Network Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Network Engineer jobs in District of Columbia concentrate heavily in the Washington metro area, where federal agencies, defense contractors, and major systems integrators drive consistent demand for network infrastructure, cybersecurity-focused networking, and cloud connectivity roles. Employers such as Leidos, SAIC, and Booz Allen Hamilton maintain large technical workforces in and around D.C., hiring at levels from junior network technician through senior architect. The federal procurement cycle keeps openings active year-round, with the strongest concentration in Washington itself alongside growing hiring nodes in Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Network Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 73+ Network Engineer jobs
SMS is seeking a Senior Technical Subject Matter Specialist to provide high-level technical expertise, strategic guidance, and Tier 3 engineering support for the Air Force National Capital Region (AFNCR) IT infrastructure and communications networks. This role will provide 24/7/365 mission-critical support for the AFNCR IT Services network environment and serves as a principal technical authority, bridging complex mission requirements with advanced enterprise IT solutions. The ideal candidate will optimize network performance, oversee systems integration, enforce cybersecurity compliance, and provide technical leadership across multi-platform military environments
Since 1976, SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long-term partnerships with our customers, we invest in our employees by providing the training, tools, and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance, and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com.
Submit your resume today!
Job Responsibilities
- Enterprise Technical Leadership: Serve as the primary technical advisor for AFNCR enterprise infrastructure, guiding software, hardware, and network virtualization strategies.
- Tier 3 Engineering Support: Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve highly complex hardware, software, and network performance anomalies affecting critical mission capabilities.
- Infrastructure Optimization: Design, implement, and maintain advanced virtualization environments (e.g., VMware, Nutanix) and server infrastructures across NIPRNet and SIPRNet.
- Cybersecurity & Compliance: Ensure all systems and network configurations adhere strictly to DISA STIGs, NIST SP 800-171, and Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements.
- Strategic Modernization: Collaborate with program managers, engineers, and government leadership to develop technology roadmaps, capability assessments, and engineering documentation.
- Operations Supervision: Provide technical oversight and mentorship to multi-shift operations and production support teams executing network facilities management.
Required Qualifications
- Active Top Secret clearance required
- Minimum of 10+ years of progressive technical experience supporting DoD IT infrastructure, enterprise networks, or cyberspace operations.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline (equivalent military experience may be considered).
- Technical Expertise: Deep working knowledge of virtualization technologies (Nutanix AOS/AHV, VMware), Windows/Linux Server environments, and core networking fundamentals (VLANs, firewalls, micro-segmentation).
- Proven experience operating within the U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, or Joint Base environments strongly preferred.
- Communication: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex technical data into concise briefings, technical manuals, and white papers for senior military leaders.
Required Certifications
- DoD 8570/8140 Baseline: Must hold a current IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP, CASP+CE)
- CCNA required
Desired Certifications:
- CCNP
- Nutanix NCP/NCM
- VCP (VMware Certified Professional)
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS).
SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
SMS is seeking a Senior Technical Subject Matter Specialist to provide high-level technical expertise, strategic guidance, and Tier 3 engineering support for the Air Force National Capital Region (AFNCR) IT infrastructure and communications networks. This role will provide 24/7/365 mission-critical support for the AFNCR IT Services network environment and serves as a principal technical authority, bridging complex mission requirements with advanced enterprise IT solutions. The ideal candidate will optimize network performance, oversee systems integration, enforce cybersecurity compliance, and provide technical leadership across multi-platform military environments
Since 1976, SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long-term partnerships with our customers, we invest in our employees by providing the training, tools, and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance, and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com.
Submit your resume today!
Job Responsibilities
- Enterprise Technical Leadership: Serve as the primary technical advisor for AFNCR enterprise infrastructure, guiding software, hardware, and network virtualization strategies.
- Tier 3 Engineering Support: Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve highly complex hardware, software, and network performance anomalies affecting critical mission capabilities.
