Skip to main content
Close Search

Network Engineer (NE III) (Government)

Columbia, Maryland

Apply Now

protect

Pursue a career and your calling.

"The similarities between military and AT&T culture are centered around morals..."

Chris S. — EVP, Technology Operations

"There are a lot of veterans here and it is a very supportive and positive environment just like the military. There is also a strong emphasis on ethics here similar to the military."

Government

Help give our nation powerful possibilities.

Job Description:

AT&T Global Public Sector is a trusted provider of secure, IP enabled, cloud-based, network solutions and professional services to the Federal Government. We are dedicated to recruiting, developing and empowering a diverse, high-performing workforce that is passionate about what they do, committed to our shared values and dedicated to our customers’ mission.

RIS I is the delivery of regional IT services to the end user. We offer support of end user devices including desktop, workplace peripherals, and voice and video devices. We support local and campus area networks, including wireless and cable plant.

AT&T is seeking an accomplished and highly skilled Principal Network Engineer: To join a large government contract, serving as the senior engineer and Tier 3 technical lead for the most complex network support and troubleshooting needs. In this advanced role, you will act as the final escalation point for critical network incidents, perform deep-dive analysis and resolution of persistent or high-impact issues, and ensure the stability and security of mission-critical IT infrastructure. You will collaborate closely with the PMO to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that address customer requirements and evolving business needs, while also guiding technology evolution and providing mentorship to the network support team. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on large-scale government operations and play a key leadership role in advanced network support.

Description of Job Duties/Responsibilities:

This position requires office presence a minimum of 5 days per week and is only located in the location(s) posted. No relocation is offered.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Network Architecture & Design:
    Assess, evaluate, and enhance existing networking infrastructure. Architect, document, test, and implement robust network services and devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, and core network services such as DNS and DHCP.
  • Standard Operating Procedures:
    Develop, maintain, and elevate standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, reliability, and operational excellence across all network operations.
  • Capacity Planning & Modeling:
    Lead proactive capacity planning and modeling to support strategic business decisions and ensure scalability and future-readiness of the network environment.
  • Technology Evaluation:
    Conduct research and recommend innovative, cost-effective network solutions and emerging technologies that support the organization’s long-term technology roadmap.
  • Contingency Planning:
    Design and execute robust contingency plans for network software and hardware failures, including strategies for isolated and major outages to ensure minimal disruption.
  • Consulting & Leadership:
    Provide expert consulting, technical guidance, and leadership to technical review boards, configuration control boards, developers, engineers, and senior managers.
  • Project Lifecycle Support:
    Drive network upgrade projects and initiatives through the complete lifecycle—design, test, deployment, and optimization—ensuring seamless integration and performance.
  • Compliance & Documentation:
    Ensure all network activities adhere to compliance standards and are meticulously documented in alignment with government and organizational policies.

Required Clearance: TS/SCI with polygraph. (#ts/sci) (#polygraph)

Required Qualifications:

Experience:

  • Twelve (12) years of experience in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity are required.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university is required.
  • Four (4) additional years of network engineering experience may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.

Certifications:

  • An IAT Level II baseline certification as defined by DoD 8570.01-M (e.g., Security+, GSEC, SSCP) is required.
  • CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) or equivalent certification or higher is REQUIRED.
  • Both certifications must be current and maintained as a condition of employment.

Technical Proficiency:

  • Deep familiarity with all major network equipment: routers, switches, firewalls, and network services (DNS, DHCP, etc.).
  • Experience with installation and configuration of network devices (firewalls, switches, routers, cabling) from vendors such as Cisco, Brocade, or Juniper is a plus.
  • Demonstrated success leading large-scale, complex network architecture projects.

Leadership & Communication:

  • Proven ability to provide technical leadership and mentorship across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Superior communication, consulting, and documentation skills.
  • Experience interfacing with senior stakeholders, technical boards, and executive leadership.

Physical & Additional Requirements:

  • Ability to work in high-tempo, mission-critical environments and respond to after-hours incidents as required.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift up-to 50 pounds and perform work in tight spaces as necessary.

Ready to join our team? Apply today!

Our Network Engineer (NE III) (Government) earns between $108,000 - $206,800 yearly. Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers. Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training.

Joining our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:

  • Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays) *Pro-rated when working less than 40 hrs/wk.
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Caregiver Leave
  • Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected · Adoption Reimbursement
  • Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
  • Life and Accidental Death Insurance
  • Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Extensive employee wellness programs
  • Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone

Weekly Hours:

40

Time Type:

Regular

Location:

Columbia, Maryland

It is the policy of AT&T to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made.



Job ID R-96926 Date posted 01/13/2026
Apply Now

Benefits

Invested in your satisfaction and continued success.

We take care of our own here (hint: that could be you). Our benefits and rewards mean we cover some of your biggest needs with some of the coolest offerings. We already think we’re a pretty great place to work. We’re just trying to rack up some bonus points.

Let’s start with the big one: Your work gets rewarded with competitive compensation and benefits. It really does pay to be on our team.

Compensation

Paid Time Off

Our people have class. Literally. We can help you out on approved education costs with our tuition assistance plan.

Tuition
Assistance

Here’s another reason to breathe easy: You and your family get access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance options.

Insurance Options

Wanna make your friends really jealous? You’ll get discounted access to the latest and greatest AT&T products and services — plus other awesome items, like tickets to live events.

Discounts

You strike us as an over-achiever (don’t worry, it’s a compliment). Our training and development programs are your ticket to expert status in your job.

Training & Development

When the day comes that you get some much needed R&R (not that you’d ever want to leave #LifeAtATT) you’ll know your future is set with the AT&T Retirement Savings Plan (ARSP).

Savings

The Hiring Process

Step 1

Complete a quick application online and check your status often.

Step 2

Virtual or in-person
Interviews

Dress professionally and ensure good WiFi interviewing virtually.

Step 3

Conditional
Job Offer

After a background check, you're part of the team.

Step 4

Welcome! Onboarding
and Training Begins

Our training and certification programs set you up for success.

Here are similar jobs, or

New Search

Discover more at AT&T

Sign up for job alerts, updates and more.

Interested In

  • Technology, Columbia, Maryland, United StatesRemove
  • Security Clearance, Columbia, Maryland, United StatesRemove
  • Government Support, Columbia, Maryland, United StatesRemove

AT&T Info and Alerts. Max 12 messages/month. Privacy Policy. You may opt-out at anytime by sending STOP to short code 20013. Msg & data rates may apply.

The values we live by.
  • Live True

    Do the right thing, no compromise.

  • Think Big

    Innovate and get there first.

  • Pursue Excellence

    In everything, every time.

  • Inspire Imagination

    Give people what they don't expect.

  • Stand for Equality

    Speak with your actions.

  • Embrace Freedom

    Press, speech, beliefs.

  • Make a Difference

    Impact your world.

  • Be There

    When customers & colleagues need you most.

Back to top