Network / C5ISR Engineer (Defense Programs)

Cambridge Automation Ltd; Aberdeen, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Certification support

On-site / hybrid per mission

Job summary

Cambridge Automation seeks a Network/C5ISR Engineer to support DoD programs across Army, Navy, and Marine Corps environments. You’ll design secure networks, integrate sensors and command systems, and ensure interoperability in real-world defense operations.

This is hands-on tactical edge engineering, with cybersecurity, field deployment, and leadership responsibilities. An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required, along with 7–10+ years in related roles.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph (Required).
• 7–10+ years of network engineering or C5ISR experience.
• Experience supporting DoD or federal defense programs.
• Strong expertise with Cisco, Juniper, or similar technologies.
• Experience with tactical communications, RF, or SATCOM systems.
• Knowledge of RMF, NIST, STIGs, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Bachelor’s degree (Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or related).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement secure enterprise and tactical network architectures.
• Configure and manage routers, switches, firewalls, and network devices.
• Support IP-based, wireless, RF, and SATCOM communications.
• Ensure scalability, performance, and redundancy across environments.
• Integrate sensors, platforms, and command systems into unified capabilities.
• Enable interoperability across ISR and C5ISR systems.
• Support real-time data flow and mission operations.
• Bridge tactical and enterprise systems for operational effectiveness.
• Monitor availability, utilization, and system performance.
• Diagnose latency, throughput, and connectivity issues.
• Maintain network diagrams, documentation, and configurations.
• Implement monitoring and analytics tools.
• Maintain configuration control and system baselines.
• Manage changes across development, test, and operational systems.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Support audits, inspections, and accreditation efforts.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and integration teams.
• Support architecture planning, system upgrades, and technical strategy.
• Contribute to proposal development and technical solutioning.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

C5ISR experience

Network engineering

Cisco/Juniper expertise

DoD programs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/CS/IT

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Cisco devices

Juniper devices

RF/SATCOM systems

Job description

Engineer the Backbone of Mission-Critical Defense Systems

Design, integrate, and sustain the networks that power real-time military operations.

Cambridge Automation is seeking a Network / C5ISR Engineer to support advanced Department of Defense programs across Army, Navy, and Marine Corps environments. You’ll play a critical role in building secure, resilient, and high-performance communications systems that enable mission success in complex operational environments.

This is not a maintenance role, this is hands‑on engineering at the tactical edge, directly supporting real-world defense operations.

You’ll operate at the intersection of:

• Advanced network engineering and architecture
• C5ISR system integration and mission platforms
• Cybersecurity and information assurance
• Tactical communications and real-time operations

What You’ll Do

Network Architecture & Engineering

• Design and implement secure enterprise and tactical network architectures
• Configure and manage routers, switches, firewalls, and network devices
• Support IP-based, wireless, RF, and SATCOM communications
• Ensure scalability, performance, and redundancy across environments

C5ISR Systems Integration

• Integrate sensors, platforms, and command systems into unified capabilities
• Enable interoperability across ISR and C5ISR systems
• Support real-time data flow and mission operations
• Bridge tactical and enterprise systems for operational effectiveness

Cybersecurity & Information Assurance

• Implement security controls aligned with DoD standards (RMF, STIGs, NIST 800-53)
• Support ATO processes and continuous monitoring
• Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across network systems
• Monitor and respond to security events

Deployment & Field Support

• Support installation and deployment in operational and field environments
• Troubleshoot network and system issues (on-site and remote)
• Participate in exercises, testing events, and mission operations
• Coordinate with Government and operational personnel

Network Monitoring & Performance

• Monitor availability, utilization, and system performance
• Diagnose and resolve latency, throughput, and connectivity issues
• Maintain network diagrams, documentation, and configurations
• Implement monitoring and analytics tools
• Maintain configuration control and system baselines
• Manage changes across development, test, and operational systems
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and cybersecurity requirements
• Support audits, inspections, and accreditation efforts

Technical Leadership

• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and integration teams
• Support architecture planning, system upgrades, and technical strategy
• Contribute to proposal development and technical solutioning

What You Bring

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph (Required)
• 7–10+ years of network engineering or C5ISR experience
• Experience supporting DoD or federal defense programs
• Strong expertise with Cisco, Juniper, or similar technologies
• Experience with tactical communications, RF, or SATCOM systems
• Knowledge of RMF, NIST, STIGs, and cybersecurity frameworks
• Bachelor’s degree (Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or related)

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE)
• Experience with SDN or network virtualization
• Background in ISR, C5ISR, or intelligence systems
• Experience in deployed or operational environments

• Salary Range: $150,000 – $195,000+ annually
• (Commensurate with experience, clearance, and mission scope)
• Performance-based incentives
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and certification support
• On-site / hybrid based on mission requirements
• Work in classified, lab, and field environments

Legal & Compliance

Cambridge Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

At-Will Employment

This position is at-will and does not constitute a contract of employment.

Export Control Notice

This position may involve access to ITAR/EAR-controlled or classified information. U.S. Citizenship is required.

This position is contingent upon contract award and may require:

• Letter of Commitment
• Participation in proposal activities
• Customer approval and funding availability

Why Cambridge Automation

We’re building a next-generation defense engineering organization focused on:

• C5ISR and network integration at scale