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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Network & Security Architect - **Company:** Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation - **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $160,000.0 - $200,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Cyber Security, Data Transport Utility, Network Security, Network Architecture, Network Planning and Design, Routing, Network Protocols, Zero Trust Network Access, Systems Integration, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Software Vulnerability Management, Computer Networking Systems, Information Technology - **Published:** August 31, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9129642/network-security-architect ## About the Role You are a Network & Security Expert who enjoys solving complex challenges and designing secure, reliable, and high-performing enterprise networks. You bring strong experience in network architecture, cybersecurity, and systems integration, with the ability to evaluate existing environments and recommend improvements that enhance performance, resiliency, and security. As a trusted technical advisor, you work effectively across engineering, cybersecurity, and mission teams to deliver solutions that support critical operations. You are driven by innovation, collaboration, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a mission-focused environment., * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field. * Minimum of 9 years of experience in network engineering, network architecture, cybersecurity, systems engineering, or a related discipline. * Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructures. * Strong understanding of: + Network architecture and design + Data transport technologies + Routing and switching protocols + TCP/IP networking + Systems interoperability + Infrastructure assessment and analysis * Experience implementing and supporting network security controls and architectures. * Knowledge of network security principles, standards, frameworks, and industry best practices. * Experience supporting secure network operations in government or highly regulated environments. * Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills. * Active TS/SCI security clearance., * Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), Department of Defense, or Intelligence Community organizations. * Knowledge of federal government classified networks and systems. * Experience supporting mission systems, command and control environments, or space operations networks. * Familiarity with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles. * Experience supporting network modernization, systems integration, or enterprise transformation initiatives. * Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity requirements, RMF, NIST, and related security frameworks. Primary Work Location: Work is expected to be fully onsite in Colorado Springs, CO. The selected candidate must be able to support in-person program, customer, and technical coordination activities as required. ## Description The Network & Security Architect serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting the design, integration, analysis, and security of enterprise network infrastructures supporting mission-critical operations. The Architect provides technical leadership for network architecture, data transport, systems interoperability, and cybersecurity initiatives across complex government environments. This position supports the modernization, assessment, and optimization of network infrastructure while ensuring compliance with security standards and best practices. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in network protocols, transport technologies, security architecture, and infrastructure analysis to support operational and strategic mission objectives within classified environments. This position is contingent upon contract award, with performance anticipated to begin on or about September 15 th , 2026., * Serve as a technical SME for network architecture, data transport, infrastructure analysis, and cybersecurity initiatives. * Design, evaluate, and optimize enterprise network infrastructures supporting mission operations and organizational objectives. * Analyze network architectures and transport systems to improve performance, availability, scalability, and security. * Develop network designs and recommendations for secure and reliable communications across enterprise environments. * Evaluate network protocols, routing methodologies, and interoperability requirements to ensure effective system integration. * Assess existing network infrastructures and recommend improvements to enhance resiliency and operational effectiveness. * Support the development and implementation of network security architectures, standards, policies, and procedures. * Perform infrastructure and interoperability assessments to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. * Collaborate with engineering, cybersecurity, operations, and mission stakeholders to develop and implement technical solutions. * Develop and maintain network architecture documentation, diagrams, technical assessments, and engineering recommendations. * Provide guidance regarding cybersecurity best practices, defense-in-depth strategies, and secure network design. * Support incident response, vulnerability mitigation, and network security improvement efforts as required. * Prepare technical briefings, reports, and recommendations for government leadership and stakeholder organizations. * Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that support mission needs and long-term technical objectives. ## Related Videos - [Cyber Sleuth: Finding Hidden Connections in Cyber Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/893-cyber-sleuth-finding-hidden-connections-in-cyber-data) - [Small, Secure, Interconnected: The next Internet Protocol](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100062-small-secure-interconnected-the-next-internet-protocol) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [Creating a routing app with Google Maps API from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/831-creating-a-routing-app-with-google-maps-api-from-scratch) - [Demystifying application networking in the cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/675-demystifying-application-networking-in-the-cloud) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) ## Related Articles - [Events like RSAC Get You CISOs. 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