Network Operations Center Engineer

HX5, LLC
Full_time•$75k-105k/year (USD)•United States

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Network Operations Center Engineer
  • Company: HX5, LLC
  • Location: Douglas County, Colorado, United States
  • Job Type: On-site
  • Category: Server Administration
  • Date Posted: July 30, 2025
  • Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
  • Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Primary Responsibilities: Provide 24/7 network operations center support for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
  • Key Skills: Network operations, troubleshooting, customer service, network engineering, firewall administration, monitoring tools, configuration management, interpersonal skills, TCP/IP, routing protocols, security clearance, Cisco routers, Palo Alto firewalls, ITIL framework, Remedy Action Request System, multicast.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Network Infrastructure Management: Maintain and manage the MDA general service network infrastructure, including routers, switches, encryptors, and firewalls.
  • Troubleshooting and Monitoring: Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, and monitor network performance using tools such as SolarWinds, Micro Focus ITOM, and NetScout.
  • Incident Response: Respond to Remedy Incident Tickets, working with customers to resolve network communication issues.
  • Network Anomaly Analysis: Analyze network anomalies, develop engineering red lines, and support network maintenance actions, engineering changes, and security vulnerabilities.
  • Test/Event Support: Provide test/event support as needed.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 4 years of directly related experience in an engineering field.

Required Skills:

  • Networking (LAN/WAN) experience
  • TCP/IP, Multicast, OSPF, BGP routing protocols
  • Familiarity with monitoring tools (SolarWinds, Micro Focus ITOM, NetScout)
  • Remedy Action Request System experience
  • COMSEC, Circuit Actions, and DISA Tech Control procedures understanding
  • DoD 8570 Level II Certification (CompTIA Security+ CE or higher)
  • Active DoD Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Skills:

  • Cisco CCNA Certification
  • Experience with Cisco routers/switches, Palo Alto Firewalls, McAfee, Wildfire, FireEye IPS/IDS, Citrix NetScaler, Blue Coat Proxy, and SSL Decryptors
  • IT Services Configuration Management processes experience
  • Remedy and SNMP monitoring tools experience
  • ITIL framework and ITIL-based processes experience

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in network infrastructure management, troubleshooting, and monitoring.
  • Showcase experience with Cisco routers/switches, Palo Alto firewalls, and other relevant network devices.
  • Highlight familiarity with monitoring tools such as SolarWinds, Micro Focus ITOM, and NetScout.

Technical Documentation:

  • Provide detailed network diagrams, configuration files, and documentation for relevant projects.
  • Include network performance metrics, optimization techniques, and testing methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $105,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and certifications.

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid holidays and time off
  • Parental leave
  • Life insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Identity protection
  • Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Commuter/transit spending accounts
  • Group legal coverage options
  • Pet insurance

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture: HX5, LLC is a veteran- and woman-owned company that values customer service, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Development Methodology: The team follows ITIL-based processes for continual service improvement, change management, and problem investigation.

Company Website: HX5, LLC

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level network operations center engineer with potential for growth into senior roles or specialized positions within the network engineering field.

Reporting Structure: The network operations center engineer reports directly to the network operations center manager.

Technical Impact: The role involves managing and maintaining critical network infrastructure for the Missile Defense Agency, ensuring reliable communication and data transmission.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a flexible work schedule Monday through Friday during core business hours.

Office Location(s): Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative team environment with cross-functional interaction between network engineers, system administrators, and other IT professionals.
  • Access to relevant network devices, monitoring tools, and documentation resources.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with on-call rotations for 24/7 network operations center support.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Phone Screen: A brief phone call to assess communication skills and basic qualifications.
  2. Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of network troubleshooting, configuration, and monitoring skills.
  3. Behavioral Interview: An in-depth discussion of problem-solving skills, teamwork, and cultural fit.
  4. Final Review: A review of the candidate's qualifications and references.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight relevant network infrastructure management, troubleshooting, and monitoring projects.
  • Include detailed network diagrams, configuration files, and documentation.
  • Emphasize experience with Cisco routers/switches, Palo Alto firewalls, and other relevant network devices.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on network protocols (TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP), network device configuration, and monitoring tool usage.
  • Practice network troubleshooting and configuration exercises.
  • Familiarize yourself with the company's network infrastructure and security requirements.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Network Infrastructure:

  • Cisco routers/switches
  • Palo Alto firewalls
  • McAfee, Wildfire, FireEye IPS/IDS
  • Citrix NetScaler
  • Blue Coat Proxy and SSL Decryptors

Monitoring Tools:

  • SolarWinds
  • Micro Focus ITOM
  • NetScout

Configuration Management:

  • IT Services Configuration Management processes
  • Remedy and SNMP monitoring tools (e.g., Micro focus/HPOV/SolarWinds)

Security Clearance:

  • DoD 8570 Level II Certification (CompTIA Security+ CE or higher)
  • Active DoD Secret Security Clearance

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Operations Center Values:

  • Customer-focused approach to network management and support.
  • Collaborative teamwork and knowledge sharing.
  • Continuous learning and improvement in network engineering practices.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional collaboration between network engineers, system administrators, and other IT professionals.
  • Regular team meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions.
  • A supportive and inclusive team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Managing and maintaining network infrastructure for the Missile Defense Agency.
  • Troubleshooting and resolving complex network issues.
  • Keeping up with emerging network technologies and best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Gaining experience in a critical network operations center role.
  • Developing expertise in network engineering, firewall administration, and monitoring tools.
  • Expanding knowledge of the ITIL framework and ITIL-based processes.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Describe your experience with network infrastructure management, troubleshooting, and monitoring.
  • How have you handled complex network issues in the past?
  • Can you explain network protocols (TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP) and their applications in network design?

Company & Culture Questions:

  • How do you approach working in a 24/7 network operations center environment?
  • Can you describe a time when you provided excellent customer service in a network support role?
  • How do you stay up-to-date with emerging network technologies and best practices?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Highlight relevant network infrastructure management, troubleshooting, and monitoring projects.
  • Include detailed network diagrams, configuration files, and documentation.
  • Emphasize experience with Cisco routers/switches, Palo Alto firewalls, and other relevant network devices.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this network operations center engineer position:

  1. Submit your application through the provided link.
  2. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant network infrastructure management, troubleshooting, and monitoring experience.
  3. Prepare a portfolio showcasing your network engineering, firewall administration, and monitoring tool experience.
  4. Practice network troubleshooting and configuration exercises to prepare for the technical assessment.
  5. Research the company's network infrastructure and security requirements to demonstrate your understanding during the interview process.

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

Application Requirements

Candidates must have 4 years of directly related experience in an engineering field and familiarity with networking protocols and tools. A current DoD 8570 Level II Certification and an active DoD Secret Security Clearance are also required.