Network & Security Architect

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is seeking a Network & Security Architect to design, integrate, and secure enterprise networks supporting mission-critical operations. You will provide SME guidance across engineering, cybersecurity, and mission teams to deliver secure, high-performance infrastructures in complex government environments.

The role emphasizes modernization, assessment, and optimization of network infrastructure while ensuring compliance with security standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in network engineering, architecture, cybersecurity, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructures.
• Strong understanding of network architecture and design, data transport technologies, routing and switching protocols, and TCP/IP networking.
• Experience implementing and supporting network security controls and architectures.
• Knowledge of network security principles, standards, frameworks, and best practices.
• Experience supporting secure network operations in government or highly regulated environments.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical SME for network architecture, data transport, infrastructure analysis, and cybersecurity initiatives.
• Design, evaluate, and optimize enterprise network infrastructures supporting mission operations and organizational objectives.
• Analyze network architectures and transport systems to improve performance, availability, scalability, and security.
• Develop network designs and recommendations for secure and reliable communications across enterprise environments.
• Evaluate network protocols, routing methodologies, and interoperability requirements to ensure effective system integration.
• Assess existing network infrastructures and recommend improvements to enhance resiliency and operational effectiveness.
• Support the development and implementation of network security architectures, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Perform infrastructure and interoperability assessments to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, cybersecurity, operations, and mission stakeholders to develop and implement technical solutions.
• Develop and maintain network architecture documentation, diagrams, technical assessments, and engineering recommendations.
• Provide guidance regarding cybersecurity best practices, defense-in-depth strategies, and secure network design.
• Support incident response, vulnerability mitigation, and network security improvement efforts as required.
• Prepare technical briefings, reports, and recommendations for government leadership and stakeholder organizations.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that support mission needs and long-term technical objectives.

Skills

Network architecture

Cybersecurity

Systems integration

Data transport

Routing protocols

TCP/IP networking

Security controls

Government/regulatory

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Engineering/Cybersecurity

Job description

VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staff’s enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employee’s contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients, and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.

We are proud to be the recipient of the Best Workplace in Defense Award by Emergent Magazine, an honor that recognizes companies with positive cultures that not only impact their people but also make a meaningful difference in the community.

About You:

You are a Network & Security Expert who enjoys solving complex challenges and designing secure, reliable, and high-performing enterprise networks. You bring strong experience in network architecture, cybersecurity, and systems integration, with the ability to evaluate existing environments and recommend improvements that enhance performance, resiliency, and security.

As a trusted technical advisor, you work effectively across engineering, cybersecurity, and mission teams to deliver solutions that support critical operations. You are driven by innovation, collaboration, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a mission-focused environment.

Position Overview:

The Network & Security Architect serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting the design, integration, analysis, and security of enterprise network infrastructures supporting mission-critical operations. The Architect provides technical leadership for network architecture, data transport, systems interoperability, and cybersecurity initiatives across complex government environments.

This position supports the modernization, assessment, and optimization of network infrastructure while ensuring compliance with security standards and best practices. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in network protocols, transport technologies, security architecture, and infrastructure analysis to support operational and strategic mission objectives within classified environments.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as a technical SME for network architecture, data transport, infrastructure analysis, and cybersecurity initiatives.
• Design, evaluate, and optimize enterprise network infrastructures supporting mission operations and organizational objectives.
• Analyze network architectures and transport systems to improve performance, availability, scalability, and security.
• Develop network designs and recommendations for secure and reliable communications across enterprise environments.
• Evaluate network protocols, routing methodologies, and interoperability requirements to ensure effective system integration.
• Assess existing network infrastructures and recommend improvements to enhance resiliency and operational effectiveness.
• Support the development and implementation of network security architectures, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Perform infrastructure and interoperability assessments to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, cybersecurity, operations, and mission stakeholders to develop and implement technical solutions.
• Develop and maintain network architecture documentation, diagrams, technical assessments, and engineering recommendations.
• Provide guidance regarding cybersecurity best practices, defense-in-depth strategies, and secure network design.
• Support incident response, vulnerability mitigation, and network security improvement efforts as required.
• Prepare technical briefings, reports, and recommendations for government leadership and stakeholder organizations.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that support mission needs and long-term technical objectives.

Required Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in network engineering, network architecture, cybersecurity, systems engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructures.
• Strong understanding of:
• Network architecture and design
• Data transport technologies
• Routing and switching protocols
• TCP/IP networking
• Infrastructure assessment and analysis
• Experience implementing and supporting network security controls and architectures.
• Knowledge of network security principles, standards, frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Experience supporting secure network operations in government or highly regulated environments.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.

Desired Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities:

• Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), Department of Defense, or Intelligence Community organizations.
• Knowledge of federal government classified networks and systems.
• Experience supporting mission systems, command and control environments, or space operations networks.
• Familiarity with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles.
• Experience supporting network modernization, systems integration, or enterprise transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity requirements, RMF, NIST, and related security frameworks.

Primary Work Location:

Work is expected to be fully onsite in Colorado Springs, CO. The selected candidate must be able to support in-person program, customer, and technical coordination activities as required.

Special Work Conditions:

Travel may be required, up to 25%.

Security:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required

Competitive Salary:

VT-ARC offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to attract and retain senior technical talent supporting mission-critical programs.

Salary Range:

$160,000–$200,000 annually

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation:

VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech’s multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi-disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real-world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation 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, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. As a federal contractor, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov .