Amazon Web Services (AWS) Network Administrator

Nakupuna Consulting is seeking a motivated AWS Network Administrator to design, deploy, and operate secure, highly available cloud network environments supporting mission-critical workloads. This role focuses on building and optimizing connectivity from enterprise Cloud Access Points (CAPs) into the AWS Secure Cloud Computing Architecture (SCCA), leveraging core AWS networking services to improve performance, resiliency, and security. You'll work hands-on with modern cloud networking while collaborating with network, systems, cybersecurity, and application teams to support business needs and advance AWS networking best practices.

The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

AWS Network Design and Implementation:
• Design, operate, and continuously improve AWS network architectures using VPCs, subnets, routing, and traffic controls that emphasize availability, predictable performance, and scalability.
• Configure and maintain VPN connections, Direct Connect, and other connectivity solutions within AWS, including establishing and managing VPC peering relationships.
• Operate and enhance AWS Transit Gateway architectures to simplify routing, reduce operational complexity, and support future growth.
• Apply routing and segmentation strategies that improve fault isolation and support secure scaling.
• Monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot traffic flow patterns to identify performance bottlenecks, optimize throughput, and maintain compliance with SCCA standards.
1. Network Security and Compliance:
• Implement AWS network security controls aligned with defense-in-depth and least-privilege principles.
• Support DoD STIG reviews and remediation activities to ensure environments remain secure by design and compliant by default.
• Integrate AWS security and observability services such as GuardDuty and CloudWatch with Splunk for centralized monitoring, alerting, and incident response.
• Maintain meaningful logs and telemetry to support investigations, audits, and operational insight.
• Administer and support Forescout for secure network access and control in cloud environments

1. Additional Network Services:
• Collaborate with senior engineers and DISA to enable secure, compliant connectivity between AWS GovCloud and DoD enterprise networks.
• Configure and maintain Out-of-Band Management (OOBM) to ensure environments remain operable during incidents or degraded conditions.
• Develop and maintain documentation including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), diagrams, and System Security Plans (SSPs).

Skills/Qualifications:

Excellent technical, organizational, decision-making, analytical, writing and planning skills. Effective communicator who takes initiative and the ability to adapt to dynamic environments. In addition, the following technical skills are needed:

• Proven experience as a network administrator or engineer with hands-on experience in designing and managing network infrastructure in AWS.
• Strong understanding of AWS networking services including VPC, Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Elastic Load Balancer (ELB), Route 53, Transit Gateway, and CloudWatch
• Understanding of the following AWS Services: GuardDuty, Security Hub, AWS Inspector, AWS IAM Access Analyzer, AWS Detective, Cloudwatch, CloudTrail, Athena, Cloud Formation, Terraform
• Strong knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, etc.) and networking concepts
• Experience securing environments using firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and related technologies
• Proficiency in scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for automation tasks.

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in a technical major from an accredited institution as well as a minimum of (3) three years of relevant professional experience. Equivalent years of related work or military experience in lieu of degree will also be considered.

Certification:

• Required: Active IAT II Certification which may include CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or CompTIA Security+.
• Preferred: Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications which may include AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate or AWS Certified Advanced Networking.

Clearance Requirement: Must currently hold an active Top Secret level of security clearance. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Work Location:

• Position is based in Arlington, VA
• Must be on-site at least three (3) days per week.
• Occasional travel (1-2 weeks per year) within the Continental U.S. or to Hawaii may be required.
• Core hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM local time, with a minimum 8-hour workday. Flexibility is expected to respond to after-hours emergencies and to support coordination across Hawaii and Virginia time zones.

Physical Requirements: In addition to the skills and qualifications mentioned above, candidates must, at a minimum, be able to meet the following physical requirements.

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to use stairs without assistance
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations

Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer