📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Tier III O&M Network Engineer (NE III) (Government)
Company: AT&T
Location: Chantilly, Virginia
Job Type: On-site
Category: Network Engineering
Date Posted: June 24, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Maintain and support various wide area networks (WANs) and local area networks (LANs) at an enterprise level, focusing on routing and troubleshooting across multiple classifications.
Serve as a subject matter expert in routing technologies across multiple vendors, ensuring optimal network performance and minimal downtime.
Collaborate with IT staff on projects and initiatives, contributing to the continuous improvement of network infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in network engineering, with a focus on routing protocols and vendor-specific technologies. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have strong problem-solving skills.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Tier III O&M of Juniper and Cisco routers: Perform extensive troubleshooting at the layer 2 and layer 3 level, and implement routing changes to ensure optimal network performance.
Troubleshoot network issues: Identify and resolve connectivity, latency, and asymmetric routing issues, utilizing monitoring tools and log collectors for in-depth analysis.
Implement and troubleshoot routing protocols: Configure and manage OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VRFs, and VPNs, ensuring secure and efficient network connectivity.
Support technical exchange meetings: Collaborate with other ISPs and application owners to resolve network traffic concerns and improve overall network performance.
Provide day-to-day Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support: Respond to incident management events and outages, ensuring minimal disruption to network services.
Perform root cause analysis: Investigate recurring issues and develop strategies to prevent future occurrences, contributing to problem management efforts.
Collaborate with IT staff: Work on projects and initiatives, contributing to the continuous improvement of network infrastructure and services.
Work with corresponding technical support teams: Resolve network traffic concerns and ensure optimal performance across multiple classifications.
Utilize monitoring tools and log collectors: Provide in-depth analysis of traffic anomalies and issues, ensuring proactive network management and minimal downtime.
Candidate will be on call after hours on a rotational basis: Ensure 24/7 network availability and minimal disruption to services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of network engineering principles, with a focus on routing protocols and vendor-specific technologies. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have strong problem-solving skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 16 years of experience in network engineering, with a focus on routing protocols and vendor-specific technologies. Additional experience in problem management, incident management, and network infrastructure management is preferred.

Required Skills:

Network Engineering: Proven expertise in network engineering, with a strong focus on routing protocols and vendor-specific technologies (Juniper, Cisco).
Troubleshooting: Demonstrated ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve complex network issues, utilizing monitoring tools and log collectors for in-depth analysis.
Routing Protocols: Extensive experience with OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VRFs, and VPNs, with a strong understanding of network address translation (NAT) and security technologies.
Documentation: Demonstrated ability to read, understand, and develop schematic diagrams, technical manuals, and documentation, ensuring minimal training requirements for supported equipment and software.
Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with IT staff, technical support teams, and other stakeholders.
IT Service Management (ITSM): Working knowledge of ServiceNow or similar ITSM products, with experience in incident, problem, and change management processes.
MS Office: Intermediate-level knowledge of MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio).

Preferred Skills:

Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or related industry certifications (e.g., Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA)).
Firewall Experience: Experience with Palo Alto, Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), and Forcepoint firewall equipment and applications.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Network Infrastructure Projects: Demonstrate experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale network infrastructure, with a focus on routing and switching.
Troubleshooting Scenarios: Provide examples of complex network issues you've identified, diagnosed, and resolved, utilizing monitoring tools and log collectors for in-depth analysis.
Routing Protocol Case Studies: Showcase your expertise in configuring and managing routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VRFs, VPNs), with a focus on secure and efficient network connectivity.
Network Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, ensuring minimal training requirements for supported equipment and software.

Technical Documentation:

Configuration Documentation: Provide detailed configuration documentation for network devices, ensuring consistency and ease of use for other network engineers and administrators.
Troubleshooting Guides: Develop troubleshooting guides for common network issues, utilizing monitoring tools and log collectors for in-depth analysis.
Network Diagrams: Create network diagrams that accurately represent network topology, ensuring easy navigation and understanding of network infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in network engineering, with a focus on routing protocols and vendor-specific technologies. Candidates should highlight their problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $89,200 - $170,000 yearly. Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training.

Benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents.
401(k) Plan: AT&T offers a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to help employees save for retirement.
Tuition Reimbursement Program: AT&T supports employees' professional development by reimbursing tuition costs for job-related courses and degrees.
Paid Time Off and Holidays: AT&T offers a competitive paid time off policy, with at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays.
Paid Parental Leave: AT&T provides paid leave for new parents to bond with their children, supporting work-life balance.
Paid Caregiver Leave: AT&T offers paid leave for employees caring for a family member with a serious health condition, ensuring employees can balance their work and personal responsibilities.
Additional Sick Leave: AT&T provides additional sick leave beyond what state and local law requires, ensuring employees can take time off when needed without negatively impacting their pay.
Adoption Reimbursement: AT&T offers financial assistance to employees adopting a child, supporting their growing families.
Disability Benefits: AT&T provides short-term and long-term disability benefits, ensuring employees are protected in case of illness or injury.
Life and Accidental Death Insurance: AT&T offers life and accidental death insurance policies to protect employees and their families in case of unexpected events.
Supplemental Benefit Programs: AT&T provides optional supplemental benefit programs, including critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, and group legal plans.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): AT&T offers confidential counseling and support services to employees and their families, helping them navigate personal and work-related challenges.
Extensive Employee Wellness Programs: AT&T promotes employee well-being through various wellness programs, including fitness challenges, health screenings, and wellness coaching.
Employee Discounts: AT&T offers employee discounts on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available), and AT&T phone services.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule that may include on-call rotations for after-hours support.

📝 Enhancement Note: AT&T offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and various wellness programs. Additionally, AT&T provides employee discounts on AT&T services, supporting work-life balance and employee satisfaction.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AT&T operates in the telecommunications industry, providing voice, data, and entertainment services to consumers, businesses, and government entities. This role focuses on supporting the company's government services, which require a high level of security and compliance with government regulations.

Company Size: AT&T is a large, multinational corporation with a diverse workforce of over 245,000 employees worldwide. This size allows for extensive resources, career growth opportunities, and a wide range of benefits and perks for employees.

Founded: AT&T was founded in 1875 and has a rich history of innovation and technological advancement in the telecommunications industry. Today, AT&T is a global leader in telecommunications, with a strong focus on emerging technologies and customer experience.

Team Structure:

Web Technology Team: The network engineering team consists of various specialists, including network engineers, network administrators, and network architects. This role focuses on the network engineering team, with a specific emphasis on routing and switching technologies.
Reporting Structure: Network engineers report to network managers or senior network engineers, who oversee day-to-day operations and ensure network availability and performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Network engineers collaborate with various teams, including IT staff, technical support teams, and other stakeholders, to ensure optimal network performance and minimal downtime.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum Methodologies: AT&T utilizes Agile and Scrum methodologies for network engineering projects, ensuring efficient and effective collaboration between team members and stakeholders.
Code Review and Testing: AT&T emphasizes code review and testing processes to ensure network configurations and changes are accurate, efficient, and secure.
Deployment Strategies: AT&T employs deployment strategies, including change management processes, to ensure minimal disruption to network services and optimal performance.

Company Website: www.att.com

📝 Enhancement Note: AT&T's large size and extensive resources provide network engineers with numerous opportunities for career growth, collaboration, and professional development. Additionally, AT&T's focus on emerging technologies and customer experience ensures that network engineers remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level within the network engineering career path, requiring extensive experience and expertise in routing protocols and vendor-specific technologies. This role focuses on the maintenance and support of large-scale network infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on troubleshooting and problem-solving.

Reporting Structure: Network engineers report to network managers or senior network engineers, who oversee day-to-day operations and ensure network availability and performance. This role may also collaborate with other IT staff, technical support teams, and stakeholders to ensure optimal network performance and minimal downtime.

Technical Impact: Network engineers have a significant impact on network performance, security, and user experience. By ensuring optimal network connectivity and minimal downtime, network engineers enable seamless communication and collaboration between users, applications, and services.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Network engineers can specialize in specific areas, such as routing, switching, or security, and develop expertise in emerging technologies and industry trends.
Technical Leadership: With experience and demonstrated expertise, network engineers can transition into technical leadership roles, overseeing teams and driving strategic decisions related to network infrastructure and services.
Architecture and Design: Network engineers can advance to architecture and design roles, focusing on the strategic planning and implementation of network infrastructure and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: AT&T's large size and extensive resources provide network engineers with numerous opportunities for career growth, collaboration, and professional development. Additionally, AT&T's focus on emerging technologies and customer experience ensures that network engineers remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AT&T's Chantilly, Virginia, office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to support the company's government services. The office features open-plan workspaces, conference rooms, and breakout areas, fostering collaboration and communication among team members.

