Lead Network Engineer

Why You’ll Actually CareDistrict Partners is exclusively partnering with a mission-driven organization operating at national scale that is continuing to modernize how its technology environment supports a distributed, cloud-first workforce. The organization has made significant investments in cloud infrastructure and core systems, but secure access has not fully evolved alongside it. As user access patterns, SaaS adoption, and cloud usage have expanded, gaps have emerged in how connectivity, identity, and security controls are unified.This role exists at that inflection point. SASE is not fully defined or owned internally today, creating a real opportunity to step in and establish structure, direction, and execution. If not addressed, access complexity and security fragmentation will continue to grow. This is a chance to take ownership of a critical capability and build it into something scalable, consistent, and impactful across the environment. This is not a maintenance role. It is an opportunity to define how secure access operates going forward.The BasicsTitle: Lead Network Engineer (Senior Manager of Infrastructure)Location: Washington, DC Metro Area (Hybrid)Type: Full-TimeCompensation: $165K base + performance bonus + full benefitsEnvironment: Multi-cloud (AWS primary, Azure secondary), ~95% cloud-basedWhat You’ll Be OwningEstablish and own the organization’s SASE approach from initial structure through scaled adoptionBuild and integrate secure access capabilities across users, applications, and cloud environmentsLead implementation of Zero Trust Network Access, Secure Web Gateway, CASB, and Firewall as a Service in a cohesive modelAlign networking and security controls so traffic, identity, and policy enforcement operate as a unified systemOwn technical direction across network architecture in a cloud-first environmentOperate hands-on across AWS and Azure, supporting connectivity, access, and performanceExtend and enhance existing infrastructure rather than replacing itDrive standardization and operational maturity where capabilities are currently fragmented or undefinedEvaluate and optimize SASE-related platforms within an enterprise environmentEnvironmentLean infrastructure team with high ownership and visibilityHighly cloud-forward environment with minimal legacy constraintsSASE is currently underdeveloped with no clear ownership or standardizationStrong executive alignment around modernizing access and securityRole starts as an individual contributor with a clear path into leadershipWhat You'll HaveStrong foundation across networking, infrastructure, and cloud environmentsHands-on experience with modern secure access models including SASE or SSEWorking knowledge of Zero Trust access, SaaS security controls, and cloud-delivered securityExperience operating in AWS and or Azure environmentsAbility to bridge networking and security into practical, working solutionsComfortable operating as a hands-on technical lead without direct reportsA Few Things Worth KnowingThis is a build and ownership role, not a re-architecture mandateYou will be stepping into a real gap with the ability to define directionThe role has clear visibility and influence across infrastructure decisionsThere is a defined path into broader infrastructure leadership over time