Senior Network Engineer – Top Secret Clearance | Charleston, SC

Cambridge International; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense tech leader in Charleston, SC is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to support operations requiring a DoD Top Secret clearance. The role includes designing Cisco SD-WAN architectures, implementing BGP configurations, and leading network systems integration. Ideal candidates have at least 7 years of IT experience and a Bachelor's degree in engineering. The position offers competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance

401(k) immediate vesting

Paid time off

Tuition & training support

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonuses

Employee referral program

Qualifications

• 7 years of IT experience overseeing the creation of hybrid products.
• Experience with Marine Corps network environments.
• Certifications: DoD Top Secret clearance, various Cisco and Microsoft certifications.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain Cisco SD-WAN architectures.
• Implement and troubleshoot BGP configurations.
• Lead integration of network systems for operational requirements.

Skills

Cisco SD-WAN

BGP

DMVPN/FlexVPN

HAIPE devices

Project Support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Cisco IOS

Linux-based systems

Microsoft tools

Job description

Overview

Senior Network Engineer– Top Secret Clearance | Charleston, SC

Cambridge International Systems, Inc.

Join a dynamic global team united by shared values: commitment, integrity, and perseverance. At Cambridge, you’ll work alongside top talent worldwide, tackling some of today’s most complex and critical challenges in defense and security.

We are currently seeking a Senior Network Engineer to support operations in Charleston, SC. This is a full-time CONUS position requiring an active DoD Top Secret clearance.

This position may be subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards Act (SCLS)/Service Contract Act (SCA).

What You’ll Do

• Marine Corps Network Expertise: Possess hands-on experience with both enterprise and tactical Marine Corps networks, including secure communication systems, field-deployable infrastructure, and integration with DoD network environments. Ensure compliance with military standards and cybersecurity policies.
• Cisco Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN): Design, configure, and maintain Cisco SD-WAN architectures to optimize connectivity, application performance, and network security across geographically dispersed environments. Leverage centralized management to enforce policy-driven routing and failover mechanisms.
• Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Implementation: Implement and troubleshoot BGP configurations to manage complex routing policies and ensure efficient and resilient inter-domain routing across WANs and carrier links.
• Telecommunications Carrier Integration: Demonstrate working knowledge or direct experience with telecommunications carriers such as Verizon, including provisioning, troubleshooting, and integration of carrier-grade services into DoD or mission-critical networks.
• Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) / FlexVPN: Engineer secure, scalable VPN architectures using Cisco DMVPN and FlexVPN technologies. Support dynamic peer-to-peer communication and seamless failover across encrypted tunnels for mobile and remote operations.
• High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryption (HAIPE): Configure, deploy, and manage HAIPE-compliant encryption devices (e.g., KG-175D, KG-250X) in accordance with NSA/CNSA Suite standards to ensure secure transmission of classified and sensitive data over untrusted networks.
• Multicast Networking: Design and support IP multicast solutions to enable efficient distribution of data such as video, real-time situational awareness, or command-and-control traffic. Utilize PIM (Protocol Independent Multicast) and IGMP to optimize multicast routing within constrained or tactical networks.
• Cross-Platform Network Systems Integration: Lead the integration of diverse network operating systems (e.g., Cisco IOS, Juniper JunOS, Linux-based systems), application software, and hardware platforms. Perform full lifecycle systems engineering from specification and design through development, testing, and sustainment.
• Project Design and Management: Contribute to or lead overall network and systems project design efforts, including technical architecture, cost estimation, schedule development, and risk assessment. Address operational, environmental, and social considerations relevant to deployment and long-term support.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with seven (7) years of IT professional experience overseeing the creation of hybrid software, web and hardware products from initial specifications to final rollout and maintenance.
• Marine Corps Network Experience: Familiar with both enterprise and tactical USMC network environments, including integration with DoD systems and secure communications protocols.
• Advanced Networking Technologies: Proficient in Cisco SD-WAN, BGP, DMVPN/FlexVPN, multicast, and carrier integration to support resilient, secure, and scalable network architectures.
• Encryption and Security: Experience configuring and deploying HAIPE devices to enable secure transmission of classified data.
• System Integration: Skilled in integrating diverse network platforms, applications, and hardware through full lifecycle support—design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.
• Project Support: Contribute to network project planning and execution, including technical design, cost estimation, scheduling, and addressing operational impacts.
• Certifications: Must have a current and active DoD Top Secret security clearance. Individual will be working toward the relevant certifications within one and a half year after assuming duties:
  - Professional Software Engineering Master (PSEM)/ Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) or with COR approval complete a vendor/platform specific certification
  - Microsoft role-based certifications
  - Microsoft Certified Applicable Developer (MCAD)
  - Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
  - Red Hat Certification Program (RHCP)
  - CISCO Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
  - CISCO Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
  - Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
  - VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
  - Cloud certifications, etc.
• Proficient with modern IT tools and infrastructure technologies

Travel & Passport

• Up to 15% travel, CONUS and may be required; some weeklong stays may be possible.

Work Environment

• Compliance with vaccination and medical requirements for TDY/OCONUS roles as per Vaccine Recommendations by AOR Health.mil. (text only)
• Office setting: Primarily an office-based role in Charleston, SC
• Standard desk/computer work with flexibility for walking and movement on site
• Must be able to work in an office environment, sitting at a desk, looking at a computer for most of the workday.
• Work is physically comfortable; the employee has discretion about sitting, walking, standing, etc.
• May be required to travel short distances to offices/conference rooms and buildings on site.

Background & Security

• Employment is contingent upon successful background investigation
• Drug screening may be required for federal contract compliance

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) immediate vesting and match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Generous tuition & training support
• Relocation assistance
• Sign-on and performance-based bonuses
• Employee referral program
• Access to Tickets at Work, EAP, wellness initiatives, and more

Join Us

If you\'re driven by mission, technology, and teamwork—we want to hear from you. Cambridge is growing, and this position is just one of many opportunities on our global team. Know someone perfect for the role? Referrals are welcome—both employees and non-employees may qualify for a bonus.

Apply today and help shape the future of secure cloud computing for national security.

About Cambridge International Systems

At Cambridge, innovation grows through diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for all. Learn more at the text site.