Network Engineer - SME

Who you are

The Network Engineer (SME) serves as the principal authority for network architecture, zero-trust network design, and cross-enclave interoperability. This role leads the design, implementation, and optimization of resilient, secure network infrastructures supporting mission-critical operations. The SME provides strategic and technical leadership in network modernization, security architecture, and performance optimization while ensuring secure and reliable communications across complex, multi-enclave environments.

What you do

• Design and implement enterprise network architectures that support secure, mission-critical operations.
• Lead zero-trust network design initiatives and cross-enclave interoperability solutions.
• Optimize network performance, reliability, and security across complex, multi-enclave environments.
• Establish and enforce network security architecture standards and governance processes.
• Drive network modernization efforts aligned with enterprise strategy and zero-trust principles.
• Ensure secure communications and connectivity across classified and highly regulated environments.
• Provide technical leadership for network infrastructure planning and implementation.
• Partner with security, architecture, and operations teams to maintain resilient network systems.

What you need

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience designing and supporting enterprise network environments.
• Strong expertise in routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, network security, and access control technologies.
• Experience implementing zero-trust architectures and secure communications solutions.
• Advanced troubleshooting and network performance analysis skills.
• Experience supporting mission-critical, highly secure, or regulated environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and technical documentation skills.

Nice to have

• Master's degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• Experience supporting federal, defense, intelligence, or classified network environments.
• Expertise with multi-enclave or cross-domain network architectures.
• Experience with cloud networking, software-defined networking (SDN), and hybrid cloud environments.
• Knowledge of security accreditation processes and compliance frameworks.
• Relevant certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, CISSP, JNCIP, JNCIE, AWS Advanced Networking, or equivalent.

Security Clearance

• Active Top Secret, TS/SCI, or TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance required, depending on position

Pay and benefits

As required by local law, Accenture Federal Services provides reasonable ranges of compensation for hired roles based on labor costs in the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. The base pay range for this position in these locations is shown below.

Compensation for roles at Accenture Federal Services varies depending on a wide array of factors, including but not limited to office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Accenture Federal Services offers a wide variety of benefits. You can find more information on benefits here. We accept applications on an on-going basis and there is no fixed deadline to apply.

The pay range for the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia is:

$106,300—$221,100 USD

What We Believe

As a company wholly dedicated to serving the US federal government, we bring together the best talent to help reinvent how federal agencies operate and deliver greater value for their mission and the American people. As a business imperative, every person at Accenture Federal Services has the responsibility to create and sustain a culture where everyone feels welcomed and included.

This is grounded in our core values and our experience that hiring and developing great people who reflect different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds is key to driving innovation and delivering the results that our clients and the country count on.