Network Engineer

DRS Global; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

DRS Global is seeking a Network Engineer to provide Tier-2 support for MPLS backbone communications. This role requires expertise with Juniper networking technologies and strong problem-solving skills to ensure reliable service for both government and enterprise customers.

The candidate will collaborate with various teams to maintain a secure and efficient network infrastructure. A Bachelor's degree and relevant certifications are essential for this position, which offers opportunities to engage in modernizing network efforts and contributing to mission-critical solutions.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in service-provider networking environments.
• Experience with Juniper platforms and core service-provider protocols.
• Hands-on experience with Palo Alto platforms.

Responsibilities

• Provide Tier-2 technical support for MPLS backbone.
• Troubleshoot complex routing issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to remediate vulnerabilities.

Skills

MPLS

Juniper MX, QFX, SRX, EX platforms

IPv6

Routing protocols such as BGP

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

ServiceNow

ScienceLogic SL1

Python

Job description

Who We Are

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled connectivity, we deliver multi-orbit, end-to-end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth communications across the globe.

Our differentiated multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure to deliver resilient, low‑latency, high‑throughput connectivity at a global scale. With more than 120 satellites covering nearly the entire world, a global ground network, and thousands of deployed terminals supporting over 5,000 government missions annually, SES Space and Defense is a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies including NASA for mission‑critical communications.

We strive to be the only solution when success is critical and recognize our people as our competitive advantage. At SES Space & Defense, you’ll work alongside a mission‑driven team committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real‑world impact across today’s most critical missions.

What You’ll Do

The Network Engineer provides Tier‑2 technical support and operational maintenance for SES Space & Defense’s service‑provider MPLS backbone. Working within a carrier‑class environment, this role ensures the performance, reliability, and security of mission‑critical transport services supporting government and enterprise customers. The successful candidate will troubleshoot complex routing issues, execute controlled network changes, and maintain technologies spanning MPLS, EVPN, L3VPN, RSVP, IPv6, and CG‑NAT. Partnering closely with operations, cybersecurity, and engineering teams, this individual helps sustain a resilient, highly available communications infrastructure. This position offers broad exposure to carrier‑grade networking technologies, modernization initiatives, and technical proposal support activities while directly contributing to mission success.

• Deploy, support, and maintain Juniper devices including MX, QFX, SRX, and EX platforms with focus on ISIS, BGP, MPLS, L3VPN, EVPN, and RSVP
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues escalated by the GNOSC, perform root‑cause analysis, and document outcomes
• Monitor LSPs, ISIS/BGP/MPLS sessions, and RSVP‑TE tunnels while proactively responding to alarms
• Assist with deployment and support of IPv6, CG‑NAT, and Multicast services
• Manage configuration changes through formal change‑management review processes
• Log all incidents, service requests, and changes through ServiceNow
• Utilize ScienceLogic SL1 for monitoring and alert management
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to assess and remediate network vulnerabilities
• Perform JUNOS and PAN‑OS upgrades
• Support maintenance windows and on‑call operations as required
• Support responses to Government RFPs and RFIs, including Bill of Materials development and participation in technical volume reviews using Salesforce
• Support and maintain Juniper EX switching environments for access and aggregation layer requirements

Who You Are

You are a hands‑on network engineer who thrives in carrier‑class environments where reliability, responsiveness, and operational excellence matter. You bring experience supporting MPLS backbones and understand the importance of disciplined change management, root‑cause analysis, and proactive network monitoring. You enjoy solving complex routing challenges and working across operations, cybersecurity, and engineering teams to maintain highly available communications services. You are equally comfortable supporting day‑to‑day network operations and contributing to modernization initiatives and proposal efforts. Most importantly, you recognize that resilient, secure transport networks form the foundation for mission success across government and enterprise customers.

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field with 5‑7 years of experience in service‑provider networking environments
• JNCIS‑ENT or JNCIS‑SP certification
• Hands‑on experience with Juniper MX, QFX, SRX, and EX platforms and core service‑provider protocols
• Hands‑on experience with Palo Alto platforms
• Familiarity with IPv6, CG‑NAT, and Multicast technologies
• Experience utilizing ServiceNow and formal change‑management processes
• Working knowledge of ScienceLogic SL1 or comparable network monitoring platforms
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
• Basic scripting or automation experience using Python, Ansible, or similar tools preferred
• Security+ CE certification or willingness to obtain
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance preferred

SES Space & Defense 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, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.