Junior Network Engineer at Akima, LLC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Network Engineer
Company: Akima, LLC
Location: Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Job Type: On-Site
Category: Network Engineering
Date Posted: July 21, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-level to Mid-level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Assist in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and server infrastructure.
Monitor and manage network performance, ensuring stable operation and efficient performance.
Collaborate with the team to develop, implement, and maintain network policies, procedures, and disaster recovery plans.
Gain hands-on experience with Cisco network solutions, routers, switches, encryption, and firewalls (Palo Alto, Forcepoint Stonegate).
Work in a challenging yet supportive environment focused on innovation and diversity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers an excellent opportunity for entry-level network engineers to gain practical experience in a government client environment, working with cutting-edge technologies and collaborating with a diverse team.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Installation & Configuration:
- Assist in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of LANs, WANs, and server infrastructure.
- Install and upgrade software, maintain software licenses, and control user access.
Network Performance Monitoring & Analysis:
- Monitor and manage network performance across the organization's LANs and WANs.
- Analyze network performance statistics and identify remedies for network performance bottlenecks.
- Review system and application logs, and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups.
Network Security & Access Control:
- Assist in the administration of hardware and software upgrades for network equipment.
- Administer and maintain user accounts, permissions, and access rights.
- Ensure network security measures are in place and up-to-date.
Network Asset Management & Documentation:
- Perform network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation.
- Develop, implement, and maintain network resource administration policies, procedures, and associated training plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team to ensure the stable operation and efficient performance of data networks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related discipline is desirable.

Experience: 1+ years of directly related experience is required.

Required Skills:

Experience with Cisco network solutions.
Working knowledge of network security measures.
Experience with network management and analysis tools, such as SolarWinds.
Knowledge of Firewalls (Palo Alto, Forcepoint Stonegate).
Experience installing, configuring, maintaining, and supporting network hardware and software.
Experience working with LANs and WANs.

Preferred Skills:

Cisco or Juniper network certifications.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Time management skills to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Dependable, great attitude, and team player.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Flexibility to work in a changing environment.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A for this role)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (based on industry standards for entry-level network engineering roles in the Alexandria, VA area)

Benefits: (Based on company information and industry standards)

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
Employee assistance program
Tuition reimbursement
Employee discounts and perks

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits information are estimates based on industry standards and company information. Actual salary and benefits may vary and are subject to change.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government contracting and IT services.

Company Size: Medium-sized, with a focus on supporting Alaska Native communities and providing IT solutions to government clients.

Founded: 1990 (as Tuvli, an Akima company)

Team Structure:

Collaborative and supportive work environment.
Diverse team with a mix of experienced professionals and entry-level engineers.
Opportunities for growth, mentorship, and professional development.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies for project management and software development.
Focus on innovation, continuous learning, and process improvement.
Strong emphasis on team collaboration and communication.

Company Website: Tuvli

📝 Enhancement Note: Tuvli, an Akima company, is committed to providing excellent customer service, delivering innovative solutions, and supporting the survival of Alaska Native cultures. This commitment is reflected in the company's culture and values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineering Career Level: Entry-level to Mid-level (0-2 years)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Network Engineering Manager or a similar role within the organization.

Technical Impact: The Junior Network Engineer will have a direct impact on the stability, performance, and security of the organization's network infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the needs of the business and its users.

Growth Opportunities:

Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and network engineering best practices.
Collaborate with experienced professionals to learn and develop new skills.
Opportunities for career progression, including senior network engineering roles, team leadership, or specialized positions within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development, with a focus on hands-on learning and collaboration with experienced professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a modern and collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): Franconia/Springfield, VA area

Workspace Context:

Modern, well-equipped offices with ample space for collaboration and teamwork.
Access to the latest tools and technologies for network engineering and management.
Opportunities for remote work or flexible scheduling, as needed.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible scheduling for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at Tuvli is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a focus on supporting the growth and development of its employees.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone or video screen to assess communication skills and technical knowledge.
On-site or virtual technical assessment, including network performance analysis, configuration tasks, and problem-solving exercises.
Behavioral interviews to evaluate cultural fit, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Final interview with the hiring manager or a senior team member to discuss the role, company culture, and career growth opportunities.

