Network Engineer

mcfa; Middle River (MD); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Certification support

Field/tech exposure

Job summary

MCFA is seeking a mid-level Network Engineer in Middle River, MD, hybrid. You will work with a defense research partner on integration of networks for autonomous robotics platforms, including field testing and on-site collaboration.

The role emphasizes Linux administration, Cisco/Juniper equipment, and high-bandwidth data handling, with standard DoD clearance requirements and opportunities for certification support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Systems Administration, Network Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of network engineering and/or systems administration experience.
• U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain one.
• DoD 8140-aligned certification (minimum CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent; legacy DoD 8570 IAT II acceptable), or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of start
• Linux+ or RHCSA (or equivalent), or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of start
• Hands-on Linux system administration (Ubuntu and/or RHEL), including shell scripting, command-line tools, and troubleshooting
• Solid networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, VPNs, segmentation, traffic analysis, performance monitoring
• Proficiency with troubleshooting tools (ping, traceroute, SSH, SCP, tcpdump, Wireshark) and network device CLI (Cisco IOS, Juniper JUNOS, or equivalent)
• Working understanding of network security standards (STIGs, CIS benchmarks, firmware and patch management)

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain wired and wireless network infrastructure at the R2C2 site, including Wi-Fi, wired LAN, point-to-point radios, tactical mesh radios, and 5G cellular networks
• Administer Linux-based network services, servers, and robotic platforms in lab and field environments (Ubuntu and/or RHEL derivatives)
• Gather requirements from researchers, design practical network solutions, and present recommendations to colleagues and leadership
• Partner with robotics researchers to integrate networks for autonomous platform operation, communications, telemetry, and field experimentation
• Support high-bandwidth data transfer using command-line tools, live analytics, and modeling systems
• Configure, troubleshoot, and support Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, or equivalent network equipment
• Implement and maintain network monitoring with SNMP, NetFlow, syslog, and related tools for proactive troubleshooting and performance analysis
• Develop and maintain SOPs, operating policies, user guides, network architecture diagrams, and performance reports

Skills

Network engineering

Linux system administration

Scripting (shell)

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems / Systems Administration / Network Engineering

DoD 8140‑aligned certification (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent)

RHCSA / Linux+ or equivalent

Tools

Cisco IOS

Juniper JUNOS

Fortinet

SNMP

NetFlow

tcpdump

Wireshark

Linux (Ubuntu/RHEL)

Job description

Job Title: Network Engineer (Mid-Level)
Location: Middle River, MD (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Full-Time (Hybrid). 3 days per week on-site, plus on-site presence for projects, experimentation, and testing events. Includes occasional outdoor work in varying terrain and weather, and travel 2–3 times per year for up to two weeks.

Salary: $105,000 - $130,000 DOE + Bonus

Position Overview:

MCFA is partnering with a defense research organization and leading their search for a Robotics Engineer to support intelligent robotics research. You’ll focus on software and hardware integration for proof‑of‑concept demonstrations and performance evaluation of autonomous behaviors on individual robots and teams of ground and aerial platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain wired and wireless network infrastructure at the R2C2 site, including Wi‑Fi, wired LAN, point‑to‑point radios, tactical mesh radios, and 5G cellular networks
• Administer Linux‑based network services, servers, and robotic platforms in lab and field environments (Ubuntu and/or RHEL derivatives)
• Gather requirements from researchers, design practical network solutions, and present recommendations to colleagues and leadership
• Partner with robotics researchers to integrate networks for autonomous platform operation, communications, telemetry, and field experimentation
• Support high‑bandwidth data transfer using command‑line tools, live analytics, and modeling systems
• Configure, troubleshoot, and support Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, or equivalent network equipment
• Implement and maintain network monitoring with SNMP, NetFlow, syslog, and related tools for proactive troubleshooting and performance analysis
• Develop and maintain SOPs, operating policies, user guides, network architecture diagrams, and performance reports

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Systems Administration, Network Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3–5 years of network engineering and/or systems administration experience
• U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain one
• DoD 8140‑aligned certification (minimum CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent; legacy DoD 8570 IAT II acceptable), or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of start
• Linux+ or RHCSA (or equivalent), or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of start
• Hands‑on Linux system administration (Ubuntu and/or RHEL), including shell scripting, command‑line tools, and troubleshooting
• Solid networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, VPNs, segmentation, traffic analysis, performance monitoring, and common protocols including multicast/broadcast
• Proficiency with troubleshooting tools (ping, traceroute, SSH, SCP, tcpdump, Wireshark) and network device CLI (Cisco IOS, Juniper JUNOS, or equivalent)
• Working understanding of network security standards (STIGs, CIS benchmarks, firmware and patch management)

Bonus Points:

• Cisco CCNA certification or Cisco training
• Configuration management and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
• Experience supporting autonomous vehicles, robotic platforms, or field experimentation environments
• Tactical, mesh radio, or 5G network experience
• Strong communication, presentation, and customer‑service skills

Total Rewards:

• Competitive base salary
• Hybrid schedule
• Support for required professional certifications
• Hands‑on work with fielded tactical and research networks at one of the nation’s premier DoD research sites

About MCFA:

MCFA is a trusted talent acquisition and advisory firm supporting construction, real estate, infrastructure, and public sector clients nationwide. We specialize in helping our partners attract high‑impact talent to achieve operational excellence and long‑term growth.