- Infrastructure Optimization: Design, implement, and maintain advanced virtualization environments (e.g., VMware, Nutanix) and server infrastructures across NIPRNet and SIPRNet.
- Cybersecurity & Compliance: Ensure all systems and network configurations adhere strictly to DISA STIGs, NIST SP 800-171, and Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements.
- Strategic Modernization: Collaborate with program managers, engineers, and government leadership to develop technology roadmaps, capability assessments, and engineering documentation.
- Operations Supervision: Provide technical oversight and mentorship to multi-shift operations and production support teams executing network facilities management.
Required Qualifications
- Active Top Secret clearance required
- Minimum of 10+ years of progressive technical experience supporting DoD IT infrastructure, enterprise networks, or cyberspace operations.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline (equivalent military experience may be considered).
- Technical Expertise: Deep working knowledge of virtualization technologies (Nutanix AOS/AHV, VMware), Windows/Linux Server environments, and core networking fundamentals (VLANs, firewalls, micro-segmentation).
- Proven experience operating within the U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, or Joint Base environments strongly preferred.
- Communication: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex technical data into concise briefings, technical manuals, and white papers for senior military leaders.
Required Certifications
- DoD 8570/8140 Baseline: Must hold a current IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP, CASP+CE)
- CCNA required
Desired Certifications:
- CCNP
- Nutanix NCP/NCM
- VCP (VMware Certified Professional)
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS).
SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
See All 73 Network Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Network Engineer JobsNetwork Engineer Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Network Engineer Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Law & Legal Services
- Electronics & Hardware
- Consulting & Professional Services
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in network engineer jobs across District of Columbia.
- Active security clearance or eligibility for federal Secret or Top Secret clearance
- Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent industry certification required or strongly preferred
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting enterprise LAN, WAN, and VPN environments
- Familiarity with federal compliance frameworks such as NIST, FISMA, or RMF
- Experience with network monitoring tools and scripting languages for automation tasks
Network Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a network engineer in District of Columbia?
Network engineering in D.C. has no District of Columbia-issued state license, but the federal market makes a security clearance the practical requirement that replaces one. Most employers expect a bachelor's degree in information technology or computer science alongside a current Cisco certification such as CCNA or CCNP. Candidates who apply to federal contractors should initiate the clearance process early, as adjudication timelines affect hiring decisions more than any academic credential.
How much do network engineers make in District of Columbia?
Network engineers in District of Columbia earn a median of about $137,670 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $102,450 for the lowest 10% to over $205,420 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire network engineers in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia network engineer roles are posted by Peraton, ANG Signal, and Koniag Government Services and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. The D.C. market skews heavily toward defense and civilian federal contractors, so the largest and most consistent hirers tend to be systems integrators and managed-services firms holding long-term government contracts.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most network engineer jobs?
Washington and Bolling AFB account for the most network engineer openings tied to District of Columbia. Washington itself anchors the market through federal agency headquarters and their on-site contractor workforces, while Northern Virginia suburbs such as Arlington and McLean host major contractor campuses, and Maryland suburbs like Bethesda and Rockville draw openings from the intelligence and health-agency sectors.
Are there remote network engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they are limited. Network engineering often requires hands-on access to physical infrastructure, which keeps a large share of D.C.-area roles on-site or hybrid. About 52% of network engineer openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to cluster around network monitoring, design review, and documentation work that does not require physical presence in a data center.
How can I get hired as a network engineer in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in the D.C. market is a help-desk or IT support role at a federal contractor, which builds the clearance eligibility and internal visibility needed to move into networking. Large contractors such as Leidos and SAIC run associate and early-career programs that accept recent graduates. Earning a CompTIA Network+ or entry-level Cisco certification before applying and being willing to pursue a security clearance significantly strengthens a candidate's position against more experienced competition.
Where can I find and apply to network engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to network engineer jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in the area. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and clearance status, and apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 73 Network Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Network Engineer Jobs