Network Engineer

Southern Launch; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Launch, Australia’s leading spaceport operator, seeks a Network Engineer to design, implement and maintain secure, reliable networking across its distributed sites including Koonibba and Whalers Way. You will deliver real-time data exchange, remote access and integration with mission systems while focusing on performance, resilience and cybersecurity.

The role involves configuring routing, switching, firewalls, wireless, network monitoring and documentation to support ongoing operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in networking, telecommunications, IT, CSE or related discipline.
• Experience designing, implementing or supporting enterprise networks.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, firewalls and network segmentation.
• Experience troubleshooting connectivity, performance and availability across interconnected systems.
• Understanding of network security, access control, monitoring and configuration management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to communicate technical issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain network architectures supporting reliable communications across distributed environments.
• Develop network requirements and specifications for availability, performance, resilience and security.
• Configure and manage network infrastructure including routing, switching, firewalls, wireless and related equipment.
• Design and implement resilient networks to reduce single points of failure and support failover.
• Evaluate primary and backup communications with diverse options and automated failover.
• Configure segmentation, access controls and traffic management for secure operation.
• Optimize bandwidth, latency, QoS for real-time data and business applications.
• Integrate networks with OT, telemetry, and control systems.
• Implement monitoring, logging, alerting and performance analysis.
• Apply secure network configuration and remote access aligned with policies and standards.
• Develop and maintain network diagrams, configuration records, procedures and recovery plans.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and service providers to upgrade networks.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

TCP/IP

Routing

Switching

VLANs

Firewalls

Network security

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in networking, telecommunications, IT, or related discipline

Job description

Southern Launch is Australia's leading spaceport operator, building the sovereign capability required to get to space and back.

Headquartered in South Australia, Southern Launch operates two of the nation's leading commercial spaceports, the Koonibba Test Range and the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex. Providing orbital and suborbital launch, hypersonic flight, re-entries from space and range services, for commercial, civil and defence customers.

Through regulator-proven, vertically integrated mission services, Southern Launch's unique infrastructure enables direct ascent trajectories to a wide range of orbital inclination. While more than 47,000 square kilometres of secure, remote operating areas support advanced testing and recovery operations.

About the role

The Network Engineer will design, implement and maintain the network and communications infrastructure supporting Southern Launch’s geographically distributed operations. The role will focus on delivering reliable, secure and resilient connectivity between operational sites, mission systems and corporate infrastructure.

You will develop network architectures that support real-time data exchange, remote system access and the integration of complex engineering and operational technologies. Working across network design, implementation, performance monitoring and cybersecurity, you will help ensure communications infrastructure remains reliable, scalable and fit for purpose as Southern Launch’s operations evolve.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain network architectures that support reliable communications across geographically distributed operational and corporate environments.
• Develop network requirements and technical specifications covering availability, performance, capacity, resilience and security.
• Configure and manage network infrastructure, including routing, switching, firewalls, wireless technologies and associated communications equipment.
• Design and implement resilient network solutions that reduce single points of failure and support service continuity during equipment or link failures.
• Evaluate primary and backup communications solutions, including diverse connectivity options and automated failover mechanisms.
• Configure network segmentation, access controls and traffic management to support the secure and efficient operation of different systems and services.
• Optimise bandwidth, latency, Quality of Service and traffic prioritisation to meet the needs of real-time operational data and business applications.
• Integrate networks with operational technology, instrumentation, telemetry, control systems and other technical platforms.
• Implement network monitoring, logging, alerting and performance analysis to identify faults, investigate anomalies and support proactive maintenance.
• Apply secure network configuration and remote access practices aligned with applicable cybersecurity policies, standards and regulatory obligations.
• Develop and maintain network diagrams, configuration records, technical procedures, recovery plans and other supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external service providers to troubleshoot issues, coordinate upgrades and deliver scalable network improvements.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in networking, telecommunications, information technology, computer systems engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing or supporting enterprise networks and communications infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, firewalls and network segmentation.
• Experience troubleshooting network connectivity, performance and availability issues across interconnected systems.
• Understanding of network security, access management, monitoring and infrastructure configuration management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate technical issues and solutions to a range of stakeholders.

Preferred skills and experience

• Industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA or equivalent networking qualifications.
• Experience designing high-availability networks, redundant communications paths and automated failover solutions.
• Familiarity with WAN, SD-WAN, VPNs, fibre, microwave, satellite or other long-distance communications technologies.
• Experience supporting geographically dispersed sites, remote facilities or environments with limited connectivity options.
• Knowledge of network performance engineering, Quality of Service, time synchronisation and real-time data transmission.
• Experience integrating operational technology, industrial control systems, telemetry or instrumentation networks.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and standards, including the Australian Government Information Security Manual, Essential Eight or relevant industrial cybersecurity standards.
• Experience with network automation, scripting, infrastructure as code or centralised monitoring platforms.

Security clearance requirements

• Applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance through the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA). For more information about security clearance eligibility and the vetting process, visit the AGSVA website.