Computer Network Architect tosupport Special Operations communication

Serves as a hybrid Network & Systems Engineer and Tactical Communications SME, responsible for designing, building, automating, testing, and sustaining mission-critical network infrastructure in support of deployed and enterprise operations. This role integrates hands-on engineering, automation development, and operational support to deliver secure, scalable, and rapidly deployable network solutions

Key Responsibilites

• Network & Systems Engineer / Tactical Communications SME / Testing & Development

• Maintains expert-level awareness of current and emerging technologies through continuous research of technical manuals, vendor documentation, security advisories, and open-source resources.

• Evaluates and recommends hardware and software versionsby validating:

• Minimum installation requirements
• Known defects and bugs
• Security bulletins and patches
• Compatibility with legacy systems
• Power constraints (including PoE considerations)
• Environmental and thermal limitations
• End-user interoperability (notably SFP module compatibility)

Collaborates with the JEDI teamto enable bare-metal provisioning of RHEL servers, leveraging Kickstart-based automationfor PXE-style rapid deployments

Builds secure, mission-ready network nodes from bare metal, including firmware/software upgrades, secure configuration baselines, tunnel establishment, and performance optimization.

Conducts in-depth network connectivity testing, end-user behavior analysis, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal throughput and reliability.

Coordinates with multiple J6 functional areaswhen deploying new sites.

Works directly with customers to ensure installations are plug-and-play, enabling rapid deployment within constrained logistical timelines.

Developed the initial MFS Medium v2 configurationand influenced the MFS Heavy baseline.

Rapidly identifies and resolves network configuration errors; provides validated solutions to the network automation teamfor integration and code deployment.

Possesses deep operational knowledge of network architectures, protocols, and failure modes, allowing for expedited fault isolation and resolution. Encryption Subject Matter Expert (SME)

• Holds strong working knowledge of encryptor configuration, firmware management, operational requirements, version enforcement, best practices, and troubleshooting.
• Diagnoses encryption issues based on customer-reported symptoms and operational context.
• Identified and resolved a critical encryption key failureaffecting a forward-deployed Tier tactical node after multiple unsuccessful remediation attempts.
• Proficient with GemOneand Chimeramanagement platforms.

Additional Operational Support

• Performs off-site communications checks and equipment upgrades, including installation and airflow optimization to prevent overheating and equipment degradation
• Delivers expedited remote support to traveling customers, providing Cisco CLI commands to rapidly restore communications for senior leadership
• Detects and communicates probable hardware failures at distant ends during outage scenarios
• Assists with baselining and testing MFS kits under tight timelines or suspected hardware/software issues
• Collaborates with customers, ECS, and Tier units to troubleshoot connectivity issues and deliver targeted technical training

• Daily operational use of:

• Nautobot(IPAM and device management)
• AWX(administration and automation)
• Active Directory
• Forward Networks(topology and fault analysis)
• Splunk(detailed network/server logging)
• ServiceNow(ticketing and technical order tracking)

Provides on-site support for emergent taskings, including after-hours operations

High School with 10+ years (or commensurate experience), * Clearance Required: TS/SCI

• DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Experience with Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure
• Experience with Containerization technologies
• Experience with microservice network architecture
• Experience with troubleshooting and resolving technical problems with both on-site and remote administrators
• Ability to communicate technical ideas and deliver briefings with cross-functional teams, work in a high-demand environment, and provide technical expertise on all phases of system engineering activities
• Active and current U.S. Driver’s License

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology or related fields
• Experience supporting U.S. Special Operations organizations
• Cisco DevNet Associate
• Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Network Automation
• Aviatrix Certified Engineer Multicloud Network Automation Specialty
• Linux Essentials LPI
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator
• Certified Kubernetes Application Developer
• Experience with Terraform
• Experience with Cloud Native networking technologies and concepts
• Experience with Amazon Web Services
• Experience with developing tactical, expeditionary cross-domain solutions to deliver FMV across different environments, enclaves, and networks
• Experience with designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting expeditionary, global, regional, and disconnected networks, including internal LAN traffic, WAN, Satellite communications, commercial leased lines, long haul circuits, distributed packet processing, data compression, encryption, and various data transport systems
• Experience with evaluating projected network usage and reviewing utilization reports
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and working with Agile teams using collaboration tools such as Gitlab.
• Experience with working with CM tools, including Gitlab, Git-centric, and CI/CD workflows
• Knowledge of network engineering in cloud and disconnected edge environments
• Knowledge of Python scripting, writing Ansible playbooks, rudimentary APIs, or automation scripts
• Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and working with Agile teams using collaboration tools such as GitLab.
• Experience working with CM tools, including GitLab, Git-centric, and CI/CD workflows
• Able to wear personal protective equipment, including protective mask, ballistic helmet, body armor, and chemical/biological protective garments
• Medically/Physically fit for deployment with U.S. Military Forces Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) under the provisions of USCENTCOM Medical Standards

Unfunded position- A Contingency Offer Letter will be extended to the selected candidate. Employment is contingent on the position being fully funded and a vacancy existing.