Field Network Operations Engineer - Washington D.C.
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 25, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 13, 2026.
Field Network Operations Engineer - Washington, D.C.
Role Description
We are seeking a Field Network Operations Engineer who is passionate about networking and is eager to tackle challenging technical issues across unique, independent environments. In this senior role, you will lead on-site network buildouts throughout the US, perform advanced network analyses and support challenging customer issues. You will be a key contributor to our mission of providing "Cybersecurity by Design," ensuring our clients' infrastructures are secure, efficient, and tailored to their needs. This full-time hybrid role offers remote work flexibility with Washington, D.C., as a home base, with routine travel within the Bay Area and throughout the US (estimated up to 50% travel) as required for client projects, along with participation in a rotation focusing on network operations, project management, and remote network support during non-travel periods.
Key Responsibilities
Configuration and Management: Configure, install, and maintain network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls and wireless access points at unique locations throughout the US.
Implementation & Design: On-site implementation / rack & stack, connection of network hardware in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Participate in the design, planning, and implementation of network infrastructure projects, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center networks.
Project Lead: Act as a project lead / key stakeholder for network deployments, while delivering timely and detailed status reports to all project stakeholders.
Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to optimize network efficiency and availability.
Network Protection: Implement and manage network security solutions such as firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and prevention systems, SIEM tools, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and data loss prevention to safeguard client networks.
Expert Troubleshooting: Lead the resolution of the most complex technical issues involving hardwired and wireless network problems, ISP & WAN connectivity, and security incidents.
Incident Leadership: Coordinate and lead incident response efforts for critical security events, working closely with clients and internal teams.
Client Consultation: Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic recommendations on cybersecurity best practices and infrastructure improvements.
Documentation and Reporting: Produce comprehensive reports on security incidents, threat analyses, and recommendations for clients and internal stakeholders.
Mentorship: Mentor and guide Tier 1 and Tier 2 technicians, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing within the team.
Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance our security processes, tools, and methodologies.
Required Qualifications
Location: Requires residence in the Washington D.C. area
Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience configuring and maintaining network hardware with a strong emphasis on Ruckus, alongside Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, Cisco, Aruba, or Meraki. This must include at least 3 years leading LAN, WAN, and WLAN architecture and physical installation, as well as practical experience integrating network security measures, ideally within an MSSP or MSP environment.
Wireless: Advanced understanding of Wi-Fi / wireless networking technologies, protocols, and RF design principles, including predictive and physical site survey operations/ processes/tools (Homina, Ekahau), radio optimization, and channel planning.
Technical Mastery: Deep expertise with various technologies, including networking hardware, tools, and software. Ability to independently investigate, diagnose, and solve novel problems with minimal guidance.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a track record of efficiently resolving complex, critical infrastructure and routing/switching issues under pressure.
Client Relations: Exceptional communication skills with experience in client-facing roles, capable of explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Flexibility: Ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments, travel requirements, and participation in on-call rotations.
Physical: Ability to lift and install IT equipment (up to 50 lbs), climb ladders for wireless access point installation, and work in varying indoor/outdoor physical environments.
Desired Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Networking, Cybersecurity, Computer Science or a related field.
Certifications: Certifications such as the Network+, CCNP, CCIE, CISSP.
Scripting Skills: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python or PowerShell for automation.