Position: Network Engineer Location: Alexandria, VA Duration: Direct Placement If interested, please send an updated resume and proof of certifications to Oliver Molina at [Click Here to Email Your Resume] and best times to discuss. General Responsibilities: Maximizing network performance by monitoring performance, troubleshooting network problems and outages, scheduling upgrades and collaborating with network architects on network optimization efforts; Undertaking data network fault investigations in local and wide area environments with the incorporation of information from multiple sources as they troubleshoot; Securing network systems by establishing and enforcing policies, and defining and monitoring access; Supporting and administering firewall appliances in accordance with DoD and industry standard IT security policies; Updating job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organizations; Reporting network operational status by accurately gathering and prioritizing information to be analyzed or disseminated; Upgrading data network equipment to the latest stable firmware releases; Configuring routing and switching network troubleshooting and resolution Configuration of firewalls, routers and switches. Supporting on-site engineers and remote support to end users/customers during network device installations; Troubleshooting remotely and performing fault finding if issues occur upon initial network device installations; Communicating with customers via email and phone for initial requirements capture. Follow best practice ITIL process, seeking continuous improvement of systems and processes; acting proactively to identify areas for improvement Record and track support incidents and requests via accurate and up to date work log entries; escalate if necessary, and work with appropriate stakeholder until ticket is resolved. Test fixes to ensure that problems have been adequately resolved. Brief management on network status, incidents, and network operational picture Skills: Current knowledge and understanding of industry technology Recognition of the importance of customer focus and/or of serving the needs of the end user; Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate with staff who are not technically trained; Proficiency with taking on a variety of tasks while maintaining attention to detail; Analytical and problem-solving abiliy; Possess teamwork skills and the ability to feel comfortable working with different teams, clients and groups of staff across an organization; Possess organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize workloads. Desired Experience Experience with Cisco Products Experience implementing Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) configurations on routing / switching / policy enforcement point (firewall / IPS) hardware Clearance: Candidates must be US citizens able to obtain and/or maintain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance as a condition of employment Certifications: (ITIL v3 Foundation, Security+, CCNA or equivalent) *not required IAT II 8570 Compliant (Information Assurance certification with continuing education; relevant computing environment certification) If interested, please send an updated resume and proof of certifications to Oliver Molina at [Click Here to Email Your Resume] and best times to discuss. EEO Employer Apex is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at 844-463-6178