Jr. Cisco Network Engineer

Our client is a minority-owned, founder-led cybersecurity and IT infrastructure firm headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metro area. We serve Federal Civilian, Higher Education, and SLED clients across consulting, engineering delivery, and technology resell, generating over $57M in annual revenue across a lean, high-performing team. Our work touches mission-critical infrastructure for institutions including Georgetown University and multiple federal agencies.Role OverviewWe are hiring a Jr. Network Engineer to support our hardware staging, configuration, and on-site delivery practice. This is a hands-on, technical role focused on the physical and logical preparation of network infrastructure — primarily Cisco Catalyst switches, Meraki access points, and associated gear — before and during deployment at client sites.Primary ResponsibilitiesHardware Staging & Pre-ConfigurationReceive, inventory, and inspect inbound hardware shipments against purchase orders; document discrepancies and condition on arrivalUnbox, label, and physically prepare Cisco Catalyst switches, Meraki access points, and related infrastructure for stagingApply base configurations to switches and access points including hostname, management IP, VLANs, spanning tree, and NTP settings per project-specific runbooksRegister and claim Meraki devices to client dashboard organizations; apply network and device-level templatesStage and validate configurations in a lab environment prior to shipment, simulating production network conditions where possibleUpdate and maintain accurate asset records throughout the staging lifecycle including serial numbers, firmware versions, and configuration statusPerform firmware upgrades and verify software versions against project requirements before equipment leaves the staging facilitySmart Hands Delivery & On-Site SupportCoordinate repackaging and outbound logistics for staged equipment, ensuring hardware is protected and properly labeled for transport to client premisesTravel to client sites across the DMV to support scheduled cutover windows, working alongside senior engineers and project managersPhysically install and rack equipment at client locations including mounting switches, running patch cables, and labeling infrastructure per as-built standardsAssist with on-site bring-up: connecting devices to production networks, verifying management access, and confirming that pre-staged configurations load correctlySupport structured cutover activities including pre-maintenance checklists, port-by-port validation, and post-cutover health checksServe as the on-site point of contact for hardware logistics during active deployment windows, coordinating with the PM and senior engineer remotely or in personDocument as-built changes and site observations for inclusion in project closeout deliverablesLab Operations & Quality ControlDevelop and follow staging runbooks and checklists to ensure consistent, repeatable configuration and validation outcomes across projectsConduct pre-shipment quality checks against project requirements and flag any configuration gaps or hardware issues before equipment is dispatchedCoordinate with senior engineers and project managers to receive, interpret, and execute project-specific configuration requirementsTrack and report staging progress against project milestones, escalating blockers to the PM or lead engineer immediatelyPlatform FamiliarityWork with Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches as the primary platform for staging and configuration activitiesOperate within Cisco Meraki dashboard for device claiming, template application, and network provisioningMaintain working familiarity with basic IOS-XE CLI for configuration verification, troubleshooting, and runbook executionRequired Qualifications0-3 years of experience in network engineering, IT infrastructure, or a hands-on technical role involving physical hardwareComfort with physical hardware handling: unboxing, racking, cabling, and labeling in a professional environmentBasic understanding of networking fundamentals: VLANs, switching, IP addressing, and management protocolsAbility to read and execute configuration runbooks and technical checklists accurately and independentlyStrong attention to detail; able to work methodically through multi-step processes without skipping stepsValid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel to client sites across the DMVU.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain a federal clearance if required by client engagementsPreferred QualificationsHands-on experience with Cisco Catalyst switches (9300/9500 series) or Cisco Meraki access pointsFamiliarity with Cisco IOS-XE CLI for basic configuration and verification tasksExperience in a staging, integration, or lab environment — even in an academic or homelab contextExposure to structured cabling, rack building, or data center physical infrastructureExperience with Cisco Meraki dashboard administration including device claiming and template managementPrior experience supporting cutover or deployment windows in client-facing environmentsFamiliarity with Federal Civilian, Higher Education, or SLED client environments