Network Engineer; Subject-Matter Expert

DCS Corporation; 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 lead the design and integration of advanced networking solutions for the Air Force. This role involves shaping tactical and enterprise networking, ensuring compliance with stringent security standards, and mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in routing and switching, SATCOM, and cross-domain solutions, along with a strong background in automation and network validation tools. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and offers a competitive salary and benefits package to support your career growth.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

401k

Education Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Flexible Work Environment

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in designing and securing mission-critical IP networks.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required for sensitive customer-related tasks.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Routing/Switching (Layer 2/3)

SATCOM Backhaul

RF/Mesh Networking

Network Test/Validation Tools

Scripting/Automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform)

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Master's in related field

Tools

IXIA/TestCenter

Spirent

Elastic

Grafana

Prometheus

Job description

Phalanx Griffon (PG) is the Air Force's openarchitecture aerial node that pushes multilevelsecure data to warfighters in seconds, not minutes. As the SME, Network Engineering, you will shape the tactical and enterprise networking underpinnings of Major Release 2 (FY 2527)-orchestrating SATCOM, SDR, crossdomain solutions, and softwaredefined networking that connect airborne platforms to the Digital Infrastructure (DI) and the broader DAF BATTLE NETWORK.

Essential Job Functions:

• Architect & Design

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

  • Define routing schemas (BGP/OSPF/ISIS), QoS policies, IPSec/crypto overlays, and multilevel security / crossdomain dataflow rulesets that comply with NSA and DISA STIG requirements.

  • Produce SysML/CAMEO artifacts feeding the governmentowned digital thread.

• Integration & Lab Leadership

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

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

• DevSecOps & Cyber Hygiene

  • Embed networksecurity controls into the PG DevSecOps pipeline; champion zerotrust principles and continuous ATO artifacts (RMF eMASS packages, ACAS/SCAP scans).

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

• Fielding & Operations

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

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

• Leadership & Mentoring

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

  • Mentor midlevel 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 missioncritical 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 bandwidthlimited environments.

Demonstrated experience with crossdomain solutions, NSA Type1 crypto, and multilevel security architectures.

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

Desired Skills:

CCNP/CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent expertlevel certification.

Prior work on CJADC2, ABMS, OMS/UCI, tactical data links (Link16/22, TTNT), or airborne networking programs.

Familiarity with containerized networking (CNI plugins, Service Mesh) and classified DevSecOps pipelines (Platform One, Iron Bank).

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: DCS Corp Benefits.