Office Location(s): Chantilly, Virginia, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Work Environment: AT&T's office design encourages collaboration and communication between team members, with open-plan workspaces and shared resources.
Development Tools and Resources: AT&T provides network engineers with access to the latest development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure optimal network performance and minimal downtime.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Network engineers collaborate with various teams, including IT staff, technical support teams, and other stakeholders, to ensure optimal network performance and minimal downtime.

Work Schedule: Network engineers work a standard 40-hour workweek, with a flexible schedule that may include on-call rotations for after-hours support. AT&T offers a competitive paid time off policy, with at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays.

📝 Enhancement Note: AT&T's modern, collaborative workspace and extensive resources support network engineers in their daily tasks, fostering collaboration and communication among team members and stakeholders.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: A technical phone screen focusing on the candidate's experience with routing protocols, vendor-specific technologies, and network troubleshooting.
On-site Technical Interview: An on-site technical interview focusing on the candidate's problem-solving skills, routing protocol expertise, and network infrastructure knowledge. The interview may include live coding exercises, system design discussions, and architecture decision-making scenarios.
Behavioral Interview: A behavioral interview focusing on the candidate's communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. The interview may include situational and behavioral questions to assess the candidate's fit within the AT&T culture and team dynamics.
Final Evaluation: A final evaluation based on the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and overall potential for success in the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Live Demo and Technical Walkthrough: Prepare a live demo and technical walkthrough of your network infrastructure projects, highlighting your expertise in routing protocols, vendor-specific technologies, and network troubleshooting.
Case Study Structure: Develop case studies focusing on specific network issues, with a clear explanation of the problem, the solution, and the outcome. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Code Quality Demonstration: Demonstrate your ability to write clean, efficient, and well-commented code, ensuring optimal network performance and minimal downtime.
Company-Specific Networking Considerations: Research AT&T's network infrastructure and services, and prepare for company-specific networking considerations and performance optimization examples.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Technical Exercise Format: Familiarize yourself with common network engineering exercise formats, such as routing protocol configuration, network topology design, and network traffic analysis.
Time Management and Solution Architecture: Practice time management techniques and develop a clear understanding of network architecture and design principles to ensure efficient and effective problem-solving.
Communication and Technical Explanation: Refine your communication skills and ability to articulate complex network concepts and solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

ATS Keywords: [Comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category: programming languages, web frameworks, server technologies, databases, tools, methodologies, soft skills, industry terms]

📝 Enhancement Note: AT&T's interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the organization. By preparing for the interview process and utilizing the provided tips and strategies, candidates can increase their chances of success in securing the network engineering role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable to this role.

Backend & Server Technologies:

Juniper Routers: Juniper routers are a critical component of AT&T's network infrastructure, with a focus on routing and switching technologies. Network engineers should have extensive experience with Juniper router configuration, management, and troubleshooting.
Cisco Routers: Cisco routers are another essential component of AT&T's network infrastructure, with a focus on routing and switching technologies. Network engineers should have extensive experience with Cisco router configuration, management, and troubleshooting.
Routing Protocols: AT&T's network infrastructure relies on various routing protocols, including OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VRFs, and VPNs. Network engineers should have a strong understanding of these protocols and their implementation in a large-scale network environment.
Network Address Translation (NAT): AT&T's network infrastructure utilizes network address translation (NAT) to enable secure and efficient network connectivity. Network engineers should have a strong understanding of NAT and its implementation in a large-scale network environment.
Security Technologies: AT&T's network infrastructure incorporates various security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols. Network engineers should have a strong understanding of these security technologies and their implementation in a large-scale network environment.

Development & DevOps Tools:

ServiceNow: AT&T utilizes ServiceNow for incident, problem, and change management processes. Network engineers should have working knowledge of ServiceNow and experience in incident, problem, and change management processes.
Monitoring Tools and Log Collectors: AT&T employs various monitoring tools and log collectors to ensure proactive network management and minimal downtime. Network engineers should have experience with monitoring tools and log collectors, with a strong understanding of network traffic analysis and issue resolution.
Deployment Automation Tools: AT&T utilizes deployment automation tools to ensure efficient and effective network configuration and management. Network engineers should have experience with deployment automation tools, with a strong understanding of network infrastructure and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: AT&T's technology stack focuses on routing and switching technologies, with a strong emphasis on Juniper and Cisco routers, routing protocols, and network address translation. Network engineers should have extensive experience with these technologies and their implementation in a large-scale network environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

