Network Engineer III

The Network Engineer is responsible for the digital infrastructure that connects mission control to launch pads or test stands, engineering teams to spacecraft, and our entire enterprise to the stars and beyond. This isn’t just about keeping networks running - it’s about ensuring that when our rockets ignite and our spacecraft separate, every bit of telemetry flows flawlessly, every command reaches its destination, and every mission-critical system stays online. This role supports infrastructure and operations where downtime or poor performance could mean mission failure., * Design, implement, and troubleshoot network solutions based on business requirements.

• Manage network projects, including upgrades and migrations, providing technical direction and user support.
• Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot firewall rules for network security, ensuring FIPS compliance.
• Identify, propose, and implement improvements to network architecture to increase resilience and performance.
• Conduct regular network assessments and plan necessary upgrades.
• Collaborate with IT teams to develop and implement network services and automation scripts.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design and deliver network solutions for Launch and Spacecraft vehicles to support critical mission operations.
• Create and maintain documentation of the network environment and operational procedures.
• Prepare reports and documentation outlining findings and proposed solutions.

The ideal candidate is someone who thrives under pressure, thinks strategically about resilience and security, and understands that rockets and spacecraft don’t get a free second attempt., * 5+ years of experience in designing, monitoring, and troubleshooting campus, datacenter, and WAN networks.

• Extensive knowledge of network protocols, including LAN/WAN technologies, routing, switching, QoS, network security, traffic flow analysis, BGP, OSPF Routing, VXLAN, and network automation.
• Experience with automation and scripting tools (e.g., Ansible, Python).
• Expertise with network infrastructure hardware and software (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Arista).
• Proficiency in firewall configuration and network security protocols (e.g., Palo Alto).
• Experience with network monitoring systems (e.g., PRTG, Zabbix, Grafana).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in a fast-moving, dynamic work environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to resolve mission-critical, high-risk issues quickly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Professional certification (e.g., CCNP, CCIE).
• Experience with AWS network infrastructure.
• Experience with Industrial Network devices and infrastructure.
• Familiarity with Docker or Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Windows Server and Linux.
• Familiarity with agile/scrum methodologies.
• Understanding of FIPS compliance requirements.

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.