Network and Communications Engineer

Fathom Robotics; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Fathom Robotics is seeking a Network and Communications Engineer to own the network connecting our uncrewed surface vessels to shoreside operators. You will report to the program lead and collaborate with Navy network personnel as the main technical contact for communications.

On-site work in Ventura County, CA and Eglin AFB, FL is required with 25–40% travel. Active SECRET clearance, DoD experience, and strong networking skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Active SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
• 7+ years of hands-on DoD network engineering.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent.
• DoD 8140 certs (Security+) and network cert (CCNA+ or Palo Alto/Juniper).
• Routing, switching, firewall, and VPN config with failover design.
• Bash or Python scripting.
• STIG, patching, vulnerability scanning; RMF/NIST 800-171 familiarity.
• Experience on classified systems in a cleared environment.
• Ability to work independently and travel on short notice.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain IP networks for satellite terminals on vessels and shoreside.
• Configure and troubleshoot routers, firewalls, and VPNs, including VLANs and traffic isolation.
• Set up secure remote access to operator software.
• Design failover across satellite, cellular, and radio links.
• Restore communications during test events and operations using packet captures, routing analysis, and logs.
• Maintain versioned device configurations and automate routine tasks with scripts.
• Apply patches and STIG settings, run vulnerability scans, and maintain network diagrams and system security documentation.
• Support other vessel communications equipment, including satellite, LOS radio, and maritime safety devices.
• Handle controlled and classified information per procedure, coordinating with facility security and government contacts.

Skills

Network engineering

Scripting (bash/python)

Clearance handling

VLANs & VPNs

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical field

Tools

Security+

CCNA+

Palo Alto

Juniper

Job description

ABOUT FATHOM ROBOTICS

Fathom Robotics provides operations, maintenance, training, and applied engineering services for uncrewed maritime systems supporting U.S. Government and commercial defense programs. We have multiple active projects across a variety of government and commercial clients and are actively fielding systems in operational environments.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Fathom Robotics is hiring a Network and Communications Engineer to own the network that connects our uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to shoreside operators. You will report to our program lead, work directly with Fathom leadership, and serve as our main technical contact for communications, alongside Navy network personnel.

LOCATION:

On-site work in Ventura County, CA and Eglin AFB, FL

WORK TYPE:

Full-Time

CLEARANCE:

Active Secret

PROGRAM CONDITIONS

Most work is remote and unclassified. Hardware work and tasks that require approved spaces happen on site. Expect 25 to 40 percent travel, meaning overnight stays away from your home base, with more around test events. Travel is reimbursed. Occasional international travel may be required as the program grows. Hours are standard weekday hours. During test events, expect some early, late, or weekend hours and be ready to acknowledge outages within a few hours. Otherwise, after-hours work is rare.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, configure, and maintain IP networks for satellite terminals on vessels and shoreside
• Configure and troubleshoot routers, firewalls, and VPNs, including VLANs and traffic isolation
• Set up secure remote access to operator software
• Design failover across satellite, cellular, and radio links
• Restore communications during test events and operations using packet captures, routing analysis, an logs
• Maintain versioned device configurations and automate routine tasks with scripts
• Apply patches and STIG settings, run vulnerability scans, and maintain network diagrams and system security documentation
• Support other vessel communications equipment, including satellite, line-of-sight radio, and maritime safety devices
• Handle controlled and classified information per procedure, working with our facility security officer and government contacts

Desired Qualifications:

• Active SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required
• 7 or more years of hands-on network engineering in a DoD or cleared contractor environment
• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience
• DoD 8140 qualifying certification (such as Security+) and a network certification (CCNA or higher, or Palo Alto or Juniper equivalent)
• Hands-on routing, switching, firewall, and VPN configuration, including failover design over satellite, cellular, or radio links
• Scripting in bash or Python
• Experience with STIG compliance, patching, and vulnerability scanning; familiarity with NIST 800-171 or RMF
• Experience on classified systems or with controlled communications equipment in a cleared environment
• Able to work independently in a small company and travel on short notice

Preferred Backgrounds:

• ISSO, ISSE, or system administrator experience under RMF
• Navy IT, ET, or CT veteran, or range or tactical communications contractor
• SATCOM, VSAT, or Starlink experience
• Maritime radio, AIS, or satellite phone equipment experience
• Shipboard, maritime, or uncrewed vehicle networking exposure

Compensation

$120,000-145,000/year, commensurate with experience

Start Date:

Contingent upon contract award, in the near term. We are running our hiring process now so we can bring the right person on quickly once award is confirmed.

Fathom Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.