Principal Network Engineer

In this position, you will serve as a Principal Network Engineer supporting multiple advanced defense and space programs with a primary focus on the Space Development Agency (SDA), U.S. Space Force, and other DoD customers. You will provide technical leadership for engineering teams responsible for designing, integrating, securing, testing, and evaluating space-based network architectures supporting next-generation satellite constellations and mission systems. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience leading network engineering efforts supporting space systems, satellite communications (SATCOM), mission operations centers, and ground infrastructure. Experience designing secure end-to-end communications across satellites, tactical users, terrestrial networks, cloud environments, and ground stations is highly desirable. Experience working with commercial and government satellite operators, telecommunications providers, cloud service providers, and defense contractors on both technical and contractual matters is required. The candidate must be capable of directly interfacing with customers on highly technical engineering issues, systems architecture, technical risk management, and program execution. Strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential. Under the direction of the Program Manager, the candidate will lead engineering efforts supporting research, development, integration, testing, cyber assessments, and operational evaluation of networking technologies. Responsibilities include Secure integration of space communications components and systems; Network modeling and simulation; Technology demonstrations; Prototype evaluations; Mission assurance assessment support; Network performance analysis; Communications resiliency assessments; and Zero Trust implementation across hybrid network environments.

Required Education: BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.

Desired Education: MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.

Required Experience: 10+ years designing, engineering, integrating, or operating secure network infrastructures supporting space systems and defense communications architectures. 10+ years of experience supporting space vehicle communications, ground systems, mission operations, and satellite networking. 10+ years designing enterprise and tactical IP networks including IPv4/IPv6, BGP, OSPF, Ethernet switching, MPLS, SDN, QoS, WAN/LAN/MAN, multicast, and network resiliency. 5+ years leading technical teams supporting satellite networking, mission operations centers, ground stations, or hybrid terrestrial/non-terrestrial networking. 5+ years managing technical projects involving telecommunications providers, satellite operators, cloud providers, equipment manufacturers, and government customers. 3+ years supporting cybersecurity engineering including Zero Trust Architecture, network segmentation, firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, RMF, DoD STIG implementation, vulnerability assessments, and cyber testing. Experience supporting space networking test events, mission rehearsals, operational demonstrations, or developmental test activities. Experience integrating commercial and government space systems into resilient mission architectures.