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Maritime Network Engineer/Systems Administrator- SME

Cherokee Federal
401(k)
United States, D.C., Washington
Oct 26, 2025

Maritime Network Engineer/Systems Administrator - SME

The Maritime Network Engineer/Systems Administrator - SME will play a critical role in providing comprehensive IT network engineering support for the Office of Maritime Security and National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Program at the DOT Maritime Administration (MARAD). This position serves as the principal authority on network operations and development, supporting various agency and interagency maritime programs while maintaining strong partnerships within the maritime industry.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Maritime Network Engineer/Systems Administrator - SME: $150,000 - $160,000

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Maritime Network Engineer/Systems Administrator - SME Responsibilities Include:

  • The successful candidate will provide IT Network Engineering and System Administration Support for the Office of Maritime Security and National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Program at the DOT Maritime Administration (MARAD). The selected candidate will serve as an authoritative resource for MARAD relative to network operations, server and virtualization services, cybersecurity hardening, network development and production, and support numerous agency and interagency maritime programs.

  • Direct involvement with MARAD Program Office on all matters related to NSMV network acceptance and testing. This includes providing regular reports. Person would have background on Maritime network architecture, security, hardware, software, IT space configuration, virtualization, and emergency response, if needed.

  • Work closely with MARAD's Office of Ship Operations to help ensure that MARAD's government owned vessels and shore support establishment are prepared for continuous operations in support of the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and other Government Departments, Agencies, and organizations.

  • Support Office of Ship Operations assessments, audits, exercises, site visits, training and information development for contracted Ship Managers, and other commercial and government ship operators.

  • Assist in the mitigation / remediation process, following corrective action plans approved by MARAD leadership i.e., Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and/or Task Area

  • Provide network architecture and security expertise to support the system engineering process formally known as the System's Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

  • Provide Network support to the MARAD's NSMV Program Office, their Vessel Construction Manager (e.g. - security vendor), the Criterion Cybersecurity SME, and the MARAD ISSM in support of acquiring and maintaining an Authority to Operate (ATO) for the NSMVs.

  • Administer and maintain Windows Server and Linux systems across shipboard and shore environments.

  • Manage Active Directory, including users, groups, GPOs, authentication services, certificates, DNS, DHCP, and related enterprise services.

  • Perform server patching, configuration management, system monitoring, and operational troubleshooting.

  • Manage VMware vSphere/ESXi hosts, vCenter, virtual networking, storage, and shipboard virtualization clusters.

  • Apply DISA STIGs to Windows Server, Linux, VMware ESXi, and network appliances as part of cybersecurity hardening and compliance efforts.

  • Maintain system baselines, documentation packages, backup/recovery procedures, and configuration standards.

Maritime Network Engineer/Systems Administrator - SME Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:

  • Maritime Network / System Administrator SME must have an associate's degree in computer science or related field with 8+ years' experience in the following areas:

  • Understanding U.S. maritime industry network best practices.
  • Experience with maritime/vessel network operations, network development, security and production. Specifically, an understanding of marine operations and IT methods, techniques, and practices sufficient to select, recognize, adapt, and apply shipboard principles and practices.
  • Understanding and familiarity with the U.S. Coast Guard and International Maritime Organization network requirements/policies/resources.
  • Experience with Maritime network architecture, VM configuration and maintenance, server administration, hardware, software, IT space configuration, and emergency response.
  • Experience with CISCO networks
  • Experience administering Windows Server, Linux, Active Directory, and enterprise infrastructure services.
  • Ability to work with customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, satisfy expectations, knows products and services.
  • Understanding of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring work, and performance.
  • Understanding of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance and quality control used to ensure a product fulfills functional requirements and standards.
  • Understanding of Microsoft Office products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Teams, Power BI, Tableau, and SharePoint.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal
  • Must have a public trust clearance or higher or be capable of obtaining one.
  • The Contractor shall comply with all Federal requirements for personnel security in accordance with DOT Order 1630.2B.

Preferred Experience, Education, Skills & Technologies

  • Minimum of an associate's degree in computer science, engineering, management information systems, networking, telecommunications, computer engineering network engineering, or related fields.
  • Navy, Coast Guard, or maritime network background
  • A minimum of 8 years of maritime network engineering experience
  • Experience with virtualization, storage, and system monitoring tools.
  • Experience with cybersecurity compliance frameworks (RMF/NIST).

Certification

  • A verifiable and current Cisco Network certification - Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Enterprise).
  • VMware VCP
  • Microsoft Server/Active Directory certifications

Work Schedule

  • Requires up to 25% travel. Tasking location can be Philadelphia or Washington DC with expected trips to Bronx NY, Buzzards Bay Massachusetts, and other state maritime academies. Taskings may also include short periods of at sea time not to exceed 7 days. The successful candidate would be expected to be on site within 48 hours' notice due to emergent schedule changes. Other on-site requirements will be delineated and provided for advance planning purposes

Company Information:

Criterion is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about Criterion, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-RA

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Similar searchable job titles:

  • Network Architect

  • Senior Network Engineer

  • Network Security Engineer

  • Lead Network Specialist

  • Principal Network Consultant

Keywords:

  • Network Architecture

  • Security Expertise

  • Technical Leadership

  • System Engineering

  • Maritime Operations

Legal Disclaimer: Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit cherokee-federal.com/careers for information regarding our Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement, and Accommodation request.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

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