmentsLead the deployment and configuration of Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and IPsec VPN solutionsTroubleshoot complex network, connectivity, performance, and security issues across enterprise and specialized environmentsDesign and implement Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking solutions, including routing, switching, access controls, and stateful firewallsSupport multi-vendor networking technologies, including Cisco, Juniper, F5, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel SANConfigure and maintain load balancers, network security devices, and related infrastructureEvaluate existing network architectures and recommend improvements to reliability, performance, and scalabilitySupport virtualization and containerized environments, including VMware and Solaris containersDevelop and maintain network documentation, configurations, and technical proceduresUse network management, monitoring, and ticketing tools to track and resolve operational issuesProvide technical guidance and collaborate with system, software, and infrastructure engineersParticipate in an on-call rotation and respond to mission-critical network incidentsRequired QualificationsActive TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph (most recent poly within the last 7 years)DoD 8570 IAT II certificationDemonstrated experience designing and architecting data center networksAdvanced experience with Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and IPsec VPNsStrong knowledge of TCP/IP, routing and switching protocols, and Layer 2/Layer 3 networkingStrong understanding of stateful firewalls and Layer 3 access controlsExperience with Cisco IOS, CatOS, and/or NX-OSExperience with technologies such as F5 load balancers, Juniper, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel SANFamiliarity with network management, authentication, and monitoring tools such as CiscoWorks, TACACS+, and HP OpenViewExperience supporting VMware and/or Solaris container environmentsFamiliarity with Atlassian tools and enterprise ticketing systemsStrong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skillsAbility to work effectively in a live operational environment and participate in on-call support Benefits OverviewTAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:Paid Time Off: 15–25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharingMedical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependentsDental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancementsInsurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disabilityFlexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAsTuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved courseworkAdditional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel supportPerformance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonusesClearance RequirementThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance with Full Scope Polygraph, based on a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI/SBI). Clearance and polygraph processing will be completed by the U.S. Government. Factors considered for U.S. Government security clearance eligibility include, but are not limited to:U.S. citizenshipFavorable criminal history reviewEducation verificationDrug and substance use reviewCredit history reviewSubject interviewAdditional InformationBy submitting your resume for this position, you acknowledge and agree that TAP Engineering may share your resume and related application materials with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for consideration for other available positions.TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.