Network Operations Engineer

The Network Operations Engineer will play a critical role in designing and maintaining secure network infrastructure that supports advanced defense technology systems. You’ll lead network architecture initiatives across multiple facilities while ensuring compliance with stringent government security standards including NIST 800-171 and FIPS requirements., * Design and implement secure network architectures across multiple facilities while maintaining compliance with NIST 800-171, FIPS, and other defense industry security standards

• Serve as primary escalation point for network incidents and outages, providing expert-level troubleshooting and resolution to minimize impact on critical operations
• Manage complex multi-site connectivity including site-to-site VPN tunnels, redundant ISP connections, and disaster recovery procedures across classified and unclassified environments
• Configure and optimize Cisco Meraki infrastructure, wireless networks, and network segmentation to support both corporate operations and secure defense program requirements
• Lead migration initiatives from traditional networking to SDN architectures while maintaining zero downtime for production systems supporting national security programs

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco networking equipment including Meraki cloud-managed infrastructure, switches, routers, and wireless systems
• Demonstrated expertise in network security architecture including VLANs, DMZs, network segmentation, and multi-layered security controls for sensitive environments
• Working knowledge of government compliance frameworks including NIST 800-171, FIPS standards, and defense industry security requirements
• Proven experience managing multi-site network connectivity with site-to-site VPN tunnels, redundant ISP connections, and disaster recovery implementations
• Strong background in Software Defined Networking (SDN) technologies and experience leading network modernization initiatives
• Experience with wireless network design, deployment, and optimization including RF planning, heatmapping, and performance monitoring
• Proficiency in network monitoring tools and real-time health monitoring systems with ability to serve as escalation point for critical incidents
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field with relevant Cisco certifications (CCNA or higher preferred)
• Experience working in classified or controlled environments with understanding of air-gapped network requirements and security protocol

Nice to have

• Advanced Cisco certifications (CCNP, CCIE) with specialization in security or enterprise networking
• Experience with low voltage cabling, structured wiring systems, and physical network infrastructure design
• Familiarity with defense contractor environments and cleared facility network requirements
• Knowledge of additional SDN platforms beyond Cisco including VMware NSX or Juniper Contrail
• Experience with network automation tools and scripting languages (Python, Ansible) for configuration management

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros’ total compensation package.

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.