Network Administrator

Position Overview

Abacus Technology is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Network Administrator to oversee and maintain critical network infrastructure within a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This full-time role is based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supporting the US Military Training Mission (USMTM). The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in network administration, security, and performance optimization, ensuring seamless connectivity and operational reliability for mission-critical systems.

Key Responsibilities

The Network Administrator will play a pivotal role in managing, securing, and optimizing network infrastructure, including the following core duties:

• Network Infrastructure Management: Administer, install, configure, troubleshoot, test, and maintain essential network hardware such as HAIPE encryption devices, switches, routers, and transport systems. Utilize advanced network monitoring and management tools to proactively identify, diagnose, and resolve performance issues before they impact operations.
• Advanced Switching and Routing: Configure, deploy, and manage sophisticated switch stacking solutions, including Cisco StackWise and StackWise Virtual Link (SVL) technologies. Implement and troubleshoot Layer 2 network solutions, encompassing VLAN configuration, trunking, Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP), and inter-switch connectivity to ensure high availability and redundancy.
• Security and Encryption: Configure and manage TACLANE encryptors with Agile-VLAN capabilities to enable simultaneous transmission of Layer 2 and High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor (HAIPE) traffic, enhancing network flexibility and security. Implement and maintain 802.1X port-based network access control for secure user authentication and device validation. Troubleshoot MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) for non-802.1X-compliant devices to ensure uninterrupted network access while adhering to stringent security protocols.
• Traffic Analysis and Optimization: Utilize NetFlow to monitor and analyze network traffic patterns, identify bottlenecks, and detect potential security threats. Configure and manage Quality of Service (QoS) policies at the access layer to prioritize critical traffic, including voice, video, and real-time applications, ensuring optimal performance for mission-critical communications.
• Collaborative Troubleshooting: Coordinate with offsite service providers, including WAN, Voice, and WANSEC teams, via Remedy/Service Now ticketing systems to resolve issues related to DMZs, boundary routers/switches, Cisco CUBE, firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPN concentrators, and encryption devices. Work closely with local base operations teams, such as help desk, systems, and ISP/OSP personnel, to address outages and restore services in accordance with established Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Troubleshoot and coordinate Video Teleconferencing (VTC) outages with offsite bridge personnel to minimize disruptions.
• Performance and Upgrades: Conduct performance monitoring, tuning, IOS upgrades, patching, backup, and recovery operations for network and voice routers/switches. Actively participate in the planning and design of infrastructure upgrades or enhancements to support evolving mission requirements.
• Voice and Video Systems Support: Collaborate with the Voice Engineer to troubleshoot, configure, and maintain voice and video systems, ensuring seamless communication services. Assist with the deployment, testing, and optimization of voice and video-related hardware and software, providing supplementary support during outages or upgrades to minimize downtime.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Assist in building, maintaining, and updating Risk Management Framework (RMF) Assessment and Authorization to Operate (ATO) packages for two ARCENT Cyber Security-administered enclaves. Ensure compliance with Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) scans, and other security requirements guidance to maintain robust cybersecurity postures.
• Documentation and Reporting: Assist in developing and completing system security documentation in accordance with RMF and eMASS workflows. Identify and report system risks related to network and voice hardware/software to ensure proactive risk mitigation.
• Asset Management: Maintain accurate inventory records and manage life cycle replacement schedules for network infrastructure assets to ensure operational readiness and compliance with organizational policies.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates must meet the following qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Experience: Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in core network services connectivity and integration, with a proven track record in managing complex network environments.
• Certifications: CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications are mandatory. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is highly desirable and will be considered a significant advantage.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to adhere to disciplined troubleshooting methodologies and ensure task/mission completion. Capable of applying Department of Defense (DoD) and industry best practices to network administration, security, and performance optimization.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in high-pressure environments.
• Clearance and Compliance: Must be eligible for and willing to obtain and maintain any required security clearances. Familiarity with DoD security protocols, including RMF, STIGs, and SCAP scans, is essential.