Ground Network Systems Engineer

VTG Defense; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

VTG Defense is seeking an experienced Ground Network Systems Engineer (SETA) to support ground elements of satellite space-based systems. You will help design, test, deploy, and maintain terrestrial components that enable C2 and data processing for space programs.

The role requires deep knowledge of network architecture, security protocols, and virtualization, with travel to diverse sites and the ability to work with cross-functional teams. A TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least five years of experience in computer science, information technology, or related field.
• Experience with network protocols, routers, switches, firewalls from major vendors (Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto).
• Familiarity with network monitoring tools (Wireshark) and virtualization (VMware).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills; able to communicate clearly.
• Travel overseas is required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate network design, security posture, and performance for ground network systems.
• Provide systems engineering support across requirements, design, test plans, and verification.
• Assist in system integration, lifecycle cost analysis, and interface coordination.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and travel to sites as needed.

Skills

Network architecture

Security protocols

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Travel overseas

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

VMware

Wireshark

Palo Alto

Job description

Overview

VTG is seeking an experienced Ground Network Systems Engineer and technical advisor (SETA) with a strong background related to Information Technology or Network Engineering for diverse locations. Candidate will play a critical role in the design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of the terrestrial components that support satellite and space-based systems. This role combines technical expertise with systems-level thinking, requiring a broad range of skills to ensure the seamless operation of ground networks. This candidate will support a government program office in charge of ground element command and control (C2) activities for a major program acquisition within a space system program office. The ground segment consists of ground command and control (C2) software, customized hardware, Automated Data Processing Equipment (ADPE) and network integration.

What will you do?

Activities include concept of operations formulation, requirements definition, analysis and engineering, system architecting, system analysis and design, interface and data architectures, validation and verification, systems integration, system & op. performance analysis, Lifecycle cost analysis & estimation, decision analysis and physical configuration analysis (PCA). This position focuses on evaluation of Network Design and Implementation, Maintenance, Optimization, Security, and Troubleshooting/Problem Resolution. Candidate will be able to:

• Understand network systems architecture, security protocols, VPNs, firewalls, and data center environments. Support evaluation of proposed network design and existing network architecture including scalable, high-performance systems.
• Show a thorough understanding of virtualization technologies such as VMware or Hyper Visors, cloud networking, and automation tools such as Ansible For existing networks, understand how to monitor network performance for optimal operation, identify bottlenecks, and evaluate network analysis identifying areas of improvement and optimization.
• Support evaluation of latest security protocols, risk assessments, and strategies to mitigate network risks.
• Provide advice on network architecture, network performance, and security risks.
• Provide advice on data center floor layout, power & cooling, data storage, infrastructure management, backup, monitoring, operating systems, directory services, identity management, access management, and automation.
• Provide formal and informal feedback on program status and recommendations for the best way forward
• Provide systems engineering support for requirements development, design, test plans, and requirements verifications through acceptance testing from developers
• Review and assess the adequacy of ground systems specifications, RADs, RVPs, ICDs, RVRs and system level requirements documentation.
• Review, analyze and coordinate any changes to ground system specifications. Participate in defining, managing, testing, verifying and validating collection segment internal and external interfaces.
• Coordinate with SED, GED, MOD and non-NRO SPO ground elements as required.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks, ability to work and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Provide advice on the design and deployment of scalable infrastructure platforms
• Attend system level design reviews and program management reviews to assess ground system design maturity, requirements compliance and to provide informed technical recommendations to the customer.
• Review, document and trace ground systems hardware and software requirements, and coordinate with other engineers, FFRDC and developer personnel to resolve issues.
• Review ground system requirements allocations for accuracy and ensure requirement allocation documentation is complete and accurate.
• Review acquisition milestone ground systems design documentation for adequacy, accuracy and completeness, and identify cost, schedule and technical risks/opportunities, and provide mitigation strategies through formal and informal comments. Assess adequacy of developer verification data and provide recommendations to the GPOC for approval or disapproval with clear commentary demonstrating the logic for the recommendations.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with prime contractor counterparts and functional counterparts
• Understand risk management processes and methods for adjudicating program risk mitigation strategies
• Coordinate across geographic diverse sites for delivery and acceptance testing; requires travel to these sites as well as to developer sites
• Provide coordination with facilities' teams during site surveys, installation, and for long-term facilities maintenance of IT equipment and specialized hardware
• Support request for change (RFC) processes

Do you have what it takes?

Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years or more experience in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Experience is desired in Network protocols, network hardware such as routers, switches, firewalls from major vendors like Cisco, Juniper, and Palo Alto Networks.
• Should also include familiarity with network monitoring tools such as Wireshark and with virtualization technologies like VMware.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required as well as excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Organizing meetings, project coordination, and writing and reviewing technical reports is expected
• Possess high organizational capabilities and excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to travel overseas

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Advanced degree in STEM (science, technical, engineering, math) or related discipline
• Prior ground system acquisition experience in a major satellite system
• Understanding of SIGINT Satellite systems
• Prior experience for acquisition activities related to requirements development and assessment, technical evaluations of proposals, and ECP development
• CSEP and or PMP certification
• Demonstrated knowledge of NSIS and JSIS
• Experience in NRO, IC, or DoD program management processes

Pay Range: VTG's estimated starting pay range is $129,000 - $135,000 annually, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range.