Description

Job Id: 69504

Network Engineer

As the SME, Network Engineering, you will shape the tactical and enterprise networking underpinnings of Major Release 2 (FY 25 27)—orchestrating SATCOM, SDR, cross domain solutions, and software defined networking that connect airborne platforms to the Digital Infrastructure (DI) and the broader DAF BATTLE NETWORK.

This position is onsite in Littleton, MA.

Network Engineer Responsibilities

Architect & Design

Lead creation of the PG network reference architecture spanning Nomad hardware, Smith software builds, and Watch node management elements.

Define routing schemas (BGP/OSPF/IS IS), QoS policies, IPSec/crypto overlays, and multi level security / cross domain data flow rulesets that comply with NSA and DISA STIG requirements.

Produce SysML/CAMEO artifacts feeding the government owned digital thread.

Integration & Lab Leadership

Specify and configure routers, switches, firewalls, SATCOM modems, and SDRs inside the Integration SIL; drive interface control documentation (ICDs) for airborne PIMs.

Develop automated test harnesses (IXIA/TestCenter, Spirent, Ansible) to validate throughput, latency, packet loss, and IA posture before DT/OT.

DevSecOps & Cyber Hygiene

Embed network security controls into the PG DevSecOps pipeline; champion zero trust principles and continuous ATO artifacts (RMF eMASS packages, ACAS/SCAP scans).

Guide implementation of Software Defined Networking (SD WAN, OpenFlow, or comparable) for dynamic airborne/ground path selection.

Fielding & Operations

Partner with platform SPOs and flight test organizations to translate lab configs into flight worthy builds; draft Interim Authorizations To Test (IATT) and airworthiness network annexes.

Support Watch help desk playbooks, operational runbooks, and remote monitoring dashboards (Elastic, Grafana, Prometheus).

Leadership & Mentoring

Serve as the chief technical adviser to Government IPT leads; brief network readiness, risk, and performance metrics at program reviews.

Mentor mid level engineers and ensure knowledge transfer to Government personnel.

Network Engineer Qualifications

Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred) and 12+ years designing, integrating, and securing DoD or IC mission critical IP networks.

Active TS/SCI clearance.

Deep expertise in routing/switching (Layer 2/3), SATCOM backhaul, RF/mesh networking, and transport enclaves in contested or bandwidth limited environments.

Demonstrated experience with cross domain solutions, NSA Type 1 crypto, and multi level security architectures.

Hands on with network test/validation tools and scripting/automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform).

Desired

CCNP/CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent expert level certification.

Prior work on CJADC2, ABMS, OMS/UCI, tactical data links (Link 16/22, TTNT), or airborne networking programs.

Familiarity with containerized networking (CNI plugins, Service Mesh) and classified DevSecOps pipelines (Platform One, Iron Bank).

Experience shepherding RMF packages through eMASS to full ATO.

Agile/Scrum or SAFe certification.

Salary: $120,506 – $218,000 / yr (DOE)

Benefits

Medical, dental, 401k, ESOP, PTO, education reimbursement, work/life balance, parental and other leave programs.

Meet VanderHouwen

What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we're in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies' staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.