Portfolio Review Tips: (N/A for this role)

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on network engineering fundamentals, including network protocols, routing, switching, and network security.
Familiarize yourself with Cisco network solutions, routers, switches, and encryption.
Prepare for hands-on network configuration and management tasks, as well as problem-solving scenarios.

ATS Keywords: (See the list provided in the "Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure" section)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on hands-on learning and collaboration.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Network Technologies:

Cisco network solutions (routers, switches, encryption)
Palo Alto and Forcepoint Stonegate firewalls
SolarWinds network management and analysis tools
LANs and WANs
Server infrastructure (physical and virtual servers)

Operating Systems:

Windows Server
Linux (CentOS, Ubuntu)
macOS (for management and administration tasks)

Network Protocols:

TCP/IP
HTTP/HTTPS
DNS
DHCP
VPN (IPSec, SSL/TLS)
BGP, OSPF, EIGRP

Network Security:

Firewalls (Palo Alto, Forcepoint Stonegate)
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Network Access Control (NAC)
Network segmentation and isolation

Network Management & Monitoring Tools:

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NFTA)
SolarWinds Log & Event Manager (SEM)
SolarWinds Web Performance Monitor (WPM)

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of network engineering fundamentals, with a focus on Cisco network solutions, network security, and network management and monitoring tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineering Values:

Customer Focus: Deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of our government clients and support the survival of Alaska Native cultures.
Integrity: Act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our work.
Innovation: Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, embracing new technologies and best practices.
Collaboration: Work together to achieve our goals, sharing knowledge and supporting the growth and development of our team members.
Excellence: Strive for excellence in all that we do, holding ourselves and our teammates accountable for high-quality work and exceptional customer service.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Collaborate with various teams, including software development, project management, and business development, to ensure that network infrastructure meets the needs of the business and its users.
Code Review Culture: Regularly review and discuss network configurations, security measures, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality.
Knowledge Sharing: Encourage continuous learning and skill development through mentorship, training, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tuvli's network engineering team values a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service and supporting the growth and development of its team members.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Performance Optimization: Identify and address network performance bottlenecks to ensure efficient and stable network operation.
Network Security: Stay up-to-date with the latest network security threats, best practices, and tools to protect the organization's network infrastructure.
Emerging Technologies: Explore and integrate emerging network technologies, such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV), to enhance network performance, security, and scalability.
Disaster Recovery: Develop, implement, and maintain network disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in the event of a network outage or other disruptions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Certification Programs: Pursue relevant network engineering certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Juniper Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA), to enhance technical skills and knowledge.
Conferences & Events: Attend industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest network engineering trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
Mentorship & Coaching: Seek guidance and support from experienced network engineering professionals to develop new skills and advance your career.
Specialization Tracks: Pursue specialized knowledge and expertise in areas such as network security, network automation, or data center networking to enhance your value within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth and development, with a focus on hands-on learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Fundamentals: Demonstrate a strong understanding of network engineering fundamentals, including network protocols, routing, switching, and network security.
Cisco Network Solutions: Showcase your experience with Cisco network solutions, routers, switches, and encryption.
Network Performance Analysis: Explain your approach to network performance analysis, including tools, methodologies, and best practices.
Problem-Solving: Present real-world network engineering scenarios and explain your approach to diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving network performance issues.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Research Tuvli's company culture, values, and mission, and explain how your personal values align with the organization's.
Team Collaboration: Describe your experience working in a collaborative team environment and explain how you contribute to a positive and productive work culture.
Adaptability: Discuss your ability to adapt to new technologies, tools, and work environments, and provide examples of your flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: (N/A for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on hands-on learning and collaboration. Prepare for technical questions related to network engineering fundamentals, Cisco network solutions, and network performance analysis, as well as behavioral questions that evaluate your cultural fit, teamwork, and adaptability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Network Engineer position:

Submit your application through the Tuvli careers page.
Prepare for the phone or video screen by reviewing network engineering fundamentals, Cisco network solutions, and network security best practices.
Research Tuvli's company culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role.
Prepare for the on-site or virtual technical assessment by practicing network configuration and management tasks, as well as problem-solving scenarios.
Review the job description and company information to ensure that you understand the role's requirements, responsibilities, and growth opportunities.
Prepare for behavioral interviews by reflecting on your experience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and how they align with the role and company culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and network engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Junior Network Engineer