Communications Network Systems Engineer

Centuria; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Centuria seeks a Communications & Network Systems Engineer to join our Norman, OK team supporting the National Weather Service Radar Operations Center. This hybrid role blends Electrical, Network, and Linux System Administration, driving evaluations for diverse communication paths and performing Tier 3 hardware/network troubleshooting in a hands-on lab.

You will help transition radar telemetry across federal contracts, develop test plans, and ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-53 and FISMA while

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Hands-on configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting RHEL or Embedded Linux systems.
• Experience with IP routing and switching (TCP/IP, Ethernet, BGP/OSPF) and diverse transport mediums (LEO/GEO satellite, 4G/5G, microwaves, VSAT).
• Proficiency with physical rack gear, power distribution, cabling, and lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators).
• Scripting ability in Python, Bash, or Expect for automation and diagnostics.
• Ability to read schematics/wiring diagrams, produce technical docs and test procedures, and travel for site visits.
• Strong communication skills and experience leading meetings with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, architect, and test resilient network communications across multiple media including LEO satellite, 4G/5G, MPLS, and fiber.
• Troubleshoot hardware, network, and system issues at Tier 3 level in lab and field environments.
• Configure and maintain RHEL/Embedded Linux across radar subsystems; write automation scripts.
• Develop system specifications, lead engineering change proposals, and draft test plans for NEXRAD hardware refreshes.
• Ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-53 and FISMA while maintaining high uptime.
• Lead project teams from requirements through deployment and field validation.
• Provide escalation support to field personnel and radar sites for complex issues.

Skills

Network engineering

Linux scripting

Python scripting

Bash scripting

Expect scripting

IP routing

Technical communication

Project coordination

Education

EE/CE/CS degree

Tools

RHEL

Embedded Linux

Oscilloscopes

DMMs

Spectrum analyzers

Rack hardware

Job description

Job Title: Communications Network Systems Engineer

Location: Norman, OK

Clearance: Public Trust

Program: RMSS

Company Description:

Centuria, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), has been delivering IT, Engineering, and Scientific solutions to the Federal Government since 2002. During our two decades of service we have earned the trust and respect of our government clients for the simple reason that we have great people who are experts in their fields and take pride and ownership in everything they do.

The Washington Post has recognized Centuria Corporation as one of the top workplaces in the DC Metro area for 2024. This award celebrates nationally recognized companies that make the world a better place to work together by prioritizing a people-centered culture and giving employees a voice. The Top Workplaces USA award is based entirely on feedback from an employee engagement survey completed by the employees of participating workplaces. Centuria is honored to have been awarded this distinction.

Program Description:

Centuria is seeking a Communications & Network Systems Engineer to join our team in Norman, OK, supporting the National Weather Service (NWS) Radar Operations Center (ROC). Supporting the Engineering Branch, you will serve as a technical authority responsible for modernizing, maintaining, and integrating the telecommunications, computer hardware, and signal/data transport infrastructure across the tri-agency NEXRAD (WSR-88D) network.

This hybrid role bridges Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, and Linux System Administration. You will lead technical evaluations for primary and backup communication paths (LEO Satcom, 4G/5G, Terrestrial Fiber, VSAT), perform Tier 3 hardware/network troubleshooting in a hands-on lab environment, and assist in transitioning radar telemetry across federal infrastructure contracts (GSA EIS).

Job Responsibilities:

• Evaluate, architect, and test resilient network communications across diverse transport mediums, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems (e.g., Starlink), 4G/5G cellular backhaul, MPLS, point-to-point microwave, and terrestrial fiber while supporting the transition of radar site telecommunications under GSA Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS).
• Perform hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and testing of rack-mounted servers, power management units (RDA Power Administrators), Master System Control Function (MSCF) hardware, and interface cabling using standard electronics test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and spectrum analyzers to diagnose physical-layer signal and power anomalies.
• Configure, harden, and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and embedded Linux environments across radar subsystems, writing functional scripts in Python, Bash, or Expect to automate system configuration, network monitoring, and diagnostic procedures.
• Develop system specifications, lead Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and draft test plans and reports for NEXRAD hardware refreshes and modifications, ensuring all design implementations comply with federal Information System security policies (NIST SP 800-53, FISMA) while maintaining >96% operational uptime.
• Perform project management duties leading Integrated Project Teams from requirement validation, designing solutions, planning procurement requirements, testing and verification, and managing field-wide deployments.
• Provide direct Tier 3 technical escalation support to field personnel and operational radar sites experiencing complex hardware, operating system, or transport network failures.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Computer Engineering (BSCE), Computer Science (BSCS), or a related technical discipline with equivalent practical engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting RHEL or Embedded Linux systems.
• Practical experience with IP routing and switching protocols (TCP/IP, Ethernet, BGP/OSPF) combined with exposure to non-terrestrial or remote transport mediums (LEO/GEO satellite, 4G/5G, microwave, or VSAT).
• Demonstrated proficiency with physical rack gear, power distribution systems, server cabling, and operating standard electronics lab equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and signal generators.
• Demonstrated scripting capability in Python, Bash, or Expect for network automation, system diagnostic tools, or routine administrative tasks.
• Proven ability to read schematic and wiring diagrams, author formal technical documentation and test procedures, and travel periodically to support site visits or technical reviews.
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively using oral and written communication skills. Responsibilities will include leading project meetings, communicating with key stakeholders, and coordinating with budgetary and Tri-Agency personnel.

Great-to-Have Experience:

• Familiarity with RF communication fundamentals, radar signal paths, or high-availability and real-time processing architectures.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco IOS hardware configuration and enterprise network boundary defense.
• Exposure to embedded hardware systems, MATLAB/Simulink modeling, or technical drafting tools such as AutoCAD and Visio.
• Experience navigating NOAA/NWS or tri-agency engineering change management frameworks and gitlab software repositories