Cloud Network Engineer

Penta Research Incorporated; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Penta Research Incorporated is seeking a Cloud Network Engineer to design, deploy, and operate secure, high-performance networks spanning on-premise data centers and cloud environments. You will work with SDN, container-native networking in Kubernetes, and implement automated infrastructure using Terraform and Ansible.

The role emphasizes hybrid cloud connectivity, network security, and collaboration with security, DevOps, and application teams. Huntsville-based customer-site work is required.

Qualifications

• ,
• Network design experience for restricted/compliant networks and inter-domain/enclave security; cloud networking with VPC/VNets; Linux OS experience; multicast UDP/broadcast handling; SDN and hardware networking; Kubernetes networking; secure multi-domain routing.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy secure networks across cloud and on-premise environments.
• Build and manage cloud networking infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Configure SDN platforms and integrate with Kubernetes via CNI plugins.
• Enable hybrid cloud connectivity and optimize routing/latency.
• Automate provisioning and changes using IaC (Terraform, Ansible).
• Create runbooks and documentation for network solutions.

Skills

Network Design

Cloud Networking

Linux

Multicast/UDP

SDN / HW-Networking

Kubernetes Networking

Secure Routing Across Domains

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

CNI plugins (Calico, Cilium, Multus)

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Cloud Network Engineer to design, implement, and operate secure, high-performance networks that span on-premise data centers, public cloud environments, and enclave-based domains. The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with cloud networking, software-defined networking (SDN), and container-native networking solutions, particularly within Kubernetes environments. This Cloud Network Engineer will spend the majority of their working at the customer sites in Huntsville.

Location: Huntsville, AL

Employment type: full-time

Security clearance required: Secret Security Clearance Required

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Deploy Secure Networks
  • Architect and configure restricted computer networks and secure inter-domain routes.
  • Implement network segmentation, access controls, and policy enforcement across cloud and on-premise resources.
• Cloud & Multicast Networking
  • Build and manage cloud networking infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.).
  • Configure and troubleshoot multicast UDP and broadcast UDP traffic for high-throughput applications.
• Software-Defined & Hardware-Defined Solutions
  • Deploy and maintain Software Defined Network (SDN) platforms and hardware-based network appliances.
  • Integrate network services with Kubernetes using CNI plugins and container-based networking.
• Hybrid Cloud Integration
  • Connect remote cloud instances to on-premise data centers, ensuring reliable routing and latency optimization.
  • Support hybrid cloud architectures and remote enclave connectivity.
• Automation & Monitoring
  • Automate network provisioning and changes using IaC tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible).
  • Implement robust monitoring, logging, alerting for network health and security events.
• Collaboration & Documentation
  • Work closely with security, DevOps, and application teams to define network access protocols and rules.
  • Produce clear documentation, runbooks, and knowledge-base articles for all network solutions.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Network Design ExperienceProven experience setting up restricted/compliant networks and securing inter-domain/enclave communication.
• Cloud NetworkingHands-on experience with cloud networking services (VPC, VNets, peering, transit gateways).
• Linux Operation SystemsExperience with Linux OS
• Multicast/UDPPractical knowledge of multicast UDP and broadcast UDP traffic handling.
• SDN / Hardware-Defined NetworkingExperience with both software-defined and hardware-defined networking technologies.
• Kubernetes-Based NetworkingDirect experience designing, deploying, and troubleshooting networking within Kubernetes clusters.
• Secure Routing Across DomainsAbility to create and manage secure routing paths between isolated domains or enclaves.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• CNI Expertise – Experience with one or more Container Network Interfaces (CNI): Cilium, Calico, Multus, or similar.
• Enterprise Software Hosting – Background deploying and supporting enterprise‑grade applications in production environments.
• Network Access Policy Development – Experience defining and governing network access protocols, firewall rules, and zero‑trust policies.
• Container‑Mesh Architecture – Familiarity with container‑based network meshes (e.g., Istio, Linkerd) and service‑mesh concepts.
• Cloud‑to‑Cloud Routing – Experience routing traffic between multiple cloud service provider instances.
• Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure – Proven work with hybrid cloud models linking remote clouds to on-premise resources.

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities; comfortable troubleshooting complex network issues.
• Excellent communication skills – able to translate technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on security, reliability, and scalability.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a cross‑functional team.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNA/CCNP, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, Certified Kubernetes Administrator) are a plus.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 5+ years of professional networking experience, with a focus on cloud and software‑defined environments.