Technical Expert Network Engineer

Position Overview
TAP 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 Responsibilities

• Design, architect, install, and configure data center network infrastructure supporting HPC environments
• Lead the deployment and configuration of Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and IPsec VPN solutions
• Troubleshoot complex network, connectivity, performance, and security issues across enterprise and specialized environments
• Design and implement Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking solutions, including routing, switching, access controls, and stateful firewalls
• Support multi-vendor networking technologies, including Cisco, Juniper, F5, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel SAN
• Configure and maintain load balancers, network security devices, and related infrastructure
• Evaluate existing network architectures and recommend improvements to reliability, performance, and scalability
• Support virtualization and containerized environments, including VMware and Solaris containers
• Develop and maintain network documentation, configurations, and technical procedures
• Use network management, monitoring, and ticketing tools to track and resolve operational issues
• Provide technical guidance and collaborate with system, software, and infrastructure engineers
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to mission-critical network incidents

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with appropriate polygraph (most recent poly within the last 7 years)
• DoD 8570 IAT II certification
• Demonstrated experience designing and architecting data center networks
• Advanced experience with Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and IPsec VPNs
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, routing and switching protocols, and Layer 2/Layer 3 networking
• Strong understanding of stateful firewalls and Layer 3 access controls
• Experience with Cisco IOS, CatOS, and/or NX-OS
• Experience with technologies such as F5 load balancers, Juniper, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel SAN
• Familiarity with network management, authentication, and monitoring tools such as CiscoWorks, TACACS+, and HP OpenView
• Experience supporting VMware and/or Solaris container environments
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools and enterprise ticketing systems
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a live operational environment and participate in on-call support

Compensation
The anticipated salary range for this position is $150,000 - $175,000, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and other applicable factors. The compensation range provided is a general guideline and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

Clearance Requirement
This position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance with appropriate polygraph. Clearance processing and maintenance will be conducted in accordance with U.S. Government requirements.

Benefits Overview
TAP 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 sharing
• Medical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents
• Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements
• Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAs
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework
• Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support
• Performance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses

Additional Information
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.