Employ Pine
CACI
Network Engineer
Location
Columbia, MD
Job Type
Other
Date Posted
27 November 2025
Network Engineer
Job Category: Information Technology
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Top Secret
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%
Type of Travel: Local
The Opportunity: CACI is seeking a Network Engineer to join a highly skilled engineering team supporting the E3I program, maintaining and advancing secure communications infrastructure. This person will support mission-critical environments by ensuring network reliability, scalability, and performance across classified and unclassified domains. Work hands-on with Cisco and Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems to configure, optimize, and secure network operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, document, and troubleshoot innovative network solutions. Contribute to the continuous improvement of network capabilities and security posture in a dynamic, mission-driven setting. This position requires to be in Office 100%, located in Sterling VA.
Responsibilities:
- Install, configure, and maintain network infrastructure components, including switches, routers, and firewalls.
- Establish and fulfill port and service requests.
- Configure and troubleshoot Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking components, including static routing and NAT.
- Configure and troubleshoot Cisco ASA 5525 and FirePower devices.
- Establish, maintain, and troubleshoot IPSEC tunnels (Policy-Based and Route-Based).
- Perform packet captures and traffic analysis for network diagnostics and performance monitoring.
- Monitor network health and proactively identify performance or reliability issues.
- Maintain and document device configurations, network diagrams, and IP databases.
- Provide technical input during meetings and make recommendations for network improvements.
- Collaborate using Jira, Confluence, and other ticketing and documentation tools.
- Support Red Hat Enterprise Linux networking, including IP addressing, routes, and interface configuration.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Active Top Secret clearance; SCI eligible; willingness to obtain a Polygraph.
- Bachelor's degree in IS Technology, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of experience, or 9+ years of equivalent experience without a degree.
- DoD 8570 IAT II certification (Security+ or equivalent).
- Hands-on experience with Cisco network equipment (Catalyst, Nexus, ASA, FirePower).
- Experience with static routing, NAT, and IPSEC (Policy-Based and Route-Based).
- Familiarity with Red Hat Enterprise Linux networking configuration (interfaces, routes, and troubleshooting).
- Strong understanding of Layer 1-3 networking and troubleshooting.
- Experience performing packet captures and network analysis.
- Proficiency with documentation tools (Visio, Excel, Word).
- Strong communication, collaboration, and customer service skills.
Desired:
- Experience with network monitoring platforms and performance optimization tools.
- Familiarity with automation or scripting for network configuration.
- Knowledge of virtualization or container networking concepts.
- Experience in a DoD or enterprise network environment.
What You Can Expect: A culture of integrity. At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation. An environment of trust. CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality. A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy. Your potential is limitless. So is ours. Learn more about CACI here.
Pay Range: There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits. Learn more here.
The proposed salary range for this position is: $72,700 - $149,200
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia, MD hosts a growing tech sector with increasing demand for network engineers, especially in defense contracting firms like CACI. Competition is moderate due to steady local hiring, but candidates with security clearance or telecom experience often have an edge in this market.
Certifications like Cisco's CCNA/CCNP and CompTIA Network+ are highly regarded in Columbia, MD, especially for roles involving network infrastructure and security. Employers such as CACI also value clearance eligibility and experience with government network protocols.
Mastering routing protocols like OSPF and BGP, alongside hands-on experience with firewalls and VPNs, are crucial. Familiarity with network monitoring tools and cloud network integration enhances a network engineer’s profile in Columbia’s tech environment.
Progression often moves from network operations to senior network architect or security specialist roles. Gaining expertise in network automation and software-defined networking (SDN) can open doors to leadership or specialized engineering positions nationwide.
CACI provides network engineers with exposure to cutting-edge defense and intelligence projects, enhancing their skills in secure, mission-critical network environments. Their focus on federal contracts often means access to advanced training and security clearance-based roles.
CACI emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and compliance with strict federal standards, which can be more rigorous than typical commercial network engineering jobs. This environment develops specialized expertise in secure communications and government network operations.
Network Engineers in Columbia, MD typically earn between $75,000 and $105,000 annually, influenced by experience, certifications, and clearance status. Positions at companies like CACI may offer competitive benefits alongside base pay reflecting defense sector standards.
Columbia’s proximity to federal agencies means network engineers often tackle challenges involving high-security protocols and integration with government IT systems. Being adept at compliance and adapting to evolving regulatory requirements is essential locally.
Network Engineers primarily focus on planning and implementing network architecture, while Network Operations Engineers handle daily monitoring and troubleshooting. Both roles require strong technical skills but differ in strategic versus operational emphasis.
Entry-level Network Engineers often assist with installing hardware, configuring basic routers and switches, and supporting network troubleshooting. Early exposure to network security fundamentals and hands-on experience with network management software is common.
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