Principal Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Purpose and Impact:

In support of a challenging, critical, and rewarding program, Amentum is seeking a Principal Unified Communications Engineer to lead full-lifecycle IT infrastructure, hardware, and service transitions across our program. You will drive cross-functional delivery efforts—spanning Procurement, Change Management, Logistics, Production, Engineering, Network Architecture, and Customer Project Management teams. In this role, you will guide voice, video, and data capabilities from initial concept through full operational deployment in DISA/DoD environments.

Work Schedule: 5 Days (Mon – Fri); 8 hrs/Day; 40 hrs/wkly

Essential Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities of the Principal Unified Communications Engineer include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and implement comprehensive unified communications solutions tailored to the specific needs of the organization, focusing on scalability, security, and optimal performance to ensure long-term effectiveness and adaptability to evolving business requirements
• Install and set up unified communications systems, encompassing VoIP, video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative platforms, to ensure seamless integration and efficient functionality across the organization
• Monitor and manage the performance and stability of unified communications infrastructure, proactively identifying and resolving issues, while conducting routine maintenance, updates, and security patches to maintain continuous, optimal operation
• Integrate unified communications systems with other IT components, including network infrastructure, Active Directory, and cloud services, to create a cohesive and efficient technological environment that supports seamless communication and collaboration
• Implement security protocols to safeguard communication channels, data, and endpoints, while adhering to security standards and regulations to maintain a secure and compliant environment
• Offer technical support to end-users, troubleshoot and resolve communication-related issues, and provide training as needed to enhance user proficiency and system effectiveness
• Develop and update comprehensive documentation for unified communications systems, covering configurations, procedures, and best practices to ensure clear guidance and consistency in system management and troubleshooting
• Work closely with vendors and suppliers to acquire hardware, software, and services, while managing vendor relationships to maintain timely delivery, quality, and alignment with organizational needs
• Create and uphold disaster recovery plans and procedures to maintain business continuity in the event of system failures
• Evaluate customer-submitted technology initiatives, enhancement requests, and modernization requirements.

• Conduct technical feasibility assessments for proposed projects and capability enhancements.
• Analyze existing architectures, operational constraints, dependencies, cybersecurity implications, and infrastructure impacts.
• Develop high-level and detailed engineering solution options.
• Analyze alternatives and conduct trade studies to identify optimal technical approaches.
• Estimate hardware, software, licensing, infrastructure, labor, and lifecycle support costs.
• Develop Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, budget projections, and implementation timelines.
• Identify technical, operational, programmatic, and cybersecurity risks associated with proposed initiatives.
• Assess mission benefits, operational impacts, return on investment, and performance improvements.
• Produce technical white papers, engineering assessments, briefing materials, and executive recommendations.
• Present findings and recommendations to customer leadership, technical review boards, and program management offices.
• Participate in architecture review boards, configuration control boards, and technical review meetings.
• Support strategic technology planning and modernization efforts across the enterprise.

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Must have active Top-Secret clearance with SCI or the ability to acquire Top Secret/SCI
• At least 12 years of telecommunications technical experience installing, administering, and upgrading Cisco Unified Collaboration appliances and troubleshooting converged networks that leverage Cisco UC capabilities to interconnect Cisco, Tandberg, and Polycom endpoints, gateways, and teleconference bridge products
• Knowledge in Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Cisco IM & Presence, Cisco Expressway, Cisco Video Teleconferencing Systems, and Cisco Session Border Controller, Cisco Meeting Server, Cisco Contact Center Express, VQ Conference Manager, Cisco Unity Connect, MS SQL Databases, Integrated Room Video Teleconferencing Control Systems, ELK Stack, and NetScout
• Exceptional knowledge in Cisco Collaboration Call flow and SIP signaling
• Knowledge of network fundamentals such as firewalls, ACLs, simple network monitoring protocol, dot1x authentication, and dynamic routing protocols
• Experience with ESXi Virtualization, Nutanix, Docker.
• Familiarity with DISA STIGs and FIPS publications
• Must have the ability to independently deploy and maintain server-based dial plans, router-based dial plans, and the deployment and management of Cisco UC appliances
• Experience configuring Cisco routers to act as VoIP gateways and demonstrate a strong understanding of Cisco IOS 12.X/15.X command syntax
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and mentoring engineers.
• Proven ability to develop technical documentation, engineering designs, and executive-level presentations.
• Proven experience making recommendations that improve customer mission effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Must be able to work a 40-hour work week, normally Monday through Friday
• Ability to work overtime during critical peaks and be available to meet last-minute requests for overtime if needed
• Ability to travel (5-10%) primarily within 75 miles
• Familiarity with MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Project and Visio
• Exceptional attention to detail; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong critical thinking, organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment

Security Clearance Required:

• Must have active Top-Secret clearance with SCI or TS with the ability to acquire SCI

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma

Minimum Years of Experience:

• 12+ years of relevant experience

Required Certifications:

Must possess a current Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification and one of the following 8140 IAT Level II or III baseline certifications:

• Level II certs include – CCNA Security, GISCP, GSEC, Security+ CE, SSCP
• Level III certs include – CASP CE, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP (or Associate), GCED, GCIH

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in IT related field
• Foundational knowledge and/or experience with Unified Messaging system, audio conference bridge systems and gateways, voice circuits, and crypto technologies for voice systems
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Certification

#javelin #jointhepack #itil #cisco #projectassessment #networkengineer #network

This position is not designated as a safety sensitive position.As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, Amentum is a drug-free workplace and requires all personnel to comply with company drug and alcohol policies as a condition of employment. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the drug screening process. Please note that this may include pre-hire screening for marijuana, as well as other federally controlled substances due to Amentum’s role as a federal contractor and trusted partner to the US Government.

Other Responsibilities:

Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Compensation Details:

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.