Network and Systems Engineer

Nightwing; Maryland; On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a Senior Network Engineer / Systems Engineer to analyze and extend software-defined networking platforms. You will architect modules, prototype southbound protocols, and develop northbound API extensions for customizable network control.

This role demands deep SDN expertise, Java proficiency, and strong documentation. The position is onsite in Maryland with security clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM field
• 7+ years of experience in network engineering, systems engineering, or software-defined networking
• Deep hands-on experience with SDN controller platforms including architecture, deployment, and customization
• Strong understanding of model-driven architectures and service abstraction layers in SDN controllers
• Expertise in network protocols including OpenFlow, NETCONF, RESTCONF, BGP, OSPF, and SNMP
• Proficiency with YANG data modeling for network device configuration and state management
• Strong knowledge of OSGi framework and Apache Karaf runtime environments
• Experience analyzing large-scale Java codebases and understanding architectural patterns
• Solid understanding of Java programming and ability to read/modify Java code for prototyping
• Knowledge of RESTful API design and implementation
• Experience with distributed systems, microservices architectures, and data consistency challenges
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to architectural details
• Proven ability to evaluate technical trade-offs and make sound architectural recommendations
• Excellent documentation and communication skills for conveying complex technical concepts
• Active TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph
• U.S. citizenship is required

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep technical analysis of software-defined networking controller architectures, including core modules, southbound/northbound plugins, and internal service dependencies
• Evaluate existing SDN platform capabilities against mission requirements to determine gaps and necessary extensions
• Architect and design custom modules, plugins, and features to extend platform functionality for specialized networking needs
• Perform detailed code analysis of controller internals, understanding the interactions between core services, data abstraction layers, and protocol plugins
• Assess whether requirements should be implemented as additions to the existing architecture or as separate modular components
• Design and prototype southbound protocol plugins for specialized network devices and protocols
• Develop northbound API extensions and custom applications that leverage network programmability capabilities
• Analyze platform performance characteristics, identify bottlenecks, and recommend optimization strategies for high-scale deployments
• Work with data models to define structures for network device configuration and operational state
• Evaluate integration points with external systems, network orchestration platforms, and management tools
• Document architectural decisions, technical trade-offs, and implementation strategies for platform customizations
• Collaborate with software engineers to implement and test custom modules and extensions
• Stay current with SDN community developments, emerging technologies, and industry best practices

Skills

SDN controllers

Java programming

YANG modeling

OpenFlow

NETCONF

RESTCONF

BGP

OSPF

SNMP

OSGi framework

Apache Karaf

RESTful APIs

Distributed systems

Microservices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM field

Tools

Apache Karaf

OSGi framework

Job description

Annapolis Junction, MD

Full time

JR102061

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Senior Network Engineer / Systems Engineer

About Nightwing

Nightwing is seeking a Senior Network Engineer / Systems Engineer who thrives on diving deep into complex software-defined networking architectures and modular platform internals. Join a team at the forefront of advancing next-generation network control systems that strengthen our nation's security with cutting-edge technologies. You'll be instrumental in evaluating, extending, and optimizing SDN controller platforms to meet mission-critical requirements. Nightwing develops strategic and tactical SIGINT solutions that secure the interests of the U.S. and its partners.

Our collaborative environment embraces creativity, integrity, and constant improvement. With access to state-of-the-art tools, opportunities to grow professionally, and meaningful work alongside the nation's finest service members, you'll help shape tomorrow's solutions today.

This is an ONSITE position based out of our National Business Park, Maryland location.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct deep technical analysis of software-defined networking controller architectures, including core modules, southbound/northbound plugins, and internal service dependencies

• Evaluate existing SDN platform capabilities against mission requirements to determine gaps and necessary extensions

• Architect and design custom modules, plugins, and features to extend platform functionality for specialized networking needs

• Perform detailed code analysis of controller internals, understanding the interactions between core services, data abstraction layers, and protocol plugins

• Assess whether requirements should be implemented as additions to the existing architecture or as separate modular components

• Design and prototype southbound protocol plugins for specialized network devices and protocols

• Develop northbound API extensions and custom applications that leverage network programmability capabilities

• Analyze platform performance characteristics, identify bottlenecks, and recommend optimization strategies for high-scale deployments

• Work with data models to define structures for network device configuration and operational state

• Evaluate integration points with external systems, network orchestration platforms, and management tools

• Document architectural decisions, technical trade-offs, and implementation strategies for platform customizations

• Collaborate with software engineers to implement and test custom modules and extensions

• Stay current with SDN community developments, emerging technologies, and industry best practices

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM field

• 7+ years of experience in network engineering, systems engineering, or software-defined networking

• Deep hands-on experience with software-defined networking (SDN) controller platforms including architecture, deployment, and customization

• Strong understanding of model-driven architectures and service abstraction layers in SDN controllers

• Expertise in network protocols including OpenFlow, NETCONF, RESTCONF, BGP, OSPF, and SNMP

• Proficiency with YANG data modeling for network device configuration and state management

• Strong knowledge of OSGi framework and Apache Karaf runtime environments

• Experience analyzing large-scale Java codebases and understanding architectural patterns

• Solid understanding of Java programming and ability to read/modify Java code for prototyping

• Knowledge of RESTful API design and implementation

• Experience with distributed systems, microservices architectures, and data consistency challenges

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to architectural details

• Proven ability to evaluate technical trade-offs and make sound architectural recommendations

• Excellent documentation and communication skills for conveying complex technical concepts

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph

• U.S. citizenship is required

Why Join Nightwing?

• Deep Technical Work: Dive into the internals of cutting-edge SDN platforms and solve complex architectural challenges

• Mission-Driven Impact: Your architectural decisions will directly influence systems that make the world safer and more secure

• Innovation at Scale: Work on next-generation network control systems handling sophisticated mission-critical requirements

• Collaborative Culture: Work with talented software engineers, network architects, and service members who value deep technical expertise and innovative thinking

• Professional Growth: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in SDN, network programmability, and emerging networking technologies

• Influence Technology Direction: Your analysis and recommendations will shape the platform architecture and technology roadmap

Security Clearance Type:

TS/SCI with Polygraph

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.