STINGRAI NAVSOUTH Network Engineer SME- 30318

HII-Mission Technologies is seeking a Network Engineer who supports Mission Operations Center (MOC) activities by designing, implementing, securing, and maintaining mission-critical network infrastructure used for command, control, communications, data transport, and unmanned systems experimentation. This role supports operations involving fixed facilities, distributed mission nodes, tactical communications systems, and ground control stations used for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and autonomous test platforms.

The position performs end-to-end network engineering tasks including requirements development, architecture design, configuration, troubleshooting, optimization, documentation, and continuous monitoring. The engineer supports real-time operations by maintaining network situational awareness, responding to incidents, and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for unmanned flight testing, autonomous vehicle experimentation, and remote sensor networks.

This role also supports integration and network enablement of new unmanned systems, including advanced telemetry feeds, command-and-control (C2) links, video/data streaming, and secure transport for experimental UAS payloads. The engineer develops cybersecurity artifacts, communications compliance documentation, and network risk assessments to ensure unmanned systems testing meets DoD cyber, spectrum, and communications standards.

What you will do

• Design, implement, and maintain mission-critical network infrastructures supporting MOC operations and unmanned systems experimentation.
• Develop network requirements, architecture diagrams, and integration plans for UAS platforms, ground control stations, and autonomous test systems.
• Configure, monitor, and optimize routers, switches, firewalls, cross-domain solutions, encryption devices, and tactical network gateways.
• Support telemetry, C2, video feeds, and real-time data transport for unmanned flight test events and autonomous system demonstrations.
• Conduct troubleshooting, fault isolation, and root-cause analysis for network issues impacting mission operations or unmanned experimentation.
• Maintain continuous monitoring and network situational awareness during real-time UAS operations and mission execution.
• Develop network documentation including diagrams, configuration baselines, SOPs, and technical reports.
• Support cybersecurity compliance activities including STIG implementation, vulnerability remediation, and RMF documentation.
• Integrate new mission systems, unmanned platforms, and distributed sensor networks into existing architectures.
• Participate in engineering reviews, test readiness evaluations, and technical exchange meetings involving unmanned system experimentation.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, cyber teams, UAS operators, and mission planners to ensure reliable network performance.
• Additional duties as assigned or required.

• 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
• Experience in network engineering, communications systems, mission operations, or unmanned systems support.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise, tactical, and distributed network architectures, transport protocols, and routing concepts.
• Hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, tactical radios, and encryption devices.
• Familiarity with unmanned systems networking, including telemetry transport, UAS command-and-control (C2) paths, and real-time data streaming.
• Experience performing troubleshooting and incident response in real-time operational environments.
• Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity practices including STIGs, IA controls, and RMF requirements.
• Ability to produce high-quality network documentation and technical reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional mission and engineering teams.
• Ability to develop contingency and continuity planning documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Clearance: Must possess and maintain a TS/SCI.

Bonus points for…

• Professional certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA, Network+, Security+, CySA+, or CISSP.
• Experience supporting network architectures for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or autonomous vehicle test environments.
• Familiarity with telemetry systems, RF communications, datalinks, and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) transport mechanisms.
• Experience with tactical communications systems (e.g., SATCOM, LOS/BLOS radios, mesh networks).
• Knowledge of real-time video transport protocols, low-latency streaming, and sensor data networking.
• Experience with network design or operations in high-availability mission operations centers or 24/7 environments.
• Hands-on experience with network automation tools or scripting (Python, Ansible).
• Familiarity with virtualization, containerized environments, or software-defined networking (SDN).
• Knowledge of DoD network accreditation processes, cross-domain solutions, and cryptographic equipment (e.g., TACLANE, KG devices).
• Experience supporting test ranges, flight test events, or distributed experimentation networks.
• Understanding of spectrum management, frequency coordination, or RF interference mitigation.
• Prior experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams in aerospace, defense, or R&D environments.

Physical Requirements

May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.

HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

This opportunity resides with All-Domain Operations (ADO), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. All-Domain Operations comprises multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.

HII designs, develops, integrates and manages the sensors, systems and other assets necessary to support integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision-making. With data fusion and mission management capabilities for the Department of Defense, the combatant commands and the intelligence community, HII advances the mission around the globe.

Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies

Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes-regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization. We look for candidates who want to grow in alignment with these capabilities:

• Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
• Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
• Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
• Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
• Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies., Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you., We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.

Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.