Location: Scott AFB, IL (100% Onsite)
Clearance Required: Active DoD Secret Clearance (or higher)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Category: Network Engineering / Software Engineering
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Network Software Engineer to join a growing team responsible for developing next-generation network automation solutions in a lab and production environment. This role is ideal for a software-focused engineer with strong Python development expertise and a solid foundation in IP networking.
The successful candidate will lead the design, development, testing, and deployment of network automation platforms and applications that integrate with enterprise and service provider network infrastructure. This position requires an engineer who can bridge software development and network engineering disciplines while providing technical leadership and mentorship to junior team members.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the design, development, testing, documentation, and deployment of software solutions using Python, XML, and related technologies.
Develop automation and orchestration capabilities utilizing Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) and other network automation platforms.
Build and maintain REST APIs, JSON-based services, and software integrations with network infrastructure.
Integrate software solutions with Cisco and Juniper routing platforms, including ASR and MX series devices.
Design, implement, and sustain network changes across complex Wide Area Network (WAN) environments.
Conduct technical research, architecture design, analysis, and engineering activities to meet customer requirements.
Manage technical risk, identify potential issues, and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
Support large-scale system integration efforts while ensuring adherence to industry standards and repeatable engineering processes.
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, project leadership, and stakeholders to deliver automated network solutions.
Create and maintain software design documentation, technical specifications, deployment guides, and test plans.
Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and subject matter expertise to junior and mid-level engineers.
Support software solutions through the full lifecycle including design, development, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
Required Qualifications
Active DoD Secret Clearance or higher.
Ability to satisfy customer onboarding requirements within 30 days of hire.
Current DoD 8570/8750 IAT Level II certification, such as Security+ CE or equivalent.
Strong software development background with proficiency in Python.
Experience developing REST APIs and working with JSON parsing, validation, and data generation.
Experience using version control platforms such as Git and Bitbucket.
Experience developing software in Linux environments.
Knowledge of software engineering principles, architecture, and development best practices.
Experience troubleshooting and configuring IP networking technologies, including:
BGP
OSPF
ISIS
Static Routing
Hands-on experience with Cisco and/or Juniper networking platforms.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Cisco NSO and Software Defined Networking (SDN) architectures.
Knowledge of YANG, NETCONF, RESTCONF, and other network automation technologies.
Experience with object-oriented programming and XML development.
Strong understanding of Cisco IOS XR, Cisco IOS, and Junos operating systems.
Experience configuring and troubleshooting:
MPLS
VPLS
Pseudowires
QoS
Certifications from Cisco, Juniper, or other major networking vendors.
Experience creating technical, functional, and architectural design documentation.
Proven experience delivering software solutions into production environments.
Ability to quickly learn and apply emerging technologies and automation frameworks.
Prior technical leadership, project leadership, or team mentoring experience.
Why Join This Team?
Opportunity to help build a newly established engineering team from the ground up.
Work in a cutting-edge lab environment focused on developing new network automation capabilities for production deployment.
Exposure to advanced routing technologies, software-defined networking, and large-scale automation initiatives.
Opportunity to influence architecture, engineering standards, and automation strategy.
Strong career growth potential within an expanding organization.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a software engineer with deep Python development expertise who also possesses strong network engineering knowledge. This individual enjoys solving complex automation challenges, designing scalable software solutions, and leading technical teams while working with modern networking technologies across Cisco and Juniper environments.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Scott Air Force Base, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $55.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Scott Air Force Base,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.
About TEKsystems
We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services
We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
