Next Step Systems

Manager, Network Engineering

Next Step Systems • $120K — $145K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Network Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Minimum of 7 years of network engineering experience, including 4-6 years in leadership
  • Cloud Networking experience is a must
  • Extensive knowledge of advanced routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP)
  • Experience leading global WAN operations and SD-WAN deployments
  • Proficiency in cloud networking environments in Azure and/or AWS
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing distributed teams

Responsibilities

  • Manage global WAN operations for availability and performance
  • Lead deployment of SD-WAN solutions for cost-efficiency
  • Design and maintain networks using advanced routing protocols
  • Implement cloud connectivity with hybrid architectures
  • Optimize QoS policies for critical applications like VoIP
  • Mentor network engineers and conduct performance reviews
  • Develop a network engineering roadmap aligned with business goals

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D
  • Long Term Care, Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Savings Account
  • Lifestyle Spending Account
  • Voluntary 401(k) Plan
  • Profit Sharing
Full Job Description
Manager, Network Engineering, Washington, DC

We have a great opportunity for a Manager, Network Engineering. The Manager, Network Engineering will lead the network infrastructure strategy, design, and operations. The successful Manager, Network Engineering will oversee a team of network engineers, manage advanced networking technologies including Wi-Fi, BGP, global WAN, SD-WAN, and cloud connectivity (Azure/AWS), and ensure robust, secure, and high-performing network services across multiple geographic locations. This role requires deep technical expertise in routing protocols, traffic prioritization (QoS), and on-premises-to-cloud connectivity, combined with proven leadership skills to manage distributed teams. The Manager, Network Engineering will drive network innovation, optimize performance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business-critical applications and services. Candidates must have Cloud Networking experience. This position is 100% Remote but can transition to hybrid or fully onsite in the future, so candidates must be local in Washington, DC.

Manager, Network Engineering Responsibilities:

- Manage global Wide Area Network (WAN) operations, ensuring high availability, scalability, and performance.
- Lead the deployment and optimization of Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) solutions to enhance network agility and cost-efficiency.
- Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of multiple networks connecting via advanced routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP.
- Design and manage on-premises-to-public-cloud connectivity, including hybrid network architectures.
- Set up and maintain cloud networking environments in Microsoft Azure and/or Amazon AWS, including VPCs, VPNs, and Direct Connect/ExpressRoute.
- Ensure seamless integration of cloud-based services with enterprise network infrastructure.
- Implement and refine Quality of Service (QoS) policies for traffic prioritization, ensuring optimal performance for critical applications (e.g., VoIP, video, business systems).
- Monitor and troubleshoot network latency, packet loss, and bandwidth utilization.
- Manage a distributed team of network engineers across multiple geographic locations, fostering collaboration and accountability.
- Coordinate resource allocation and project assignments to meet organizational goals.
- Provide mentorship, conduct performance reviews, and develop career growth plans for team members.
- Develop and execute a network engineering roadmap aligned with business objectives and technological advancements.
- Evaluate emerging network technologies (e.g., zero-trust networking, 5G) and recommend adoption where beneficial.
- Ensure network uptime, security, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).
- Establish monitoring tools, high availability configurations and disaster recovery plans for network infrastructure.
- Maintain detailed documentation of network configurations, policies, and procedures.
- Partner with IT leadership, application teams, and external vendors to align network capabilities with organizational needs.
- Act as the escalation point for complex network issues and outages.
- Lead network-related projects, such as infrastructure upgrades, cloud migrations, or SD-WAN rollouts, delivering on time and within budget.

Manager, Network Engineering Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in computer science, Network Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, Azure Network Engineer Associate).
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in network engineering, with at least 4-6 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Candidates must have Cloud Networking experience.
- Extensive experience with advanced routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and Wi-Fi network design/optimization.
- Proven expertise in managing global WAN environments and SD-WAN deployments.
- Hands-on experience establishing on-premises-to-cloud connectivity and setting up cloud networking in Azure and/or AWS.
- Demonstrated success managing network teams across multiple geographic locations.
- Knowledge of automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Python) for network configuration and management.
- Familiarity with zero-trust security models and network segmentation.
- Background in managing vendor relationships with ISPs, hardware providers, or cloud service providers.
- Understanding of compliance frameworks (e.g., PCI-DSS, SOC 2) as they relate to network infrastructure.
- Deep knowledge of routing and switching technologies (e.g., Arista, Brocade, Cisco).
- Experience in SD-WAN platforms (e.g., CATO, Palo Alto, Silver Peak).
- Expertise in QoS configuration and traffic engineering for enterprise networks.
- Familiarity with network security tools (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS) and protocols (e.g., IPsec, SSL).
- Experience with network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Wireshark, Scrutinizer).
- Strong leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing remote or distributed teams.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Superior communication skills, capable of translating technical details for diverse audiences.
- Proven project management experience with a focus on delivering complex initiatives.

Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, Long Term Care, and Short- and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Lifestyle Spending Account, Voluntary 401(k) Plan, Profit Sharing, etc.

Keywords: Washington DC Jobs, Manager, Network Engineering, WAN, SD-WAN, CATO, Palo Alto, Silver Peak, Azure, AWS, Cloud Networking, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, Ansible, Python, ISPs, Arista, Brocade, Cisco, Firewalls, SolarWinds, Wireshark, Scrutinizer, Management, Networking, Work From Home, Remote, Washington DC Recruiters, Information Technology Jobs, IT Jobs, Washington DC Recruiting

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About Next Step Systems

Next Step Systems is an IT recruitment firm that specializes in placing professionals in the technology industry. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Next Step Systems' clients include startups, mid-sized companies, and Fortune 500 corporations. The company's services include contingency search, retained search, and contract staffing. Next Step Systems has a team of experienced recruiters who have a deep understanding of the technology industry and its trends.
Learn more about Next Step Systems
Size
50 employees
Industry
Founded
1995

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