WAN Tester

SAIC is seeking a skilled WAN Tester with a strong foundation in network engineering, hands-on testing expertise, and network automation capabilities to support the testing, validation, and optimization of mission-critical Wide Area Networks (WANs). The role focuses on ensuring the performance, reliability, and security of WAN infrastructures, while leveraging automation tools like Ansible to enhance efficiency.

Job Duties:

• Design, execute, and manage test plans for WAN performance, latency, throughput, and security validation.

• Simulate and troubleshoot complex WAN topologies to identify bottlenecks, packet loss, or connectivity issues.

• Test protocols and routing configurations such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and evaluate SD-WAN deployments if applicable.

• Configure and deploy WAN devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls, as part of test environments.

• Collaborate with network architects to validate new WAN designs and solutions before deployment.

• Support production teams during network upgrades or troubleshooting sessions.

• Leverage Ansible to automate testing processes, network configurations, and infrastructure deployment.

• Implement automated solutions to streamline testing and validation routines across multiple WAN sites.

• Develop and maintain scripts, playbooks, and templates for network automation.

• Diagnose WAN issues, including performance degradation, routing errors, QoS misconfigurations, and security gaps.

• Provide recommendations to enhance network performance and reliability.

• Collaborate with internal and external teams to resolve issues efficiently and effectively.

• Prepare detailed reports on test outcomes, key performance indicators (KPIs), and overall WAN health.

• Maintain accurate records of testing methodologies, configurations, and remediations.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field with five (5) years of experience; four (4) years of equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Hands-on experience in network engineering and testing WAN environments.
• Strong knowledge of Wide Area Network protocols, technologies, and architectures (e.g., MPLS, SD-WAN, VPN).
• Proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting Cisco, Juniper, or similar network devices.
• Hands-on experience with routing and switching protocols like BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, and QoS.
• Familiarity with network testing tools such as Wireshark, iPerf, Spirent, SolarWinds, or similar solutions.

Required Security Clearance:

• Must have an active secret clearance on first day of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with automation tools like Ansible, including creating and managing playbooks.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) principles.
• Network certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA, or SD-WAN certifications (e.g., VMware or Cisco Viptela).
• Experience working in secure or DoD environments and with government contracts.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500 mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.