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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Network Engineer - **Company:** MITRE Corporation - **Location:** McLean, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $147,200.0 - $184,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Java (Programming Language), Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Communications Protocols, Cyber Security, Emulators, OSI Models, Python (Programming Language), Network Security, Network Configuration and Change Management, Netconf, Network Architecture, Networking Basics, Network Model, Network Functions Virtualization, Ansible, Zero Trust Network Access, Virtualization Technology, Wireless Networks, Scripting, Computer Networking Systems, Computer Network Technologies, SDN Network, Modeling and Simulation, OPNET (Software), Programming Languages - **Published:** July 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9010421/lead-network-engineer ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree with 8 years of related experience; or Master's degree with 6 related years; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience. * Demonstrated expertise and leadership in one or more of the department's focus areas: + Wireless and tactical networks, including 5G + Network security and management + Emerging network technologies including cloud networking, SDN, and NFV + Network modeling, simulation, emulation, and analysis * Proficiency in one or more scripting or programming languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python * Knowledge of modern networking technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), cloud networking * Strong foundational knowledge of TCP/IP networking fundamentals and OSI stack, including wireless networking and modern network security * Possess excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills * Work well in a collaborative team environment with inter-disciplinary and geographically dispersed teams * Willingness to expand into and master network protocol, technology and skill areas listed above with which the candidate may not yet have experience * Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Clearance * Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance. * This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site, * MS or PhD in engineering discipline with 7+ years relevant experience * Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to effectively lead collaboration efforts across multiple organizations and engineering disciplines * Proficiency in one or more network configuration and orchestrations frameworks such as Ansible, NETCONF, and YANG * Experience with modeling and simulation of communications and networking, utilizing tools such as: EMANE, OPNET/Riverbed, and Exata * Expertise in tactical network architectures, designs, and challenges; including familiarity with Naval or other DoD tactical networks * Knowledge of DoD smart routing technologies such as DyNAMO, CaaS, etc. * Foundational knowledge of network and cyber security, including recent concepts such as Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) * Experience with systems engineering processes for networking systems, e.g., requirements development & review, V&V, etc. * Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Clearance ## Description Specific duties will vary by project but will generally include a combination of research, design, analysis, testing, experimentation, and modeling & simulation of communications networks to solve our nation's most complex problems. Those activities will include one or more of following: * Build lab-based testbeds and conduct proof-of-concept experiments * Model the performance and behavior of networks in tactical environments * Work with cyber and infrastructure automation technologies * Research emerging technologies and assess applicability to sponsor missions * Assist sponsors in analyzing, modernizing, and advancing their programs If a specific project requires skills or knowledge of technologies with which you are unfamiliar, your responsibilities will also include reaching back to fellow network research engineers across the MITRE corporation to bring their expertise to bear. To be clear, these openings are for research, design, and analysis positions that are focused in the area of networking. They do not involve administering, operating, troubleshooting, or otherwise maintaining a production communications network. ## Related Videos - [JavaScript? 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