Cyber Security Engineer

Actalent; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Sr. Network & Cyber Security Engineer to design, secure, monitor, and troubleshoot the communications infrastructure that connects unmanned aircraft systems to ground control stations.

You will own a complex environment including RF networks, Starlink satellite links, VPNs, firewalls, and Windows/Linux systems, prioritizing reliability and cybersecurity in remote operations. You will build scalable network architectures, implement security policies, and enhance monitoring

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in network engineering in remote or mission‑critical environments.
• Strong working knowledge of TCP/IP fundamentals including routing, NAT, DNS, DHCP.
• Proficiency configuring and troubleshooting VPNs and firewalls.
• Experience with Windows and Linux for network and system administration.
• Experience with wireless and satellite communications (Starlink, VSAT).
• Ability to design and scale network architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design secure, scalable network architectures that connect UAS to ground control stations, with uptime and resiliency focus.
• Configure, secure, and maintain RF networks, Starlink satellites, VPNs, and firewalls across Windows and Linux.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve degraded or remote communications links (RF relays, Starlink, VPN servers).
• Develop and maintain network topology diagrams, interfaces, and deployment documentation.
• Implement and maintain network security policies, VPN configurations, firewall rules, and segmentation for field systems.
• Build and enhance monitoring, diagnostics, and logging to support rapid root-cause analysis.
• Assist operators by simplifying troubleshooting workflows and enabling self-service where possible.

Skills

TCP/IP networking

VPNs

Firewalls

Windows

Linux

Scripting (PowerShell)

Scripting (Python)

Satellite communications (Starlink/VS)

Tools

Starlink

VSAT

VPN servers

Job description

Sr. Network & Cyber Security Engineer

This Sr. Network & Cyber Security Engineer role focuses on designing, securing, monitoring, and troubleshooting the communications infrastructure that connects unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to ground control stations. You will own a complex environment that includes RF networks, Starlink satellite communications, VPNs, firewalls, and both Windows and Linux systems, with a strong emphasis on reliability, cybersecurity, and field operations support. You will build and maintain secure, scalable, and resilient network architectures that support mission-critical operations and enable operators to diagnose and resolve issues quickly in remote and demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Design secure, scalable network architectures that connect unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to ground control stations, with a focus on uptime, resiliency, and mission-critical performance.


• Configure, secure, and maintain RF networks, Starlink and other satellite communication links, VPNs, firewalls, and routing across Windows and Linux environments.


• Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve degraded or remote communications links, including RF relays, Starlink links, VPN servers, and ground control station connectivity.


• Develop and maintain network topology diagrams, interface definitions, configuration standards, and deployment documentation for UAS and ground control station networks.


• Implement and maintain network security policies, including VPN configurations, firewall rules, endpoint security controls, and network segmentation for field-deployed systems.


• Build and enhance monitoring, diagnostic, and logging capabilities to detect issues early and support rapid root cause analysis of network and system problems.


• Support operators and other non-technical end users by simplifying troubleshooting workflows and enabling self-service where appropriate.


• Participate in and support vulnerability assessments, security configuration reviews, patching, and remediation of network and operating system security findings.


• Apply cybersecurity best practices and relevant frameworks to harden network infrastructure and systems used in field, tactical, aerospace, or defense environments.


• Use scripting and automation tools such as PowerShell and Python to streamline network configuration, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance tasks.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that network designs balance security, reliability, usability, and field practicality.


• Provide calm, clear communication and guidance during live troubleshooting sessions, including remote support for field operations.


• Continuously learn and adapt to new hardware, radios, link technologies, and evolving network architectures as the fleet and systems grow.

Essential Skills

• Hands‑on experience in network engineering, systems administration, or field communications in complex, remote, or mission‑critical environments.


• Direct experience with system stability and troubleshooting beyond traditional help desk responsibilities.


• Strong working knowledge of TCP/IP networking fundamentals, including routing, subnetting, NAT, DNS, and DHCP.


• Proficiency configuring and troubleshooting VPNs, including peer‑to‑peer or supernode‑based architectures such as n2n or similar solutions.


• Experience configuring and managing firewalls and implementing network security policies.


• Experience working with both Windows and Linux environments for network and system administration.


• Experience with wireless and RF networking and satellite communications, such as Starlink, VSAT, or similar technologies.


• Experience designing or scaling network architectures, not only maintaining existing networks.


• Scripting or automation experience using PowerShell and/or Python.


• Ability to troubleshoot degraded or remote communications links in field or distributed environments.


• Strong understanding of network infrastructure, configuration, deployment, and data flows for UAS, ground control stations, and related systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating in field, remote, or expeditionary environments such as tactical communications, WISP field networking, or industrial and SCADA remote site networking.


• Experience supporting non-technical end users in troubleshooting network issues, with a focus on simplification and self‑service enablement.


• Experience securing field‑deployed, tactical, aerospace, or defense networks, including VPNs, firewalls, encrypted communications, network segmentation, and secure remote access.


• Familiarity with Department of Defense cybersecurity practices such as RMF and NIST SP 800-53 as they relate to network infrastructure and system hardening.


• Experience supporting vulnerability assessments, security configuration reviews, patching, and remediation of network and operating system security findings.


• CompTIA Network+ or Security+ certification, or equivalent.


• Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification, or equivalent vendor certification.


• Relevant military communications or signal corps training or certification.


• Relevant network or cybersecurity certifications such as Security+, CCNP Security, CISSP, or equivalent practical experience.


• Demonstrated track record of reducing recurring operational issues through root cause analysis rather than repeated one‑off fixes.


• Experience balancing competing constraints of security, reliability, usability, and field practicality when making network design decisions.


• Self‑directed learning mindset with the ability to quickly understand new hardware, radios, and link technologies as architectures evolve.


• Understanding of RF and satellite communications principles, including link budget basics, latency and packet loss behavior, and interference troubleshooting.


• Comfort working independently to troubleshoot novel or ambiguous problems with incomplete information.


• Strong, calm communication skills during live troubleshooting scenarios, including remote support situations.


• Interest in contributing at the ground level to a high‑visibility, high‑impact initiative within an established organization.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Bingen, WA. The position involves primarily office and production floor work, with most troubleshooting performed remotely and occasional in-field support for complex network or communications issues. Domestic and international travel is required approximately 5% of the time. Daily work includes sitting and working at a computer, reading screens, documents, and engineering drawings, and moving through office and production areas that may include uneven surfaces. The role may require carrying or lifting items up to 30 pounds. You will work closely with advanced technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems, ground control stations, RF relays, satellite communications (including Starlink), VPN servers, and both Windows and Linux environments in a highly visible, mission-driven setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bingen, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $155565.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

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Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Bingen,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.