User Experience Focus: AT&T prioritizes user experience, ensuring optimal network performance, minimal downtime, and seamless communication and collaboration between users, applications, and services.
Performance Optimization: AT&T emphasizes performance optimization, with a strong focus on network infrastructure, routing protocols, and vendor-specific technologies.
Code Quality Approach: AT&T values clean, efficient, and well-commented code, ensuring optimal network performance and minimal downtime.
Collaborative Development Practices: AT&T fosters a collaborative work environment, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing among network engineers and other stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: AT&T encourages cross-functional integration between network engineers, IT staff, technical support teams, and other stakeholders, ensuring optimal network performance and minimal downtime.
Code Review Culture: AT&T emphasizes code review processes to ensure network configurations and changes are accurate, efficient, and secure.
Knowledge Sharing and Technical Mentoring: AT&T promotes knowledge sharing and technical mentoring, with a strong focus on continuous learning and professional development among network engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: AT&T's team culture emphasizes user experience, performance optimization, and collaborative development practices, with a strong focus on teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing among network engineers and other stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Routing Protocol Complexities: AT&T's network infrastructure relies on various routing protocols, with complex configurations and management requirements. Network engineers should have a strong understanding of these protocols and their implementation in a large-scale network environment.
Vendor-Specific Technologies: AT&T's network infrastructure incorporates various vendor-specific technologies, including Juniper and Cisco routers. Network engineers should have extensive experience with these technologies and their configuration, management, and troubleshooting.
Network Address Translation (NAT): AT&T's network infrastructure utilizes network address translation (NAT) to enable secure and efficient network connectivity. Network engineers should have a strong understanding of NAT and its implementation in a large-scale network environment.
Security Technologies: AT&T's network infrastructure incorporates various security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols. Network engineers should have a strong understanding of these security technologies and their implementation in a large-scale network environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Network engineers can specialize in specific areas, such as routing, switching, or security, and develop expertise in emerging technologies and industry trends.
Technical Leadership: With experience and demonstrated expertise, network engineers can transition into technical leadership roles, overseeing teams and driving strategic decisions related to network infrastructure and services.
Architecture and Design: Network engineers can advance to architecture and design roles, focusing on the strategic planning and implementation of network infrastructure and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: AT&T's technical challenges and growth opportunities focus on network engineering, with a strong emphasis on routing protocols, vendor-specific technologies, and network infrastructure management. By embracing these challenges and pursuing growth opportunities, network engineers can advance their careers and contribute to AT&T's success in the telecommunications industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Routing Protocol Fundamentals: Prepare for questions focusing on routing protocol fundamentals, including OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VRFs, and VPNs. Demonstrate your understanding of routing protocol configuration, management, and troubleshooting in a large-scale network environment.
Vendor-Specific Technologies: Prepare for questions focusing on vendor-specific technologies, including Juniper and Cisco routers. Demonstrate your experience with configuration, management, and troubleshooting of these technologies in a large-scale network environment.
Network Address Translation (NAT): Prepare for questions focusing on network address translation (NAT) and its implementation in a large-scale network environment. Demonstrate your understanding of NAT and its role in secure and efficient network connectivity.
System Design and Architecture: Prepare for questions focusing on system design and architecture, with a strong emphasis on network infrastructure and services. Demonstrate your ability to make strategic decisions related to network architecture and design.

Company & Culture Questions:

AT&T's Network Infrastructure: Research AT&T's network infrastructure and prepare for questions focusing on the company's network services, routing protocols, and vendor-specific technologies. Demonstrate your understanding of AT&T's network infrastructure and its role in the telecommunications industry.
AT&T's Customer Focus: Prepare for questions focusing on AT&T's customer-centric approach and the importance of user experience in network engineering. Demonstrate your commitment to user experience and your ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
AT&T's Team Dynamics: Prepare for questions focusing on AT&T's team dynamics and the importance of collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing among network engineers and other stakeholders. Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team environment and contribute to AT&T's success in the telecommunications industry.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Live Demo and Technical Walkthrough: Prepare a live demo and technical walkthrough of your network infrastructure projects, highlighting your expertise in routing protocols, vendor-specific technologies, and network troubleshooting.
Code Quality Demonstration: Demonstrate your ability to write clean, efficient, and well-commented code, ensuring optimal network performance and minimal downtime.
User Experience Showcase: Prepare a showcase of your user experience-focused network engineering projects, highlighting your commitment to user experience and your ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: AT&T's interview preparation focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the organization. By preparing for the interview process and utilizing the provided tips and strategies, candidates can increase their chances of success in securing the network engineering role.

Tier III O&M Network Engineer (NE III) (Government)