Ground Network Systems Engineer

Aurex; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurex is seeking a Ground Network Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to design, implement, test, and maintain terrestrial components that support satellite and space-based systems. You will evaluate network design, security, and performance while coordinating with government program offices and ground element teams.

This role requires expertise in network design, data center environments, virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), and automation tools such as Ansible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in computer science, IT, or related field.
• Experience with network protocols, routers, switches, firewalls (Cisco/Juniper/Palo Alto).
• Familiarity with network monitoring tools (Wireshark) and virtualization (VMware).
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Understand network systems architecture, security protocols, VPNs, firewalls, and data center environments.
• Explain and evaluate proposed network designs and architectures for scalability and performance.
• Support evaluation of latest security protocols and risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide advice on network architecture, performance, and security risks.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and travel to sites as required.

Skills

Network engineering

Security protocols

Data center environments

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / IT

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

Wireshark

Ansible

Job description

Ground Network Systems Engineer
Chantilly, VA

Overview

Aurex is a mission-focused aerospace and defense company building the next frontier of deterrence. From hypersonics and missile defense to hardened networks and orbital systems, we design, test, and deliver the platforms that turn unproven ideas into battlefield-ready capability.

Born in Huntsville and built for speed, Aurex brings together aerospace veterans, combat-tested operators, and forward-leaning technologists to solve problems that matter—fast. We move from whiteboard to warfighter with precision, clarity, and zero tolerance for fluff.

Job Summary

Seeking an experienced 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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

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

Clearance

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active TS/SCI Security Clearance with a poly

How You Will Be Rewarded

The salary range for this role is $115,000-$150,000 annually. We offer a comprehensive total rewards approach to compensation, providing incentives and benefits that extend far beyond the base salary. Compensation is determined by the candidate’s work experience, education, training, and relevant skills. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and professional growth.

Job Location: Chantilly, VA

_________________

Aurex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination, retaliation, or any type of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, or any other legally protected status in employment, including in hiring, firing, and recruiting decisions. All applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for positions at Aurex. There may be limited circumstances in which a law, regulation, executive order, or government contract would require certain citizenship; only in those limited circumstances would Aurex require certain citizenship status to comply with the relevant law, regulation, executive order, or government contract applicable to that position. A background check will be required prior to any hire.

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