Network Architect

Aurex; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurex is seeking an experienced SETA with a strong IT/Engineering background to design, implement, test, and maintain terrestrial enterprise networks supporting space-based systems. The role combines technical depth with systems thinking and requires travel to multiple sites to support ground networks.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree and 15+ years in CS/IT, plus experience with network protocols, security, and virtualization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years in Computer Science, IT, or related field.
• Experience with network protocols, routers, switches, and firewalls from major vendors.
• Familiarity with network monitoring tools and virtualization technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to organize meetings, coordinate projects, and write technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and maintain terrestrial enterprise networks for space‑based systems.
• Provide systems engineering support for requirements development, design, and verifications.
• Review and coordinate changes to ground system specifications and interfaces.
• Coordinate with cybersecurity and network stakeholders across the customer enterprise.
• Attend design reviews and program mgmt reviews to assess design maturity and compliance.

Skills

Network architecture

Security protocols

VPNs & fireswalls

Data center environments

Network monitoring tools

Virtualization technologies

Analytical skills

Documentation skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Network hardware (Routers/Switches/Firewalls)

Network monitoring tools

Virtualization platforms

Job description

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 Overview

Seeking an experienced systems engineer and technical advisor (SETA) with a strong background related to Information Technology or Engineering for diverse locations. Candidate will play a critical role in the design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of terrestrial enterprise networks that support space-based systems. This role combines technical expertise with systems-level thinking, requiring a broad range of skills to enable the secure operation of ground networks. 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, cost analysis & estimation, decision analysis and physical configuration analysis (PCA). This position focuses on evaluation of Network Design and Implementation, Maintenance, Optimization, Cybersecurity, and Troubleshooting/Problem Resolution.

Candidate will be able

• 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.
• 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, 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 Cybersecurity and Network stakeholders across the customer enterprise
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks, ability to work and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• 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 fifteen (15) 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
• Should also include familiarity with network monitoring tools and with virtualization technologies.
• 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

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Advanced degree in STEM (science, technical, engineering, math) or related discipline
• Prior experience for acquisition activities related to requirements development and assessment, technical evaluations of proposals, and ECP development
• CSEP and or PMP certification
• DoW Cyber Workforce Certification for Enterprise Architect (Intermediate) or Security Architect (Intermediate)
• Experience in NRO, IC, or DoD program management processes

Clearance:

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

How You Will Be Rewarded

The salary range for this role is $185,000.00 - $235,000.00 per year. 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.

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. For all other positions, Aurex does not consider an applicant’s citizenship but only requires that the applicant be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If a position is one that falls under export control laws and regulations requiring authorization from the U.S. government to access export-controlled items, any hiring is contingent on the applicant passing the export compliance assessment, which is separate from the I-9 process, for that specific position. A background check will be required prior to any hire.

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