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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Network and Systems Engineer - **Company:** NIGHTWING LLC - **Location:** Annapolis, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $122,000.0 - $253,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Abstraction Layers, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Computing Platforms, Systems Engineering, Architectural Patterns, Border Gateway Protocol, Static Program Analysis, Custom Software, Distributed Systems, Networking Hardware, Netconf, Network Control, Network Protocols, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), OpenFlow, Simple Network Management Protocols, Model-Driven Development, Information Technology, SDN Network, Codebase, Apache Karaf, Osgi, Restful APIs, Microservices - **Published:** September 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9156214/network-and-systems-engineer ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM field * 7+ years of experience in network engineering, systems engineering, or software-defined networking * Deep hands-on experience with software-defined networking (SDN) controller platforms including architecture, deployment, and customization * Strong understanding of model-driven architectures and service abstraction layers in SDN controllers * Expertise in network protocols including OpenFlow, NETCONF, RESTCONF, BGP, OSPF, and SNMP * Proficiency with YANG data modeling for network device configuration and state management * Strong knowledge of OSGi framework and Apache Karaf runtime environments * Experience analyzing large-scale Java codebases and understanding architectural patterns * Solid understanding of Java programming and ability to read/modify Java code for prototyping * Knowledge of RESTful API design and implementation * Experience with distributed systems, microservices architectures, and data consistency challenges * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to architectural details * Proven ability to evaluate technical trade-offs and make sound architectural recommendations * Excellent documentation and communication skills for conveying complex technical concepts * Active TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph * U.S. citizenship is required ## Description * Conduct deep technical analysis of software-defined networking controller architectures, including core modules, southbound/northbound plugins, and internal service dependencies * Evaluate existing SDN platform capabilities against mission requirements to determine gaps and necessary extensions * Architect and design custom modules, plugins, and features to extend platform functionality for specialized networking needs * Perform detailed code analysis of controller internals, understanding the interactions between core services, data abstraction layers, and protocol plugins * Assess whether requirements should be implemented as additions to the existing architecture or as separate modular components * Design and prototype southbound protocol plugins for specialized network devices and protocols * Develop northbound API extensions and custom applications that leverage network programmability capabilities * Analyze platform performance characteristics, identify bottlenecks, and recommend optimization strategies for high-scale deployments * Work with data models to define structures for network device configuration and operational state * Evaluate integration points with external systems, network orchestration platforms, and management tools * Document architectural decisions, technical trade-offs, and implementation strategies for platform customizations * Collaborate with software engineers to implement and test custom modules and extensions * Stay current with SDN community developments, emerging technologies, and industry best practices, * Mission-Driven Impact: Your architectural decisions will directly influence systems that make the world safer and more secure * Innovation at Scale: Work on next-generation network control systems handling sophisticated mission-critical requirements * Collaborative Culture: Work with talented software engineers, network architects, and service members who value deep technical expertise and innovative thinking * Professional Growth: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in SDN, network programmability, and emerging networking technologies * Influence Technology Direction: Your analysis and recommendations will shape the platform architecture and technology roadmap Security Clearance Type: TS/SCI with Polygraph Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1 ## Related Videos - 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