Network Design Engineer

Job ID: 2500777

Location: ARLINGTON, VA, US

Date Posted: 2025-01-17

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Network Engineer

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret

Potential for Remote Work: No

Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Network Design Engineer with strong expertise in CAD software and hands-on experience with network equipment (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls, access points, and servers) to diagram and document network infrastructures. In this role, you will create and maintain detailed, accurate network layouts, diagrams, and schematics that include both network equipment and connectivity. You will collaborate with network engineers and project teams to ensure network designs align with both technical requirements and physical infrastructure needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Network Equipment Diagramming: Use CAD software (AutoCAD, Visio, or similar tools) to design and diagram network layouts that incorporate key network equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls, access points, servers, and network storage devices. Ensure these elements are accurately represented in network topologies and system configurations.
• Collaborative Design: Work closely with network engineers and other stakeholders to understand network specifications and equipment requirements. Create network diagrams that reflect both the logical architecture (IP addressing, VLANs, routing) and physical setup (equipment placement, wiring, power requirements).
• Network Equipment Placement & Integration: Design network equipment placement within facilities (e.g., data centers, server rooms, and network closets) and integrate equipment into broader network infrastructure. Account for factors such as space constraints, power distribution, cooling, and cable management.
• Documentation: Maintain and update detailed technical documentation of network equipment, configurations, and diagrams. Ensure all network changes, equipment updates, and modifications are captured and documented.
• Standards & Best Practices: Ensure that all designs meet industry standards and best practices for network topology, security, equipment compatibility, and physical placement. Adhere to safety standards and compliance requirements.
• Configuration & Testing: Collaborate with network engineers to validate that network equipment configurations and layouts meet performance and reliability expectations. Assist with the pre-installation testing and simulation of network designs.
• Network Design Updates: Regularly review and revise network designs to incorporate new network equipment, changes in capacity, or shifts in technology. Maintain a version-controlled design archive.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Work with other teams (e.g., IT infrastructure, security, facilities management) to integrate network design considerations, such as power, cooling, access control, and cabling infrastructure.
• Communication & Reporting: Present and explain network design diagrams, equipment layouts, and infrastructure plans to stakeholders, including both technical and non-technical audiences.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Network Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Experience:

• 5 years of experience in network design or related field, with a focus on using CAD software to diagram and document network equipment and systems.
• Hands-on experience with networking equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, wireless access points, servers, and network storage devices.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Visio, or similar) for creating network diagrams, layouts, and schematics.
• Familiarity with networking protocols and technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, VLANs, BGP, OSPF, QoS, MPLS).
• Strong understanding of networking infrastructure, including cabling, fiber optics, power, and cooling requirements for network equipment.

Skills & Competencies:

• CAD Proficiency: Advanced skills in using CAD tools (AutoCAD, Visio, etc.) to design network topologies, equipment layouts, and physical infrastructure documentation.
• Network Equipment Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of network hardware components (routers, switches, firewalls, access points, servers, etc.) and their configuration and deployment in large-scale network environments.
• Network Design Understanding: Solid understanding of network architectures and topologies (LAN, WAN, hybrid cloud), with the ability to map these onto CAD diagrams.
• Attention to Detail: High level of precision in creating and maintaining network diagrams, ensuring the accurate representation of both logical and physical network elements.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot network design issues, including connectivity, capacity, and performance concerns, and propose solutions within the design phase.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts and designs to a broad range of stakeholders.
• Organization: Ability to manage multiple design revisions, updates, and documents efficiently, ensuring version control and clear documentation standards.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Networking Certifications such as CompTIA Network , Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIA, or similar certifications.
• Familiarity with data center design and experience designing enterprise network infrastructures, including the integration of physical equipment and network systems.
• Cloud Networking Experience: Knowledge of cloud-based networking concepts and how traditional network equipment integrates with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform).
• Project Management Tools: Experience with project management tools to track design timelines and deliverables in coordination with teams.
• Experience in IT Infrastructure and Data Centers: Familiarity with designing and deploying network equipment in complex data center environments, including cabling, cooling, and power considerations.
• Wireless Networking Experience: Experience with Wi-Fi design, access point placement, and coverage analysis.

Clearance Requirement:

• Active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Clearance.

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

Covid Policy: SAIC does not require COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters. Customer site vaccination requirements must be followed when work is performed at a customer site.

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