Network Automations Engineer

Key Responsibilites

• Network & Systems Engineer / Tactical Communications SME / Testing & Development Maintains expert-level awareness of current and emerging technologies through continuous research of technical manuals, vendor documentation, security advisories, and open-source resources. Evaluates and recommends hardware and software versions by validating: Minimum installation requirements Known defects and bugs Security bulletins and patches Compatibility with legacy systems Power constraints (including PoE considerations) Environmental and thermal limitations End‑user interoperability (notably SFP module compatibility) Collaborates with the JEDI team to enable bare‑metal provisioning of RHEL servers, leveraging Kickstart-based automation for PXE‑style rapid deployments Builds secure, mission‑ready network nodes from bare metal, including firmware/software upgrades, secure configuration baselines, tunnel establishment, and performance optimization. Conducts in-depth network connectivity testing, end‑user behavior analysis, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal throughput and reliability. Coordinates with multiple J6 functional areas when deploying new sites. Works directly with customers to ensure installations are plug‑and‑play, enabling rapid deployment within constrained logistical timelines. Developed the initial MFS Medium v2 configuration and influenced the MFS Heavy baseline. Rapidly identifies and resolves network configuration errors; provides validated solutions to the network automation team for integration and code deployment. Possesses deep operational knowledge of network architectures, protocols, and failure modes, allowing for expedited fault isolation and resolution. Encryption Subject Matter Expert (SME) Holds strong working knowledge of encryptor configuration, firmware management, operational requirements, version enforcement, best practices, and troubleshooting. Diagnoses encryption issues based on customer‑reported symptoms and operational context. Identified and resolved a critical encryption key failure affecting a forward‑deployed Tier tactical node after multiple unsuccessful remediation attempts. Proficient with GemOne and Chimera management platforms. Additional Operational Support Performs off‑site communications checks and equipment upgrades, including installation and airflow optimization to prevent overheating and equipment degradation Delivers expedited remote support to traveling customers, providing Cisco CLI commands to rapidly restore communications for senior leadership Detects and communicates probable hardware failures at distant ends during outage scenarios Assists with baselining and testing MFS kits under tight timelines or suspected hardware/software issues Collaborates with customers, ECS, and Tier units to troubleshoot connectivity issues and deliver targeted technical training Daily operational use of: Nautobot (IPAM and device management) AWX (administration and automation) Active Directory Forward Networks (topology and fault analysis) Splunk (detailed network/server logging) ServiceNow (ticketing and technical order tracking) Provides on‑site support for emergent taskings, including after‑hours operations