Data Center Engineer

Responsibilities & Qualifications

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, implement, and maintain information technology systems to include designing the basic computing infrastructure to accomplish key tasks, establishing networking rules for cybersecurity, and troubleshooting network errors or other technical issues.
• Manage, deploy, configure, and maintain core data center hardware, including switches, routers, and high-performance server network interfaces.
• Maintain comprehensive physical infrastructure documentation, including precise rack layouts, detailed port maps, and highly accurate physical asset tracking databases.
• Employ and manage enterprise level network systems, utilizing Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly Cisco DNA Center) and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for policy enforcement, device profiling, and automated access control.
• Configure and manage Cisco Nexus Series switches.
• Configure and manage F5 Load Balancers (LTM/GTM) to guarantee application high availability and administer RSA Authentication Manager to support multi-factor authentication (MFA) across secure enclaves.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and overall environmental health using Cacti network monitoring and other SNMP-based telemetry tools.
• Deploy and troubleshoot multicast-based Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platforms over the enterprise LAN.
• Install, key, configure, and support TACLANE (e.g., KG-175D, KGV-72) and other High-Assurance IP Encryptors (HAIPEs) to secure sensitive data-in-transit across classified and unclassified networks.
• Implement and enforce physical and logical cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, databases, and network boundaries in accordance with DoD regulations.
• Develop, update, and maintain detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for data center operations, ensuring strict alignment with military directives, safety, and environmental protocols.
• Act as the technical point of contact with higher-level support units, such as the 26th Network Operations Squadron (26th NOS) and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), ensuring rapid coordination and resolution during network outages or degraded performance periods.
• Draft, coordinate, and process Authorized Service Interruptions (ASIs) as directed by leadership, ensuring appropriate risk mitigation and stakeholder notification.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering and facility stakeholders to schedule and execute preventative hardware maintenance and routine system-wide upgrades with minimal operational disruption.
• Proactively identify single-points-of-failure and mitigate operational reliability risks to guarantee maximum network uptime and mission stability.
• Participate in disaster recovery (DR) planning, complete routine system backups, and execute logical and physical system restoration processes.
• Support a continuous, mission-critical operational standby and on-call rotation schedule to resolve emergent tier-3 technical issues during off hours.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Active DoD Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent technical military/civilian experience (typically 5+ years of hands-on network engineering experience in secure environments).
• Education and experience requirements may be substituted with:
  • 1. A master’s degree (in subjects described above) and 3 years of experience.
  • 2. No degree with 10 years of intensive and progressive experience demonstrating the required proficiency levels related to task.
• Must meet DoD 8140 IAT Level II or III baseline certification requirements: active Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) OR Cisco CCNP Enterprise.
• Proven experience configuring and troubleshooting enterprise-grade switches and routers (specifically Cisco platforms).
• Hands-on administration of Cisco Catalyst Center (DNA Center), Cisco ISE, and F5 Local/Global Traffic Managers.
• Experience with RSA Authentication Manager database administration and user agent configuration.
• Direct experience configuring, keying, and troubleshooting TACLANE HAIPE encryption units.
• Proficiency knowledge of DISA STIGs for network devices and appliances.
• Familiarity with SNMP monitoring protocols, Cacti, and multicast routing protocols (e.g., PIM, IGMP snooping) for IPTV systems.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Active Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification.
• Active Security+ certification.
• Understanding of IPv6 to include configuration and common notation/nomenclature· Proficiency in Python and Ansible for network automation.
• Familiarity with Cisco SD-WAN, Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI).
• Experience working in air-gapped and/or classified network environments (e.g., SIPRNet) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Air Force, Pentagon, and/or AFNCR.Experienced working at the Pentagon, Joint Base Andrews (JBA), and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB).

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and disciplined Data Center Engineer to support both unclassified and classified enterprise network infrastructure in direct support of Air Force National Capital Region (AFNCR) operations. The AFNCR IT Services program provides support services for information systems for Headquarters Air Force (HAF), Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other Air Force activities within the AFNCR, missions to include the Pentagon, Joint Base Andrews (JBA), Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), and other locations, leased spaces, and alternate sites. The major support areas required are IT Operations and Maintenance; Plans, Projects, and Engineering and National Military Command Center (NMCC). 

TekSynap is a fast-growing high-tech company that understands both the pace of technology today and the need to have a comprehensive well planned information management environment. “Technology moving at the speed of thought” embodies these principles – the need to nimbly utilize the best that information technology offers to meet the business needs of our Federal Government customers.

We offer our full-time employees a competitive benefits package to include health, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability plans, vacation time and holidays.

Visit us at www.TekSynap.com. 

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Additional Job Information

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Location: Joint Base Andrews, MD
• Type of environment: Office
• Noise level: Medium
• Work schedule: Schedule is day shift, 1000 - 1800, Monday – Friday. May be requested to work evenings and weekends to meet program and contract needs.
• Amount of Travel: less than 10%

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to grip, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is regularly required to lift up to 10 pounds.

The employee is frequently required to lift up to 25 pounds; and up to 50 pounds. The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE

• US Citizen
• Active Secret clearance

WAGE INFORMATION

Target salary range: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00.  The salary range displayed is an estimate only and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, and will be determined on several factors regarding the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies and experience, as well as contract parameters and organizational requirements.  The displayed salary is one component of the total compensation package for employees. 

OTHER INFORMATION

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

TekSynap is a drug-free workplace. We reserve the right to conduct drug testing in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. All employees and candidates may be subject to drug screening if deemed necessary to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.

Many positions require specific certifications and/or the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. Applicants who accept an offer of employment may be subject to investigations performed by TekSynap and/or the Government to verify the candidate meets the required qualifications and other eligibility requirements. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. TekSynap does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as “protected status”). This nondiscrimination policy extends to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as well as the use of all company facilities, participation in all company-sponsored activities, and all employment actions such as promotions, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.

TekSynap is committed to ensuring that our online application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an application, please contact [email protected] for assistance.