Network Engineer; Subject-Matter Expert

DCS Corp; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 217,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Subject Matter Expert in Network Engineering to shape the tactical and enterprise networking for a critical Air Force project. This pivotal role involves architecting and designing network solutions, leading integration efforts, and ensuring robust cyber hygiene practices. You will work closely with government leads, mentor engineers, and drive innovative solutions in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in routing, SATCOM, and security architectures, with a strong focus on mission-critical operations. Join a forward-thinking company that values flexibility and offers competitive benefits, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

401k

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Education Reimbursement

Work/Life Balance Programs

Parental Leave Programs

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in designing and securing mission-critical IP networks.
• Active TS/SCI clearance and U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation of network reference architecture and define routing schemas.
• Embed network-security controls into the DevSecOps pipeline.

Skills

Routing/Switching (Layer 2/3)

SATCOM Backhaul

RF/Mesh Networking

Transport Enclaves

Network Test/Validation Tools

Scripting/Automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Ansible

Terraform

Elastic

Grafana

Prometheus

IXIA/TestCenter

Spirent

Job description

PhalanxGriffon (PG) is the AirForce’s open‑architecture aerial node that pushes multi‑level‑secure data to warfighters in seconds, not minutes. As the SME, Network Engineering, you will shape the tactical and enterprise networking underpinnings of MajorRelease2 (FY25‑27)—orchestrating SATCOM, SDR, cross‑domain solutions, and software‑defined networking that connect airborne platforms to the Digital Infrastructure (DI) and the broader DAF BATTLENETWORK.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Architect & Design

   • Lead creation of the PG network reference architecture spanning Nomad hardware, Smith software builds, and Watch node‑management elements.

   • Define routing schemas (BGP/OSPF/IS‑IS), QoS policies, IPSec/crypto overlays, and multi‑level security/cross‑domain data‑flow rulesets that comply with NSA and DISA STIG requirements.

   • Produce SysML/CAMEO artifacts feeding the government‑owned digital thread.

2. Integration & Lab Leadership

   • Specify and configure routers, switches, firewalls, SATCOM modems, and SDRs inside the Integration SIL; drive interface‑control documentation (ICDs) for airborne PIMs.

   • Develop automated test harnesses (IXIA/TestCenter, Spirent, Ansible) to validate throughput, latency, packet‑loss, and IA posture before DT/OT.

3. DevSecOps & Cyber Hygiene

   • Embed network‑security controls into the PG DevSecOps pipeline; champion zero‑trust principles and continuous ATO artifacts (RMF eMASS packages, ACAS/SCAP scans).

   • Guide implementation of Software Defined Networking (SD‑WAN, OpenFlow, or comparable) for dynamic airborne/ground path selection.

4. Fielding & Operations

   • Partner with platform SPOs and flight‑test organizations to translate lab configs into flight‑worthy builds; draft Interim Authorizations To Test (IATT) and airworthiness network annexes.

   • Support Watch help‑desk playbooks, operational runbooks, and remote monitoring dashboards (Elastic, Grafana, Prometheus).

5. Leadership & Mentoring

   • Serve as the chief technical adviser to Government IPT leads; brief network readiness, risk, and performance metrics at program reviews.

   • Mentor mid‑level engineers and ensure knowledge transfer to Government personnel.

Required Skills:

Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred) and 12+ years designing, integrating, and securing DoD or IC mission‑critical IP networks.

Active TS/SCI clearance.

Deep expertise in routing/switching (Layer 2/3), SATCOM backhaul, RF/mesh networking, and transport enclaves in contested or bandwidth‑limited environments.

Demonstrated experience with cross‑domain solutions, NSA Type‑1 crypto, and multi‑level security architectures.

Hands‑on with network test/validation tools and scripting/automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform).

Desired Skills:

CCNP/CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent expert‑level certification.

Prior work on CJADC2, ABMS, OMS/UCI, tactical data links (Link‑16/22, TTNT), or airborne networking programs.

Familiarity with containerized networking (CNI plugins, Service Mesh) and classified DevSecOps pipelines (PlatformOne, IronBank).

Experience shepherding RMF packages through eMASS to full ATO.

Agile/Scrum or SAFe certification.

Pay Range and Benefits: There are a variety of factors that can influence salary at DCS Corp, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

Salary Range: $120,506 - $216,580

At DCS, we pride ourselves on providing flexibility that allows employees to balance meaningful work with their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for learning and development.

Our broad and competitive mix of benefits is designed to support and protect employees and their families. Our robust benefit offerings include medical, dental, 401k, ESOP, PTO, education reimbursement, work/life balance, parental and other leave programs.

Learn more about our benefits here: [Link available when viewing the job].