Mission-Critical Network & Security Architect

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is seeking a Network & Security Architect to design, integrate, and secure enterprise networks supporting mission-critical operations. You will provide SME guidance across engineering, cybersecurity, and mission teams to deliver secure, high-performance infrastructures in complex government environments.

The role emphasizes modernization, assessment, and optimization of network infrastructure while ensuring compliance with security standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in network engineering, architecture, cybersecurity, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructures.
• Strong understanding of network architecture and design, data transport technologies, routing and switching protocols, and TCP/IP networking.
• Experience implementing and supporting network security controls and architectures.
• Knowledge of network security principles, standards, frameworks, and best practices.
• Experience supporting secure network operations in government or highly regulated environments.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical SME for network architecture, data transport, infrastructure analysis, and cybersecurity initiatives.
• Design, evaluate, and optimize enterprise network infrastructures supporting mission operations and organizational objectives.
• Analyze network architectures and transport systems to improve performance, availability, scalability, and security.
• Develop network designs and recommendations for secure and reliable communications across enterprise environments.
• Evaluate network protocols, routing methodologies, and interoperability requirements to ensure effective system integration.
• Assess existing network infrastructures and recommend improvements to enhance resiliency and operational effectiveness.
• Support the development and implementation of network security architectures, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Perform infrastructure and interoperability assessments to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, cybersecurity, operations, and mission stakeholders to develop and implement technical solutions.
• Develop and maintain network architecture documentation, diagrams, technical assessments, and engineering recommendations.
• Provide guidance regarding cybersecurity best practices, defense-in-depth strategies, and secure network design.
• Support incident response, vulnerability mitigation, and network security improvement efforts as required.
• Prepare technical briefings, reports, and recommendations for government leadership and stakeholder organizations.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that support mission needs and long-term technical objectives.

Skills

Network architecture

Cybersecurity

Systems integration

Data transport

Routing protocols

TCP/IP networking

Security controls

Government/regulatory

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Engineering/Cybersecurity

Job description

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is seeking a Network & Security Architect to design, integrate, and secure enterprise networks supporting mission-critical operations. You will provide SME guidance across engineering, cybersecurity, and mission teams to deliver secure, high-performance infrastructures in complex government environments.

The role emphasizes modernization, assessment, and optimization of network infrastructure while ensuring compliance with security standards.