Network Engineer Principal

SAIC is seeking a seasoned Network Engineers to join our Network Team. You will be responsible for the architecture, design, deployment, and optimization of our high-traffic, carrier-grade network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has deep, hands-on experience maintaining five-nines (99.999%) availability in a dedicated infrastructure (utilizing dark fiber, wavelength services), service provider, and/or large-scale data center. You will lead complex troubleshooting, ensure robust security, and drive network modernization, including advanced L0 optimization, IPv4/IPv6 transition and SDN (L0-L3) automation physical transport, data link, and network layers simultaneously. This position is hybrid with offices in Reston, VA and San Diego, CA.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Architecture & Design: Design, implement, and maintain high-performance, scalable, and resilient IP network infrastructure (MPLS, IP/Ethernet).
• Operations & Troubleshooting: Provide Tier 3/4 escalation support, conducting deep-packet inspection and root cause analysis (RCA) for complex outages.
• Routing & Switching: Manage and optimize advanced routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, and ISIS, specifically focusing on traffic engineering and internet peering.
• Carrier Grade Technologies: Implement and manage carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) for IPv4/IPv6 transition, AAA/RADIUS infrastructure, and high-capacity wireless/mobility cores.
• Performance Optimization: Maximize network performance through continuous monitoring and capacity planning to handle high-traffic volumes.
• Automation: Develop and implement automation scripts using Python, Ansible, or Terraform to streamline configuration, provisioning, and MOP (Method of Procedure) execution.
• Security & Compliance: Ensure compliance with security standards (e.g., ISO27001, PCI-DSS) and implement network-level security, such as DDoS protection and lawful intercept.
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed network diagrams, MOPs, and technical documentation.